Student Responsibilities

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    Tutoring is a free service, but that does not mean it does not have value.  Here are some ways you can make the most of your time with a tutor.

    1. Prepare yourself for tutoring.  Before you meet your tutor, complete all reading assignments and finish as much of written assignments as you can.  The tutoring session is not a study period to read the textbook or begin your assignment.
    2. Try to determine exactly what you do and do not understand.  This will help you think of specific questions to ask your tutor.  Write those questions down.  Mark the parts of your textbook or class notes that need clarification. 
    3. Know how you best learn.  Think about how the tutor can best assist you (e.g., clarify a concept with examples, check your understanding of the material, demonstrate a problem-solving approach, or help you organize your material).  Let the tutor know how you can best be assisted so that he/she can do their best to assist you. 
    4. Bring the necessary materials.  This includes, but is not limited to, your course syllabus, textbooks, lecture notes, handouts, assignment directives, calculator, and any other supplies.  The tutors cannot be expected to provide and may not have access to these materials.
    5. Be on time for your scheduled appointment. Freelance tutors will wait no more than 30 minutes for a student to show up.  If you need to cancel your appointment, contact your tutor immediately.  Please respect the tutors by giving at least 24 hour notice when canceling a session.  Missing tutoring sessions without notifying the tutor may lead to termination of one-on-one tutoring services.  Remember that the tutors are students just like you and are subject to the same kinds of illnesses and emergencies.
    6. Expect to do your own work.  Tutors will do their best to guide you, support you, offer alternative perspectives, and demonstrate or explain the areas causing you trouble.  Tutors are not allowed to do the student's work or assist with take home exams or quizzes.  Please do not put the tutors in an awkward position by asking them to do these things. 
    7. Please be patient.  Tutors are students, just like you; do not expect them to instantly know every answer or solution to all your questions and problems.  Remember that tutors may have had different instructors and/or textbooks.  Do not be critical of tutors who ask to refer to your textbook or notes. 
    8. Expect good service.  Just as tutors are worthy of respect and consideration, so are you.  If the tutor is not addressing your question or problem, politely let the tutor know.  It is OK to ask the tutor to repeat or clarify when necessary.  If you encounter difficulties or problems with a tutor, try to resolve it calmly with the tutor or other staff.  Unintentional errors and miscommunication can easily occur.
    9. Be good.  Tutors and students are expected to adhere to Madison College's Academic Integrity policy during all tutoring sessions.

    If you have any questions, please contact the Peer Tutor Coordinator:

    • peertutoring[at] matcmadison [dot] edu

    • 608-246-6731

    • Room 232A, Truax Campus

    Last Modified: April 2, 2012