Tutoring Services

About Tutoring Services

The Academic Achievement and Access Center offers tutoring! Small group tutoring at a cost of $60 per course is available on campus for specific courses. The tutors are KU students who have met grade requirements and received recommendations from faculty members. All groups meet two days per week (one-and-one-half hours per session). Students who are interested may call (785) 864-4064 with questions. Students may request a tutor group prior to and during the first 10 weeks of a semester.

Brennan, a Math 122 Tutor, helps a student with a problem.

These groups will provide a learning environment that may be less intimidating for many students than getting assistance in a large lecture setting. Tutor groups function like structured study groups, with the tutor as a peer expert -- a student who can empathize with others’ classroom experience. Tutors will NOT check homework or lecture; they will break down problems, clarify, discuss, explain, show… this is a highly interactive learning experience. Tutees will be encouraged to problem-solve and to become self-directed learners.

Tutees

Students request tutors for many reasons. They may feel anxiety because they have had trouble in a class in the same area before and they want to make sure they have support. They may want more in-depth explanation of topics explored in class. They may feel like they need the support of a small, regularly scheduled group of fellow students led by a knowledgeable peer. The common denominator for students who request a tutor is that they all wish to improve their learning experience.

Rudy, a Physics 114 Tutor, discusses a physics problem with a student.

Tutors have gone through an application process which included submitting at least two references attesting to their academic proficiency and being interviewed with the emphasis on communication skills and interpersonal abilities.  Tutors are trained at the beginning of each semester on learning styles, tutoring strategies, and modeling and encouraging problem-solving skills.  In addition, the groups are observed and tutors are provided with written and/or oral feedback on their performance.  Tutees will also be asked to assess their tutor group experience at the end of the semester.

Financial Aid

Fee waivers to cover the cost of tutoring are available on a first come, first served basis for those students who qualify. During the period when students can submit a request, students can apply for fee waivers online. Contact the Academic Achievement and Access Center at 864-4064 with questions.