Programs: Frequently Asked Questions
Want to learn more about our programs? Check out our FAQ below. If you still have questions, contact our office!
- Who are LSS Tutors?
- Why should I go to LSS tutoring?
- What can I expect from an LSS tutoring session?
- When do LSS tutoring sessions start?
- Where can I find the LSS tutoring session schedule for my class?
- How do I sign up for LSS tutoring?
- When and where are LSS tutoring sessions held?
- How big are LSS tutoring sessions?
- Do I have to attend LSS tutoring on a weekly basis?
- Do LSS tutors hold Exam Review Sessions?
- What should I do if I can't make any of the posted session times or there aren't any available?
- What if I have to cancel or reschedule a session?
- Does LSS provide individual tutoring?
- LSS doesn't support my class through group tutoring, what other resources do I have?
Who are LSS Tutors?
LSS Tutors are undergraduate students who are interested in creating collaborative spaces for their peers to learn. Tutors are from all different types of majors, different colleges, diverse backgrounds, and different years.
All LSS Tutors are required to take a tutor pedagogy class (STEV 96) aimed at helping them be better educators. The tutor pedagogy class focuses on helping develop fundamental teaching skills that center around facilitating interactive tutoring sessions, creating a collaborative community in the sessions, and developing mindful, culturally sensitive tutors.
All LSS Tutors have taken the class they are working in and received a B or better and received a letter of recommendation from a faculty member. Tutors receive training from LSS and other resource centers on campus each quarter.
Why should I go to LSS tutoring?
LSS tutoring sessions are guaranteed time to practice problems and work with your peers! This is ideal for students who want to meet classmates, work with peers, and/or learn new study skills. LSS hires tutors who are qualified to lead interactive and collaborative tutoring sessions. Students who attend LSS tutoring 6+ times are more likely to pass a class and receive a higher grade than students who do not attend LSS tutoring.
What can I expect from an LSS tutoring session?
LSS tutoring sessions are 1 hour long and follow the course content closely through engaging activities. Your tutor will have prepared a session plan based off of recent lectures. Students are welcome to bring any content related questions to their tutor. You are expected to participate: ask and answer questions, clarify important concepts, and to develop study strategies that are work for you. Lastly, if you attend tutoring sessions regularly you can expect to create meaningful relationships with your peers and tutor.
When do LSS tutoring sessions start?
Sign ups for tutoring services typically begin on Friday at 12PM of the first full week of the quarter (Often Week 1). For priority students (ex. EOP, STARRS, etc.), sign ups begin earlier on Wednesday at 12PM of that same week.
Tutoring generally starts during the second full week of the quarter (Often Week 2). Keep an eye out for your Tutor's announcement in lecture or on the course's site (ex. Canvas).
During the summer, sign ups and sessions may begin sooner given the accelerated timeline.
Where can I find the LSS tutoring session schedule for my class?
First, check our Classes Supported page to check that your class is currently supported with LSS tutoring. All tutoring session schedules (including Math and Writing Study Hall) can be found on TutorHub. The tutor for your course should also have posted an announcement on the course's site (ex. Canvas) including their tutoring session times.
How do I sign up for LSS tutoring?
Sign up for all LSS services through LSS TutorHub. Visit our TutorHub page for Instructions and Video Tutorials on signing up. Contact our office for support in navigating TutorHub and check out our TutorHub FAQ page
When and where are LSS tutoring sessions held?
Tutoring Sessions are located in various locations and classrooms across campus including the Academic Resource Center (ARCenter), Oakes Learning Center, and the STEM Hub. Check Tutor Hub for the locations of your specific LSS tutoring sessions.
How big are LSS tutoring sessions?
It depends on the type of support. For courses with Large Group Tutoring and Supplemental Instruction support, sessions have a max capacity of 15 students per session. For courses with Small Group Tutoring, sessions have a max capacity of 4 students per session. Study Hall sessions are typically individual or less than 4 students.
Do I have to attend LSS tutoring on a weekly basis?
To benefit most from LSS tutoring, it is highly encouraged to attend on a weekly basis. For small group tutoring sessions, students are required to attend on a weekly basis. For large group tutoring sessions, students are not required to attend on a weekly basis given the large session size.
Students tend to get the most benefit from LSS tutoring sessions when they attend weekly or at least 6 times during the quarter. This creates a consistent study time to practice course content with your peers, with the support of a knowledgeable tutor.
Do LSS tutors hold Exam Review Sessions?
LSS tutors are given the opportunity to host exam review sessions in addition to their regular weekly sessions. This is optional and not guaranteed that all tutors will host them. If your tutor is hosting one, they may announce it during their tutoring sessions and students who are invited may receive an email with further information.
Exam review sessions are limited to those who have attended at least one tutoring session during the quarter. Exam review sessions have a max capacity of 20 students. If a tutor has seen more than 20 students during the quarter, we will prioritize students who have attended sessions more recently or those who have regularly attended tutoring sessions. These sessions are not posted to TutorHub.
What should I do if I can't make any of the posted session times or there aren't any available?
Fill out our Availability Request Form to let LSS know when you're available for tutoring. We will check in with our tutors and aim to find a time that works for you.
If there aren't sessions available on TutorHub, it could mean that sessions have full sign ups or that your class is not supported with LSS this quarter. Please check our Classes Supported list for classes with LSS support.
What if I have to cancel or reschedule a session?
Please give your tutor at least 24 hours advance notice if you need to cancel a session. You may also contact LSS to cancel your sessions.
If it is a permanent change, check on Tutor Hub for another available session you may be able to make. If it is a temporary change, please check with your tutor to see if they can accommodate your request. Please be respectful and mindful of your tutor’s schedule and time commitments.
Does LSS provide individual tutoring?
We only provide individual tutoring for students affiliated with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) and have accommodations for tutoring. These students can fill out the Learning Support Services Tutoring Request Form for DRC Students to submit a request. Visit the Accommodations page for more information and detailed instructions on how to submit a request.
LSS doesn't support my class through group tutoring, what other resources do I have?
LSS offers study hall which is drop in support for math related courses or writing related courses. LSS offers Peer Success Coaches who can assist with time management, goal setting, and study skills. Our Peer Success Coaches host Successful Slug Workshops which are open to all UCSC undergraduate students.
