Spreading the word about Robert Morris University’s tutoring program was the goal during National Tutoring Week this past October 1^st through 5^th.  A short walk from the Center for Student Success, the headquarters for the tutoring program, the cafeteria served as the central hub for promotions.

Tutors are down in the CSS from 9 o’clock in the morning to 9 o’clock at night every Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays.  With a total of 30 student tutors and three professional tutors, students can stop in during any of these times to work directly with a tutor, work independently and ask a tutor any questions that might come up, or to find out when tutors for the desired subject are available.  There is no need to make an appointment, because tutoring is available on a first come, first serve basis during the week at all times.  To make the tutoring program even more flexible, there is Sunday tutoring available by appointment. It is for those students who cannot make the dates and times during which the subject they are looking for is available.  In addition to both of these, online tutoring for students who cannot make it to campus is also another alternative.

Tutoring being available on a walk in basis is an important feature of the program at Robert Morris.  Other tutoring programs, such as those at Duquesne University and the University of Pittsburgh, require that students sign up or apply for tutoring, or they have open tutoring available for only certain times of the week.  Another difference between universities is that the College Reading and Learning Association at RMU certify the program here. This shows that the program meets international standards for training their tutors, while only one of the University of Pittsburgh’s campuses is certified by this organization, and the program at Duquesne is not at all.

Any student that is interested in becoming a tutor can apply online through ColonialTrak at any time; the window for applications never closes.  Student tutors must meet the requirement of a minimum 3.0 GPA, and they must earn a B or higher in any class in order to tutor peers in that subject.  A part time career as a tutor also offers opportunities for advancement, as tutors can be promoted to tutor assistants, who are higher up individuals that help organize data for the program, as well as keep the program running as smoothly as possible.

“The main goal of the tutoring program is to be a support system to the faculty at Robert Morris,” says Nicole Hammond, the coordinator of the tutoring program.  This system has only grown since its inception, and has continued to support the faculty by supporting the students themselves.  National tutoring week ended on October 5^th, but the tutoring program at RMU will continue as long as there are students who need help.