FAQ's for the Tutee

Once your peer tutor request is received (email academic.support@esc.edu for the form), the Office of Academic Support will begin the process to match a peer tutor to your needs. If a match exists, the assignment takes place immediately. If no match exists, the process could take a bit longer.

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If we are unable to match a peer tutor to your request, the Office of Academic Support will make every effort to find a peer tutor or suggest other college resources to help you with your course. Students are always encouraged to check with their instructor and other classmates as they may be able to help as well.

Yes, you can request more than one peer tutor. While it is possible that the Office of Academic Support might not be able to accommodate each request, we will make every effort to do so.

Contact the Office of Academic Support to discuss your concerns. At that time, we will assess the situation and if necessary, will reassign you if another peer tutor is available in that area.

The peer tutor availability depends on the tutor’s schedule and time. Remember, most peer tutors are also students with their own course load and other obligations. Once a peer tutor is assigned, the tutee and tutor will connect to develop a schedule that meets both parties' needs and times.

Because Empire State College students live all over the country, the primary mode of contact will be via phone, e-mail, and other methods of electronic communication. Meeting in person is only encouraged if both the peer tutor and tutee agree to such a meeting, and if that meeting is cleared by the Office of Academic Support. If a face-to-face meeting does take place, we highly recommend that the agreed upon place be at a public area such as a library, café, or at one of the Empire State College regional centers. Face-to-face tutoring must take place at an Empire State College location for any peer tutors that receive federal work-study payments.