Appointment Tutoring FAQ
What is "appointment" tutoring?
Appointment tutoring is a one-on-one session with a qualified tutor. The two of you sit down and work through concepts and problems together - just the two of you.
How do I sign up?
If you're a currently enrolled UT Austin student, it's easy! Just click on the "Service Sign In" link on the top nav bar. Follow the instructions - and that's it!
What classes can I get tutoring for?
We provide tutoring for a lot of lower division classes that traditionally give students trouble, including many math, chemistry, and physics courses. For a complete list, refer to the right hand nav bar of the appointment tutoring page.
How much does it cost?
Appointment tutoring is $13.50 per hour ($10.47 of that goes directly to your tutor). If you can't afford this fee, there may be other options. For example, the UT Learning Center picks up the cost of tutoring for those students meeting a certain financial aid need level (as determined by your FAPSA application), and other programs, such as the Achieving College Excellence Program (ACE), Longhorn Links, and Connections in Undergraduate Studies (CONNEXUS) may be able to provide you with assistance. (These programs may have some requirements or restrictions in order for you to qualify for funded tutoring.) In most cases, the UT Learning Center front office staff can tell you if you qualify for UT Learning Center-funded tutoring; it's up to you to check with the other programs.
What if I want to see the same tutor again?
If you meet with a certain tutor and want to see that same tutor again, it's easy – just ask the tutor to "offer" you an appointment. If the tutor can accommodate your request (which may depend on his or her schedule, for example), they can use your EID to enter an appointment in the system that only you will be able to see. You may then accept or decline the offered appointment
I really just need somebody to help me with my homework - do you do that?
Our tutors are happy to help you with your homework - but they won't do your homework for you. Instead, they can work on concepts related to the homework, and even guide you through a couple of problems to get you on the right track. It's important to remember the line between "help" and "doing." If you're in doubt, check out UT's policy on Scholastic Dishonesty
How do I cancel a session?
If you can't make a session, you must cancel the session online at least 24 hours in advance. We do this so that the tutor can rearrange his or her schedule as necessary, and so that another student can take advantage of the open appointment. While we appreciate you contacting your tutor by telephone or e-mail when you can't make an appointment, this does not substitute for canceling the session online.
I missed a session - what now?
If you do not show up to your session, and you used a credit to book your appointment, you will be locked out of the system until you pay for the missed appointment through Bevo Bucks (if you used Bevo Bucks to book the appointment, you will not be locked out). The lock will remain on your account, and you will not be able to book additional tutoring sessions until you pay for the missed appointment. You may not use credits to pay for the missed session - Bevo Bucks only.
What qualifications do your tutors have?
Our tutors are certified through the College Reading and Learning Association. This means that in addition to a rigorous selection process, they participate in ongoing training and evaluation. Additionally, every tutor must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, and have a grade of B or better in the course (or its equivalent) they tutor.
Can I comment about my tutor's performance - good or bad?
Yes! There are evaluation forms available outside the main UT Learning Center office. Additionally, you may be sent an electronic evaluation to complete (if you completed a paper copy, please do not complete the electronic form). We take these evaluations, and all comments, very seriously. If you'd like to talk to someone about your session directly, please do not hesitate to contact Pamela Way, the Appointment Tutoring Coordinator.
How can I become a tutor?
We welcome new tutors! Although we have two primary hiring periods during the year (mid-spring for the following fall, and mid-fall for the following spring) we are always happy to review your application.
To be considered, you must:
- Be a currently enrolled UT student, with at least one UT semester completed
- Have an overall UT GPA of 3.00
- Have taken the course(s) you want to tutor and earned a grade of at least B or have equivalent course credit, OR be familiar with UT course content and format
- Be able to communicate clearly
- Be willing to take a competency exam in the course(s) you want to tutor
- Be able to participate in required paid training sessions
- Be willing to tutor at least 10 hours per week (although you are not guaranteed 10 hours/week)
- Be available for at least two semesters
Pay starts at $10.47 per hour, with the possibility of increases. Your hours are flexible - you work when it suits your schedule. If you'd like more information, please contact the Appointment Tutoring Coordinator at p.way@mail.utexas.edu.