Tutoring

  • 91%

    say tutoring improves overall academic skills

  • 89%

    are more satisfied with their college experience because of tutoring

How does tutoring work?

  • Tutoring takes place in small groups, consisting of 2 to 5 students.
  • Students can request a tutor in any undergraduate course they are currently enrolled in at Iowa State.
  • Group tutoring sessions cost $7.50 per session.
  • Group tutoring begins the second week of classes. Students are encouraged to request a tutor as soon as they know they might want additional assistance in a course.
  • Groups meet at a consistent day and time once a week during the academic year for 90 minutes.
  • Groups are interactive and led by a qualified peer tutor.

Request a Tutor

Questions? Contact us at tutorsrv@iastate.edu

Tutoring has been such a big help for allowing me to learn from my peers' questions and getting extra review over tough topics from a student who has actually been in my shoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Be registered at Iowa State for the undergraduate course for which you want a tutor.
  2. Complete your request through our website.
  3. Select funding source: U-Bill (self-funded) or funding source (requires approval). Funding sources can be updated at any time.
  4. Have an open schedule with at least fourteen hours of availability to allow us to effectively match you with a tutor.
  5. Keep your request up-to-date and withdraw your request if needed.
  6. Watch for an e-mail from your tutor once you are assigned a group. Tutoring is not guaranteed, placement depends on the number of qualified tutors and schedule compatibility.

Sign into your Tutoring Profile to Begin

Group tutoring costs $7.50 per session.

  • Tutoring fees are charged to your U-Bill once a month for the previous month. 
  • Funding sources are available. Please see a list of funding sources: 
    Air Force ROTC
    Athletic Department
    BOLD
    College of Design: 2nd Draft Program
    College of Human Sciences
    Construction Engineering Learning Community
    Financial Assistance: Dean of Students Office
    General Greek Scholarship Account
    Hixson Scholars
    Human Sciences Multicultural Programs
    International Student Support - College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Services
    International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO)
    ISU Spirit Squad
    Military Science- Army ROTC
    Military-Affiliated Student Center (MASC)
    Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA)
    Naval Science
    Program for Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE)
    Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program
    Science Bound
    SMART STEPS Program - College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
    Student Accessibility Services
    Student Support Services Program (SSSP)
    U-Bill
    Vocational Rehabilitation Services
      Questions regarding your funding approval will be directed to their staff. If your funding is not approved, you will need to pay by U-Bill or withdraw.
  • Please select the Financial Assistance: Dean of Students Office funding source if you are concerned about the fees.

Please contact Tutoring Services, at tutorsrv@iastate.edu, if you need help paying for tutoring.

 

1) Log in to your tutoring profile.
2) Click the red ‘Funding Source’ Link.

An image pointing out the location of the funding source button

3) Click the green ‘Apply’ button

A screenshot of the funding application button

4) Select the Funding Source you’d like to switch to, then click the blue ‘Apply’ button

A screenshot showing of the available funding application sources.

No. Through our research, we have found many benefits of group tutoring.

  • Collaboration: Students can ask questions, discuss, and share ideas with 2-5 students in a similar situation. Sessions are designed to encourage thinking and peer-to-peer interactions.
  • Critical Thinking: They get to build on what they know, practice, and problem solve with the help of multiple, diverse perspectives.
  • Confidence: Students learn how to learn through engaging activities and skill development. And the main bonus? Earn higher grades!
  • Community: They also get to listen and learn in a comfortable environment where they form relationships with other tutees and their tutor while increasing their sense of belonging at Iowa State.

We are happy to provide a group learning experience through Tutoring Services. Individual tutoring is not something we provide. You can still experience individualized attention in our small group setting. Tutors are trained to meet your needs and provide a meaningful experience. You could also request occasional 1:1 sessions with your tutor once you are assigned a tutoring group. Please follow up with Tutoring Services at tutorsrv@iastate.edu if you more questions.

You can request a tutor on the tutoring website at the start of each term (Fall, Spring, and Summer). During the academic year, tutors can be requested anytime up until a month before the end of a semester, but we suggest requesting a tutor as soon as you know you might have interest in receiving additional assistance.

Although we strive to fulfill students' requests, we cannot guarantee all students will be placed in a tutoring group. Placement depends on availability of qualified tutors and tutor-tutee schedule compatibility. Please keep in mind, recruiting qualified tutors for 300 and 400 level courses can be challenging, but we will do our best to fulfill each request.

Writing consultations are available through the Academic Success Center located in 2261 Hixson-Lied Student Success Center. ENGL 150 and 250 requests are automatically routed to Writing and Communication Consultations, and students in English 302, 314, and other required English courses can also find support through the Writing and Communication Consultations.

In addition to graduate level courses, the ASC does not offer tutoring for a few undergraduate courses on campus. ENGL 150 and 250 requests are automatically routed to Writing and Communication Consultations. Students can request tutoring for other English courses. Students seeking assistance for FRNCH 301 and FRNCH 302 should contact their instructor. Students can request tutoring for other French courses. The ASC also does not offer tutoring for courses below the 100-level.

Graduate students enrolled in undergraduate courses can request a tutor. However, the ASC does not offer tutoring for graduate-level courses. We recommend graduate students create peer study groups and work with their major professor, instructor, or TA for assistance for graduate-level course work. Graduate students can seek assistance with writing from Writing and Communication Consultations by calling 515-294-6624.

We understand that students have a busy schedule. We also know that consistently reinforcing and applying knowledge is essential for effective learning. Because of this, tutoring groups must meet once a week for 90 minutes. To maximize placement, students seeking tutoring should indicate any availability in their schedule in order to coordinate learning opportunities.

If you are joining a group, you are committing to a group for the semester. Tutees are allowed to have three excused absences during the semester. Excused absences include illness or other serious leave concerns. If you cannot attend a session, please make sure you notify your tutor ahead of time and let them know so you may avoid being charged for the scheduled session. Tutees are only allowed one unexcused absence, in which they do not inform their tutor ahead of time. Failure to uphold these attendance policies will result in removal from the group. Please refer to the Policy Statement for Tutees. For extenuating circumstances, contact Tutoring Services at tutorsrv@iastate.edu.

All prospective tutors must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA and have earned at least a B or higher or tested out of the course they want to tutor. All tutors complete an interview to be considered for the position. Once hired, tutors attend a tutor orientation and are evaluated by both the students they are tutoring and by Tutoring Services staff members. Tutors also have the opportunity to attend workshops to provide them with continued development in the position.

Tutors are given the freedom to decide the location of their tutoring sessions. Although the Academic Success Center is located in the Hixson-Lied Student Success Center (across from the Maple-Willow-Larch Residence Halls), tutoring sessions can take place in any public, on-campus location that has minimal distractions.

We understand that sometimes issues arise in a group setting. While we do not want these to interfere with the learning process, we do want our tutors and tutees to take steps to resolve the issues on their own (when possible) before contacting Tutoring Services.

Follow these three steps:

  1. Communicate with the other person and address the issue(s).
  2. If the issue cannot be resolved through communication, contact Tutoring Services at tutorsrv@iastate.edu or 515-294-6624 to discuss your situation.
  3. Submit a request to change groups through your tutoring profile with a detailed explanation of the situation.

We understand that sometimes issues arise in a group setting. While we do not want these to interfere with the learning process, we do want our tutors and tutees to take steps to resolve the issues on their own (when possible) before contacting Tutoring Services.

Follow these three steps:

  1. Communicate with the other person and address the issue(s).
  2. If the issue cannot be resolved through communication, contact Tutoring Services at tutorsrv@iastate.edu or 515-294-6624 to discuss your situation.
  3. Submit a request to change groups through your tutoring profile with a detailed explanation of the situation.

We understand that sometimes issues arise in a group setting. While we do not want these to interfere with the learning process, we do want our tutors and tutees to take steps to resolve the issues on their own (when possible) before contacting Tutoring Services.

Follow these three steps:

  1. Communicate with the other person and address the issue(s).
  2. If the issue cannot be resolved through communication, contact Tutoring Services at tutorsrv@iastate.edu or 515-294-6624 to discuss your situation.
  3. Submit a request to change groups through your tutoring profile with a detailed explanation of the situation.

We understand that sometimes issues arise in a group setting. While we do not want these to interfere with the learning process, we do want our tutors and tutees to take steps to resolve the issues on their own (when possible) before contacting Tutoring Services.

Follow these three steps:

  1. Communicate with the other person and address the issue(s).
  2. If the issue cannot be resolved through communication, contact Tutoring Services at tutorsrv@iastate.edu or 515-294-6624 to discuss your situation.
  3. Submit a request to change groups through your tutoring profile with a detailed explanation of the situation.

We understand that sometimes issues arise in a group setting, but strongly encourage tutors and tutees to resolve any issues that may arise. Should any major issues arise, you may contact success@iastate.edu to set up a time to address your concern with a full-time staff member from the Academic Success Center.

1) Log in to your tutoring profile.
2) Click the red ‘Withdraw’ button next to your course request.

A picture showing the tutoring profile interface, with a red "withdraw" button near the course that was previously requested

Contact the Tutoring Services by phone (515-294-6624) or email (tutorsrv@iastate.edu). ASC staff members are generally knowledgeable about campus resources. If we cannot help you, we can probably refer you to someone who can. As part of the Dean of Students Office, our goal is to help you to make the most of your Iowa State experience!

Meeting new tutors and learning how passionate they are about their job provides me with a lot of motivation.

Kashish Phulwani, Tutor Mentor at the ASC

Common questions about becoming a tutor

Tutor applications will close August 14, 2023 for the Fall semester, and we welcome undergraduate students from all majors to apply. Tutors are paid $15/hr.

Tutors:

  • Serve as a group facilitator, not a second lecturer
  • Set goals and/or expectations during the first two sessions
  • Provide support for content and concept understanding not direct answers to anything graded (homework, projects, quizzes, etc.)
  • Help tutee(s) learn how to learn the material
  • Help tutee(s) refine study skills and become independent learners
  • Treat others with respect and understanding
  • Give tutees honest feedback about their academic performance
  • Be punctual, reliable, and accurate in keeping records
  • Maintain a friendly but professional relationship

More information is available on the ASC Hiring Page

  • Serve as a group facilitator, not a second lecturer
  • Set goals and/or expectations during the first two sessions
  • Provide support for content and concept understanding not direct answers to anything graded (homework, projects, quizzes, etc.)
  • Help tutee(s) learn how to learn the material
  • Help tutee(s) refine study skills and become independent learners
  • Treat others with respect and understanding
  • Give tutees honest feedback about their academic performance
  • Be punctual, reliable, and accurate in keeping records
  • Maintain a friendly but professional relationship
  • Serve as a group facilitator, not a second lecturer
  • Set goals and/or expectations during the first two sessions
  • Provide support for content and concept understanding not direct answers to anything graded (homework, projects, quizzes, etc.)
  • Help tutee(s) learn how to learn the material
  • Help tutee(s) refine study skills and become independent learners
  • Treat others with respect and understanding
  • Give tutees honest feedback about their academic performance
  • Be punctual, reliable, and accurate in keeping records
  • Maintain a friendly but professional relations
  • Serve as a group facilitator, not a second lecturer
  • Set goals and/or expectations during the first two sessions
  • Provide support for content and concept understanding not direct answers to anything graded (homework, projects, quizzes, etc.)
  • Help tutee(s) learn how to learn the material
  • Help tutee(s) refine study skills and become independent learners
  • Treat others with respect and understanding
  • Give tutees honest feedback about their academic performance
  • Be punctual, reliable, and accurate in keeping records
  • Maintain a friendly but professional relationship

We cannot hire graduate students. Our tutors are paid hourly and the Graduate College does not allow hourly pay for graduate students. Our tutoring model is to encourage peer-to-peer learning from students who have taken the course here at Iowa State.

  • Be enrolled as an Iowa State University undergraduate student
  • Complete at least one (1) semester at Iowa State University
  • Have an ISU cumulative GPA of 2.50
  • Earn a grade of B or higher in course(s) you want to tutor taken here at Iowa State
  • Tutors are not expected to replace class instruction, they should lead active learning strategies
  • Tutors can work flexible schedules but must commit at least 4 hours as a new tutor and 6 hours as a returning tutor per week and work the entire semester

We want students’ employment experience within the Division of Student Affairs to be more than just a paycheck. Tutors gain many valuable skills, as well as being paid $15/hour. We believe that every position a student works can help prepare them for their work once they graduate from Iowa State University. The eight Student Employee Career Readiness Competencies provide both a framework and a language for describing/defining the competencies that develop through experiences and employment.

Tutors will develop essential career competencies in:

Collaboration and Teamwork 

  • Work productively within a team structure by identifying and managing group dynamics. 

Communication

  • Articulate thoughts and concepts clearly and effectively in written and oral forms, in a manner conducive to fostering professional relationships.  
  • Demonstrate proficient speaking and listening skills, to clearly express oneself and receive ideas of others.

Professionalism 

  • Demonstrate personal accountability and effective work habits (e.g., punctuality, working productively with others, and time management) and foster a professional work image. 
  • Demonstrate integrity and ethical behavior, act responsibly, and be able to learn from mistakes.

Intercultural Perspectives

  • Engage in intentional interactions among groups and/or individuals of differing backgrounds directed at achieving a shared goal. 
  • Understand personal identities, and value, respect and learn from divergent viewpoints.  Demonstrate openness, inclusiveness, and the ability to interact respectfully with all people and appreciate individuals’ differences.

Leadership

  • Identify the strengths of self and others to achieve common goals and use interpersonal skills to coach and develop others.  
  • Manage emotions and acknowledge those of others to inspire, guide, and empower; and organize, align, and prioritize team tasks for positive change.

Learning and Application

  • Review and retain relevant course material and plan create and interactive learning content for tutoring sessions. 

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

  • Exercise sound reasoning to analyze issues, make decisions, and overcome problems.

Technology

  • Integrate and utilize technology ethically and efficiently and discern when technology is appropriate to the task at hand.  
  • Adapt to new and emerging technologies to complete learning and outreach tasks.