Peer Tutoring
Quick Links
The Learning Center provides peer tutoring in a variety of academic subjects to advance student learning, self-regulation, and academic progress. Peer Tutoring appointments are available individually and in small groups, both online and in person. Peer Tutors are current USF students who have demonstrated academic excellence in their subject and receive ongoing training to foster academic success in others.
Tutoring provides space for students to ask questions, deepen their understanding, and practice problem-solving in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. Regular peer tutoring promotes ongoing discussion and engagement with the course material and peers outside of the classroom, which can aid in retention.
MAKE A SUBJECT TUTORING APPOINTMENT
Additional Peer Tutoring Information
For step-by-step scheduling instructions, visit How to Schedule a Subject Tutoring Appointment.
For step-by-step instructions to cancel an appointment, visit How to Cancel Tutoring Appointments.
Appointment Cancelation Note: There is no penalty for canceling an appointment at least 24 hours in advance. Students who cancel appointments with less than 24 hours' notice or miss an appointment (no-show) will receive a strike in the Learning Center. Missing or no-showing at least three appointments in a semester will result in loss of Learning Center privileges for the remainder of the term. Strikes are reset at the start of each semester.
If you can’t find an available subject tutoring appointment, submit a Tutor Request Form.
For assistance scheduling an appointment, reach out to the LWSC front desk at 415-422-6713, lwsc@usfca.edu, or Gleeson Library, G03.
Your tutor expects that you will arrive on time for your tutoring sessions and be prepared to work.
A tutor is only required to wait 15 minutes before your appointment is declared a "No-Show."
Additional expectations for participants:
- To every session, bring your course text, notes, and handouts, as well as a pen, paper, and calculator (if necessary for your course). If you prefer to access course materials electronically, you should bring a laptop that connects to the internet, if possible.
- Meet regularly with your tutor throughout the semester, not simply around exam dates.
- Come to each session with a plan. Know what you want to work on during your time together.
- Be an active participant in the tutoring session. Take responsibility of writing clarifying notes, comments, or ideas so that you feel empowered to work independently between sessions.
- Show respect to your tutor and your time together. Avoid texting, emailing, and making/receiving phone calls during your session unless it relates directly to the work at hand or is an emergency situation.
You can expect that your tutor will:
- Arrive on time to your tutoring sessions and be prepared to work.
- Respect you and your time together. They will avoid texting, emailing, and making/receiving phone calls during your time together unless it relates directly to the work at hand or is an emergency situation.
- Assist you in solving similar problems to your homework/assignments, so that you are able to understand key concepts and eventually feel empowered to work independently.
- Respect you as an individual and assist you in developing study habits that best fit your needs.
- Be accessible by leaving relevant messages with The Learning, Writing, and Speaking Centers' Front Desk (Gleeson Library, Room G03 - Lower Level).
- Maintain confidentiality. What happens in a tutoring session stays in the tutoring session; however, a tutor may share information with The Learning Center Director if you or another student appears to be in danger.
Peer Tutors are full-time USF students who have completed at least one semester of study at USF. Peer Tutors are students who show dedication to their academics and maintain a cumulative and semester GPA of 3.0 or higher.
To tutor for a specific course the applicant should have taken the course at USF and received an A- or above. We also require an online recommendation form from a USF faculty member (for each course; link provided once you apply). All Peer Tutors are required to participate in ongoing tutor training during their time as a Peer Tutor.
To apply to be a Peer Tutor, please visit the Employment Opportunities webpage for more information.
NOTE: Students nominated/recommended by faculty members are not guaranteed a position within The Learning Center, and not all applicants are hired each semester. However, we hire on a one-semester basis so we encourage students to re-apply if they are not selected.
Please consider visiting our Study Skills & Resources webpage for access to more resources provided by The Learning Center.
Our peer tutors greatly appreciate your feedback, and it helps us improve our program. If you have already had a Peer Tutoring appointment, please evaluate your tutor.
The Learning, Writing, and Speaking Centers
Gleeson Library | Geschke Center | Lower Level G03
2495 Golden Gate Ave, San Francisco, CA 94117
Hours:
Monday: 9 am to 8 pm
Tuesday: 9 am to 8 pm
Wednesday: 9 am to 8 pm
Thursday: 9 am to 8 pm
Friday: 9 am to 8 pm
Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED