The Embedded Tutoring (ET) model of student academic assistance helps students in historically difficult classes
master course content while they develop and integrate learning and study strategies.
The LARC currently employs over 40 Embedded Tutors who sit in the high-risk Biology
and Chemistry courses. The success of the ET program suggests ET has a positive impact
on student retention. By continuing and expanding the current ET program, we hope
to maintain improvement of the academic achievement of students at risk of poor performance
(D, F, or W) in the high-risk courses.
The ET model is a method to help students succeed in college. The Embedded Tutor facilitates
discussion for students to discover gaps in their knowledge and better strategies
for learning. Embedded Tutors are thus crucial to the success of the program, as they
demonstrate proficiency in the subject and model effective reading, writing, and thinking
skills necessary for content mastery. ET is a program offered at the LARC for students
to voluntarily seek assistance in 100- and 200-level courses in the Biology and Chemistry
and ET has three primary objectives: to increase retention, to improve student grades,
and to increase graduation rates.
Courses currently offered under ET
- Biology: 100, 110, 111, 204, 210, 211, 214, 217, 259, 269, & 270
- Chemistry: 102, 103, 104, 107, 230, 231, & 232
What is an Embedded Tutor?
Our highly qualified and trained student tutors have previously earned an A or A-
in the course they are assigned to tutor, have above a 3.0 CGPA, and received two
faculty recommendation letters. Also, Embedded Tutors attend class with the students
to serve as a model student in all capacities. ET is a completely free service to students, and it is expected students attend their assigned weekly session
in addition to attending class.
Duties of an Embedded Tutor:
- Attend Embedded Tutor Orientation prior to the beginning of the semester.
- Attend all class meetings of selected course.
- Act as model student, by taking good notes, reading all assigned materials, and being
on time to class and study sessions.
- Schedule and conduct tutoring sessions weekly.
- Prepare materials for each session when necessary.
- Make in-class announcements concerning ET sessions.
- Maintain contact with course professor while maintaining confidentiality of the students.
- Schedule exam review sessions as necessary.
The Academic Success Program (formerly Academic Development Program), is a special admissions program for students who do not meet current admissions
criteria but who still show the potential to succeed in college. Aside from the individualized
mentoring and advising, students in ADP are required to attend mandatory tutoring
for the classes provided to them through the program. Those classes include:
- Public Speaking: SPK 208/230
- Writing: WRT120/123WRT123
- Math: MATQ20/Q30/113/121
In tutoring sessions, students are required to come with materials and questions regarding
content. Tutors will have students work in pairs or independently on material during
their sessions, and tutors will also help students with their study skills. Our ASP
tutors act as model students and tutors to help implement time management skills and
to help students gain academic confidence throughout their first two semesters.
Here are a few anonymous testimonials from ASP students on the Tutor Evaluation given
at the end of each semester:
- "Rachel is very respectful and knowledgeable. She has helped me so much in public
speaking and I would have been lost with many speeches without her. She makes sessions
fun and enjoyable also." – Anonymous
- "My tutor was a great tutor. She always helped me during my session or even when we
didn't have sessions. I have learned so much from her. She’s a great person to get
along with and a great tutor." – Anonymous
- "He always has things for us to work on; we are never wasting time in tutoring." – Anonymous
ASP-Affiliated Student Attendance Policy (Fall and Spring semesters)
In the Academic Success Program, you sign a student contract to attend your weekly
tutoring sessions at the LARC. Weekly tutoring is a requirement alongside your coursework and comprises ten percent
(10%) of your course grade. We’re glad to work with you consistently because we know weekly support improves
your academic performance. If you are not utilizing and/or maximizing your tutoring
opportunity, you will consequently be dropped from the tutoring program and your course
grade will be negatively affected.
Weekly attendance to your sessions is required; your tutoring time is permanent for
the semester.
After the first absence, you are required to meet with the Associate Director of the
LARC. You will also be required to schedule a makeup session with your tutor. You
may be permanently dropped from tutoring with the LARC in the ASP program after two
(2) unexcused absences, whether or not they are consecutive.
Prior to your absence, you should email your tutor and Associate Director of the LARC.
In case of emergency, contact your tutor and Associate Director of the LARC as soon
as possible via email. If you don’t communicate your prior commitment and absence to your tutor and the Associate
Director, it will be considered an unexcused absence, even if you can provide documentation.
Only documented emergencies excuse an absence with no prior notice.
The following absences may be considered excused with appropriate documentation:
- Illness or injury: provide a doctor’s note, ER certificate, or Student Health Center letter
- School-sanctioned activity: provide verification note from coach, professor, or advisor
- Court-mandated appointment: provide a copy of court documents bearing your name
- Funeral: documentation may be required; schedule an in-person meeting with Assistant Director
of the LARC
- Wedding: provide program or invitation bearing your name
Note: Work obligations will not be considered excused absences. Please arrange your
work obligations accordingly. According to the Student Contract you sign at the beginning
of your tutoring, not being present, not being prepared, or not participating in the
session can also result in an absence.
Frequently Asked Questions – ASP tutoring
Can I schedule a/an ___________________ appointment during my tutorial time?
Routine medical, advisory, financial aid, or other appointments should be made outside
of your scheduled tutoring sessions. In cases of immediate need, a documented medical
appointment may be excused by contacting Assistant Director of the LARC. Visits with advisors or to other campus offices will not be excused.
I don’t need help this week, do I need to attend?
Yes, you need to attend your tutoring session. In the Academic Success Program (ASP),
your attendance to every session is mandatory and a component of your grade. You are required to attend tutoring
even after completion of major assignments and tests or exams. There’s always a benefit
to attending tutoring! Ask, “How can I challenge myself?” Set long-term goals, reinforce
concepts, or review your syllabus with your tutor. As an ADP student, your tutoring
is required throughout the semester.
I had a prior commitment and didn’t notify my tutor; is that excused?
If you don’t communicate your prior commitment and absence to your tutor and Assistant
Director of the LARC, it will be considered an unexcused absence, even if you can
provide documentation. Only documented emergencies excuse an absence with no prior
notice.
I’d like to petition for my attendance status to be changed.
Please contact Associate Director of the LARC, with your request for a re-engagement meeting. Please
share your tutor’s name, tutoring day and time, and the attendance date(s) in question
via email with the subject line: “Request for Tutoring Re-Engagement.”
