ASC

Frequently Asked Questions About Tutoring

• How much does tutoring cost?
  
• Who can I contact to make tutoring arrangements?
• How often may I work with a tutor?
• When do I have to make arrangements for tutoring?
• Can I use the same tutor for more than one course?
• What if I have to miss an appointment with my tutor?
• Are the tutors trained?
• How can I apply for a tutoring position?The first step in the process of becoming a tutor is to complete a HCC application for employment.
• What do tutors do?

Frequently Asked Questions About Tutoring

How much does tutoring cost?

This is our favorite question to answer. Tutoring is absolutely FREE of charge. HCC wants to make sure everyone has an opportunity to succeed in college, and this is just one of the many ways we show our dedication to that cause.

Who can I contact to make tutoring arrangements?

If you have questions about tutoring hours and the availability of tutors you can contact a receptionist at the location in which you are seeking assistance.

• In Normal, contact the Tutoring Center at (309) 268-8231.
• In Lincoln, contact a receptionist at (217) 735-1731.
• In Pontiac, contact a receptionist at (815) 842-6777.

If you have questions or comments about the Tutor Program, you may contact Lisa Cole, in Academic Support, by phone at (309) 268-8407 or by e-mail at lisa.cole@heartland.edu.

How often may I work with a tutor?

Students may sign up for a maximum of two hours of appointment tutoring per week per subject, and they may also take advantage of drop-in tutoring. However, the weekly total for appointment and drop-in tutoring must not exceed 8 hours for any one student. Students desiring to be tutored in excess of this limit must seek the permission of the tutoring coordinator, who will, in turn, ask for additional information from that student's instructor(s).

*Students with a disability are eligible for additional appointment tutoring hours if they are referred to the Tutor Program by the Coordinator of Disability Services.

When do I have to make arrangements for tutoring?

You can make arrangements for tutoring at any time during the semester. Appointments fill up very quickly, so if you anticipate a need for a tutoring appointment, you should make those arrangements as early in the semester as possible. To maximize the benefits of tutoring, you should make any arrangements early on to prevent yourself from falling behind in your work. Don’t wait until it’s too late!

Can I use the same tutor for more than one course?

If your tutor is qualified to tutor more than one course your are taking, then they can tutor you in multiple subjects. You will have to check with the ASC receptionist when you are making your initial arrangements for tutoring to find out who is available to tutor multiple subjects.

What if I have to miss an appointment with my tutor?

You should always call the Tutoring Center at (309) 268-8231 and let them know when you cannot attend your tutoring appointment. By calling to let us know that you will not be here during that appointment time, your tutor will then know that he/she can make themselves available to help other students during that time. You do run the risk of having your appointment terminated if you miss too many sessions.

Are the tutors trained?

Absolutely! Every tutor must first meet academic qualifications and be approved for employment following a group interview with other tutor candidates. Before any tutor can begin tutoring they must complete six hours of tutor training (Level IA). In addition to these required hours of training, tutors have the opportunity to complete additional training by attending training sessions that are offered throughout the semester. By meeting various training requirements, tutors can eventually become certificated as a Regular, Advanced, or Master Tutor. Learn more about the Tutor Program’s comprehensive training and certification program.

How can I apply for a tutoring position?

The first step in the process of becoming a tutor is to complete a HCC application for employment. If you are an HCC student you can get one at the Financial Aid Office (CCB 1106) or Human Resources Office (CCB 2100). If you are not a HCC student, you can get one at the Human Resources Office (CCB 2100). Complete the application and return it to the office where you received it. Your application will then be forwarded to the Coordinator of Tutor Support Services.

When tutors are needed at any of the three tutoring locations (Normal, Lincoln, or Pontiac), the Coordinator will review applications and begin making contacts with applicants. Before you apply for a tutoring position, please note the following qualifications:

Qualifications and Training: Tutors must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above, must have received an A or a B in the equivalent of any course they wish to tutor, and must have excellent interpersonal skills. Training is a requirement of continued employment as a tutor at the Academic Support Center. It begins with a tutor’s employment and continues throughout the tutor’s tenure at Heartland.

What do tutors do?

Tutors are temporary, part-time employees of the Division of Academic Support who work with individuals and small groups of students in specific courses or in academic skill areas (e.g., reading, writing, math). Their goal is to help students become independent and successful learners. In addition to direct contact with students, tutors are expected to complete and maintain tutor records as directed and to maintain the confidentiality of all student-related information. On-going participation in tutor training sessions is necessary for continued employment with the Tutor Program. Tutors may also be asked to complete division-related projects as requested by their supervisors.

Master Tutors: Master Tutors must have a Bachelor’s degree and may have previous experience in teaching or tutoring. They may be asked to administer exams and complete special projects related to their area of expertise as requested by their supervisors. Part of their training involves the preparation and presentation of training modules for Academic Peer Tutors.

Academic Peer Tutors: Academic Peer Tutors are undergraduate students who have earned a minimum of 15 semester hours of transfer-level credit. In addition to tutoring, they may be asked to complete special division-related projects as needed.

Tutor Program Heartland Community College Main Campus:1500 W. Raab Rd. Normal, IL 61761 Main Campus Phone: (309) 268-8230 Lincoln Campus Phone: (217) 735-1731 Pontiac Campus Phone: (815) 842-6777 E-mail: lisa.cole@heartland.edu