In the event you have a question that is not covered on this page, you are encouraged to contact our center at tutoring@uvm.edu
General Information
What services does the Tutoring Center offer?
Subject Area: Through both individual and small group appointments, Subject Area tutoring offers the ability for students to meet with a peer tutor for assistance on specific course content. Tutors are not able to work with students on graded assignments, and sessions typically revolve around reviewing course themes and strengthening comprehension.
Study Skills: Study Skills tutoring offers support through peer-based tutoring on time management, organization, study strategies, exam preparation, and more!
Supplemental Instruction: SI is implemented in high-risk courses in consultation with academic staff and is supported and evaluated by a trained supervisor. SI consists of regularly scheduled; out-of-class group study sessions driven by students’ needs. Sessions are facilitated by trained peer leaders who utilize collaborative activities to ensure peer-to-peer interaction in a group learning environment.
Who can utilize our services?
Tutoring services are primarily offered to undergraduate students enrolled in introductory level undergraduate courses. PACE and graduate students are also welcome to use our services if they are enrolled in an undergraduate course that has an established tutor.
When is the Tutoring Center open?
Our Center is open for appointments Monday through Thursday from 8:45 a.m. to 6:15 p.m., Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., and Sunday from 2:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.Tutoring begins during the third week of classes each fall semester, and the second week of classes for the spring, and is offered until the final day of classes.
We also offer services outside our normal operating hours through the supplemental instruction program. For more information, please consult the SI schedule for this semester.
Can students work with tutors on graded assignments?
No, students may not work with tutors on graded assignments. In lieu of working on graded assignments, students are encouraged to come prepared with questions, concepts, and practice problems. For more information on tips for effectively using tutoring and Tutoring Center policies, review Tutorial Services.
How can a student book a Subject Area or Study Skills appointment?
Students can book appointments using Navigate, which can be accessed both online and through a mobile app. Students can also schedule appointments by completing our tutor inquiry form, by emailing tutoring@uvm.edu, or by stopping by our center at 244 Living/Learning Commons.
What can a student do if they can't book an appointment in Navigate?
There are various reasons that a student may not see any available appointments in Navigate, such as a lack of mutual availability between a student and our tutors, or lack of staff members who are able to tutor for the course. If a student does not see any available appointments in Navigate, we recommend that students fill out our tutor inquiry form.
What happens after a student submits an entry to the Tutor Inquiry Form?
When a student submits a tutor inquiry form, one of the following will occur:
- If a tutor is available, we will notify the student and provide details on their availability.
- If no tutor is currently available, we will start tracking the demand for tutoring in that course. Should the need be significant, our team will begin the process of recruiting a tutor to meet the identified tutoring need.
Tutor Recruitment and Hiring
How does the Tutoring Center decide which courses to recruit peer educators for, and why aren’t they available for every course?
Due to budgetary considerations, the Tutoring Center assesses academic support needs by reviewing course enrollment, DFW rates, and past student engagement. If a course shows a clear need for academic support and has historically seen high student participation in tutoring services, we will automatically begin recruiting tutors for that course.
For courses that have not demonstrated sufficient historic demand and/or student engagement, we monitor student interest throughout the semester based off the tutor inquiry form submissions, and recruit as needed.
What does the hiring and onboarding process look like for new tutors?
Staff members at the Tutoring Center monitor our Peer Educator Application throughout the semester and request interviews with particularly strong candidates. A strong candidate is someone who has earned a B+ or higher in the course, demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills, is adaptable to others' needs, and exhibits a genuine interest in helping others learn.
If a formal job offer is extended, and a student chooses to accept it, they then meet with a staff member to complete hiring paperwork and determine their tutoring schedule. New hires are also required to attend an introductory training session and collect faculty recommendations for each course they would like to tutor for.
How long does it take to hire a new tutor?
Generally, the hiring and onboarding process can take 1-3 weeks to complete. This is primarily determined by the ability of a new employee to present required documentation for their Form-I9, as well as how soon they are able to attend the mandatory introductory training session.
How can I refer a student to become a peer educator?
We highly value your insights and interactions with students in your course(s) and encourage you to recommend individuals who have earned a B+ or higher, demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, are adaptable to others' needs, and show a genuine interest in helping others learn.
Please note that while we welcome your recommendations, our center ensures equal opportunity for all applicants. Every candidate is given the chance to apply and be considered for an interview, with final hiring decisions based on the candidate's knowledge and ability to fulfill the role. Additionally, the number of tutors we hire may be limited by budgetary constraints and student demand.
To submit a recommendation, please utilize the Peer Educator Recommendation Form.
Additional Academic Resources
Where can students go for support to write a paper, lab report, project, presentation, or application?
Writing support can be accessed through the Writing Center, where experienced writing tutors from a variety of majors can work with students at any stage of the writing process. Appointments at the writing center can be scheduled online, by calling (802) 656-7963, or by visiting 105 Howe Library (on the right just past the main stairs).
What other academic resources are there for students on campus?
Additional resources exist to support students in their course work. Find out more about departmental and library resources, including:
- Software:
- Departmental:
- Library:
Additional Student Support Services
Where can a student go for support if they are feeling overwhelmed?
Study Skills Tutoring is a great program for students who are feeling overwhelmed with their workload, managing their time, or studying effectively. Additionally, Counseling and Psychiatry Services (CAPS) provides free counseling, assessments, consultation, and referrals for students.
Where can I refer a student who has a disability or suspects they have a disability?
Student Accessibility Services (SAS) works with students to provide reasonable and appropriate accommodations for all students with a documented disability. More information on the SAS program. Additionally, feel free to call (802) 656-7753, email access@uvm.edu, or stop by Living/Learning A-170.
Communications
What information should I include in my syllabus?
You are welcome to include information about our center in your syllabus, such as the following text:
The University of Vermont’s Tutoring Center offers Study Skills tutoring for all undergraduate students, as well as Subject Area Tutoring and Supplemental Instruction for select undergraduate courses.
The Tutoring Center is located in 244 Living/Learning Commons, and appointments can be booked online by visiting https://go.uvm.edu/tutoring.
For more information, please review the center’s FAQ page, email tutoring@uvm.edu or call (802) 656-4075.
Are there any communication or outreach materials I can post in my office or to my course’s Brightspace page?
Our center offers multiple handouts that you can post in your office or on your Brightspace, which can be reviewed online.
What materials does the Tutoring Center provide that I can incorporate into my course or refer students to?
Our center regularly develops tools and worksheets related to academic skills and strategies, which can be accessed on the Tools and Worksheets page. Additionally, please review our Academic Skills Workshops page for more information about scheduled workshops or to request a workshop for your course, college, or organization.