Photo of a student tutor in the Center for Student Success

We count on the fact that you will be challenged by your courses at Elms. Tutoring Services can help you reach that high level of success that you desire and equip you with skills which will get you noticed in the real world.

Tutoring Services, located in the Center for Student Success on the second floor of the library, provides tutoring services for any Elms College student seeking to accept the challenge and improve writing, research, and study skills. Professional and College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) certified academic peer tutors are available in a variety of academic areas. They will work with you individually to deepen your substantive knowledge and raise your level of excellence in your field of study. They will help you achieve greater clarity in your written work and develop stronger study skills for tests and examinations. In addition, the center offers review sessions prior to scheduled tests. And, of course, tutors are trained to keep your sessions private and confidential.

CURRENT STUDENTS

You can make appointments to suit your schedule as frequently as you desire on the Tutoring Services Appointment Website. The tutor schedule is updated fairly frequently. Please come back to check for updates.

Request a tutor

If you don’t see a time that is convenient for you, try BrainFuse, our online tutoring system available through Moodle.

Brainfuse Policy

Brainfuse is Elms College online tutoring program that can be accessed through Moodle. The online system offers instant online tutoring, a writing lab, flash card creation tools, Spanish language practice and a learning library. Tutoring Services would like to communicate our policy regarding use of Brainfuse online tutoring:

  • All Elms College students receive five (5) hours of free Brainfuse online tutoring services per semester.
  • At five (5) hours, Brainfuse emails the student and the Director of Tutoring informing parties that the five (5) hour threshold has been met. We want students to discuss their needs with Tutoring Services to look at the variety of options available.
  • If approved, the student may be allotted two (2) extra hours above the five (5). Any additional hours will be granted at the discretion of the Director of Tutoring.

Please be assured that we are here for you, and we want to partner with you in Student Success. If you have any questions about how we can help with your tutoring needs, please email: tutoringservices@elms.edu.


ONLINE RESOURCES

Tutoring Services wants to support all students beyond the walls of the classroom! Check out these online resources that can help with study skills, time management and preparing for graduate school.

Create a unique username and password at Prep Step to access the following resources:

Commonly Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment?

You are welcome to utilize Tutoring Services on a drop-in basis; however, it is advisable to make an appointment in order to guarantee a specific time, day, or tutor. You also need to realize that just because Tutoring Services is open does not mean that a tutor in your subject area is available. Always check the Tutoring Services Appointment Website to confirm tutor availability.

How often should I visit Tutoring Services?

You may visit the Tutoring Services as much as you want! However, to be fair to the entire student body, we ask that you limit visits to 5 hours per week. The idea behind Tutoring Services is to help assist you in acquiring skills so you won’t need to visit at all, or you will come for other reasons/classes. If you feel you are failing a class or need intensive help, weekly tutoring is available.

What is expected of those who use Tutoring Services?

  • Arrive on time.
  • Call if you cannot make an appointment. Someone else may be able to use your time. Bring all your books, notebooks, syllabi, rubric, etc. to the first visit. (Your tutor will help you decide what you need to bring to every meeting, but these materials allow the tutor to see what you are doing in class.)
  • Come with work already completed. (For instance, if you have math problems, do the easy ones first and work as far as you can. That way, when you meet with your tutor, you’ll be concentrating on the hard parts.)
  • You’re welcome to write down questions for your tutor. It’s YOUR session and YOUR time.
  • Tutors want to address YOUR concerns.
  • Talk to the director if you don’t think your session went well. We’ll always try to match you with a tutor who best suits your needs.
  • Treat your tutors with respect. They are trying to help you meet your goals.
  • If you’re writing a paper, you are welcome to come to the center during any stage of the writing process (brainstorming, prewriting, drafting, or revising).
  • Don’t expect miracles. Tutoring Services is designed to help you long term, so plan ahead so that you can have multiple sessions before a test, paper, or major homework assignment.
  • Don’t wait until the last minute. One session isn’t going to fix everything. PLEASE PLAN AHEAD!!!

When is the best time to see a writing tutor about a paper?

You may ask tutors for assistance at any time during the writing process — brainstorming, prewriting, drafting, revising, or editing — but be prepared with some ideas for the paper or questions about the assignment

Who are the tutors, and what do they do?

Tutors are students who have achieved high grades in their areas of concentration, been recommended by a faculty member, and completed a tutor training course. They do not write your papers, finish your homework, complete your problems, correct your papers, or give you answers. Tutors are trained to assist you in finding and developing correct methods in problem-solving and critical thinking as well as help you to improve your study skills, work habits, test-taking skills, and motivational skills.

Will my grades improve?

Tutors are not responsible for the grades you receive. However, grades may improve over a semester’s period of work — not necessarily as a result of one or two visits to the center. Don’t expect a “quick-fix”! To be a successful, independent learner takes time.

What if I don’t like my tutor?

If you don’t hit it off with a tutor, make an appointment to work with someone else. You may always talk to the Director of Tutoring if you feel the problem is more serious.

Does working with a tutor mean I’m not ready for college?

Working with a tutor is in no way a failure. We often see A or B students who want to discuss a topic more in depth, get a different viewpoint, or ask questions. Working with a tutor does not single you out in any way. If anything, it shows that you care about your school work!


Contact:
Phone: 413-265-2304
Email: tutoringservices@elms.edu