Tutor Referral Program

Learning Services recruits and maintains a tutor referral service. Tutors are available for most subjects offered at George Mason University. Students are encouraged to request tutor information early in the semester. Assistance with course content is also available in some of the Academic Departments. There are also resources in the local community.

Support Available from Academic Departments

Help is available on campus in the following areas:

Accounting

Go to http://www.gmu.edu/org/bap/index.htm and click on the Tutoring link on the left.

Astronomy

A list of tutors is posted in the main office which is located in Science and Tech I, Room 303. The student is responsible for the tutor's fee. Hours and rates are negotiated between the student and the tutor

Chemistry

Contact the Chemistry Tutoring Center for help in General and Organic Chemistry

Location: SUB II, Room 2002A, 703-993-4237.

Go to http://ttc.gmu.edu/tutoring.hours.html for more information.

Communications

The Communications Department has 3 Graduate Assistants to assist you in Comm250. For Additional information, please call (703) 993-1090.

Computer Science

Before you crash & burn, get assistance from one of 49 Graduate assistants. Also, there are Undergraduate Peer Assistants to help students in a study group format. Assistance is available for all CS courses. For additional information please call (703) 993-1551. To find out when, where and how you can get help visit the CS web site at volgenau.gmu.edu/undergraduates/peer_advising.php

Economics

Tutoring in Economics is available for a fee. Please email jscharl@gmu.edu for a tutoring contact list or go to http://economics.gmu.edu/tutoring for more information.

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Electrical and Computer Engineering has 19 teaching Assistants available to assist you. For additional information please call (703) 993-1569. Or you can visit them on the web at http://bass.gmu.edu

Finance

Go to http://som.gmu.edu/undergraduate/new-students/tutors/finance-tutors

Foreign Languages 

The Department of Modern and Classical Languages offers tutoring for students needing extra help with their foreign language studies. A list of tutors is available at http://mcl.gmu.edu/tutoring

Math

The Department of Mathmatics Drop-In Math Tutoring Center. The center has 9 graduate Assistants and 13 Undergraduate Assistants to help you. They offer assistance in Math105, Math108, Math113, Math114, Math213, Math 203-Math214, Math313 & Math314.

Location: Johnson Center, Room 238
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:30am-9:30pm and Friday, 9:30am-2:30pm

In addition to the Math Tutoring Center, the Mathematics Department maintains a list of private tutors online at http://math.gmu.edu/tutorlist.htm

For additional information, please call (703) 993-0116 or visit their web site at http://math.gmu.edu

Physics

The Physics & Astronomy Club maintains a list of student tutors on their website at http://www.gmu.edu/org/physastroclub/tutors.html

Psychology

There are 19 Teaching assistants available in: PSYCH 300, 301, 304, 323, 373, and 400. The best way to contact TA is via email. Please call the department at (703) 993-1342 for email addresses.

Statistics

Stat 250

GTAs will be available for office hours in Room 1716 in the Engineering Building. Please click the following link for the current schedule:

http://statistics.gmu.edu/courses/files/Spring_2012_GTA-Office-Hours_STAT250.pdf

Stat 344, 346, 354, 362, 544, 554 & 652

http://statistics.gmu.edu/courses/files/Spring_2012_GTA-Office-Hours_NON250.pdf

 

CAPS Learning Services Tutor Referral Program

Learning Services recruits and maintains a tutor referral program. The names of tutors approved by the Tutor Referral Program are entered onto our computerized database. Tutors are available for most subjects offered at George Mason University. Students are encouraged to request tutor information early in the semester. Tutor requests will be accepted beginning the first day of classes.

How do you find a tutor?

1. Come to the Learning Services, SUB I, Room 3129, Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Tues. and Weds, 5-7 p.m. (when classes are in session).
2. Sign the tutor request list giving your name and the subject for which you would like a tutor. Identify the subject by department and course number as listed in the class schedule (e.g., MATH 108, MATH 113, PHYS 250). This is very important. Tutors are listed on the computer according to department and course number. If you aren't sure what it is, look it up in the class schedule or the University catalog. The sign-up list helps us keep track of subjects for which we need to find tutors.
3. The staff of Learning Services will print a list of tutors off the computer for you.

How do you hire a tutor?

Contact tutors on your list by phone or email until you find one whose schedule is compatible with yours. Interview the tutor over the phone or arrange to meet in person to get acquainted.

How much will a tutor cost?

To provide tutoring at an affordable rate, tutors listed with Learning Services have agreed to a maximum fee. The tutor list will indicate the maximum fee for each tutor. Maximum fees according to educational level are listed below.

• $10-11 per hr maximum for an undergraduate tutor
• $11-12 per hr maximum for tutor with Bachelor degree
• $12-13 per hr maximum for tutor with Masters degree
• $13-14 per hr maximum for tutor with Doctoral degree

You can negotiate with the tutor for a lower fee for individual tutoring if the tutor is willing. Or, you might ask about a lower fee for tutoring in a group, either one the tutor has already formed or one you might form with one or two other classmates.

What should you include in the tutor interview?

Look for someone with whom you can communicate your questions and concerns about the course. You should expect your tutor to respect, support, and accept you. You should look for a tutor who is active in the tutoring session, providing explanations and suggestions, clarifying what you're unsure about.

You shouldn't expect the tutor to do the work for you, so you should also look for someone who challenges you to work in the tutoring sessions. That's the best way for you to learn.

Negotiate a fee for your tutoring, when you will pay your tutor and how (i.e. by check or cash). We suggest you pay your tutor at the beginning of each tutoring session. This is fairest to your tutor. Establish a 'contract' with your tutor concerning how often you will meet and for how long. Schedule a regular day and time. Since most tutors are also students, they may not be available during exams. Check that out when you contract.

If you decide this is not a tutor you can work with, interview other tutors until you find one with whom you feel comfortable.

Treat your tutor fairly

Be conscientious about keeping your appointments for tutoring. Your tutor also has responsibilities and demands so be respectful of his or her time. If you can't keep an appointment, try to reach your tutor in advance. Call your tutor directly or send him/her an email to cancel. If you no longer need tutoring or you want to change tutors, let your tutor know right away. Don't tie up the tutor's time, another student may need it.

Can't afford a tutor or can't find one?

If you can't afford a tutor or can't find one, check the bulletin board outside Learning Services. Resources available in the academic departments will be posted there. Free assistance may be offered by graduate assistants in the department. Check with the department yourself if your subject isn't listed. Check with your instructor for help and suggestions. Form a study group with other students, or ask a classmate who understands the material to help you. In some courses, just knowing how to study can improve your understanding. Consider one of the workshops offered by the Learning Services on study skills or exam strategies.

How to Become a Tutor

The Tutor Referral Program is recruiting tutors in all subjects and majors, both undergraduate and graduate level courses. Students must earn A's an B's. The hourly pay rates are based on the tutor’s present level of education, ranging from $10 - $13 an hour. If you are interested in becoming a tutor, please come to Learning Services, located in SUB I, Room 354 and pick up an application.

Applicants must be affiliated with GMU, provide the completed application, two references and a transcript for grade verification.

Community Tutoring Resources

Tutor Find
Sylvan Learning Center
Huntington Learning Center
Tutorquest