Course Tutoring

These policies outline the structure of tutoring sessions, as well as students’ responsibility for their own learning and their contribution to a collegial learning environment.

1. Tutoring sessions are 50 minutes in length, and they start at 10 minutes past the hour. Each week, students are permitted to pre-register for one 50-minute session per class. When space permits, students may join additional sessions by contacting the tutoring team (tutoring.trsm@torontomu.ca (opens in new window) ). One tutor can assist a maximum of five students at a time during a session.
   
2. If students are unable to attend a tutoring session, they are expected to cancel their session as soon as possible (or at least two hours in advance). If students fail to attend two pre-registered sessions without advance cancellation, they will be required to speak with a member of the tutoring team to discuss booking privileges.
   
3. If students do not arrive by 10 minutes into the session (20 minutes after the hour), the spot may be given to another student. Likewise, if students arrive in the last 20 minutes of a session, they may be asked to register for the next available session.
   
4. Student relationships with tutors are professional only. It is not appropriate to ask for a tutor's contact information to talk or meet outside of tutoring sessions or to ask to copy their notes. Students should direct questions about course content to their course instructor. Questions about the tutoring program should be directed to tutoring.trsm@torontomu.ca (opens in new window) .
   
5. Tutoring does not replace class instruction. Students are responsible for keeping up with course content, including attending classes and/or watching lecture or tutorial videos as scheduled. Tutors will not teach missed class content.
   
6. Students are responsible for preparing for the tutoring session by providing specific content and questions they would like to have addressed during the session and familiarizing themselves with the relevant course materials.
7. Students agree to complete a feedback form at the end of each tutoring session.
   
8. Students are responsible for providing their own supplies, such as a laptop/tablet, calculator, textbook, paper, etc.
   
9. If students lack any necessary tech items, they should contact the TRSM Student Help Desk for support.
   
10. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the general features of Zoom, including the mute, video enable, “raise your hand” feature, and chat function. You can use the tip sheets available on the Zoom website for assistance.
    
11. Tutors are unable to assist with material that will be graded, such as assignments, quizzes, and take-home tests, as it is against TMU Senate Policy 60: Academic Integrity.
    
12. Students are responsible for creating and maintaining a welcoming and accepting learning environment. They are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the Student Code of Non-Academic Conduct as outlined in Senate Policy 61.
    
13. Students agree to read the  (PDF file) Netiquette tipsheet to prepare themselves for successful and respectful tutoring sessions.
    
14. The tutoring team ensures safety and quality assurance by recording and securely storing tutoring sessions. Attendance at these events constitutes consent to such recordings. Additionally, a staff member may attend a session at any time to observe. Students are not permitted to take screenshots or recordings of tutoring sessions without consent.

1. Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) sessions are 50 minutes in length, and they start at 10 minutes past the hour.
   
2.  A maximum of 35 students can be assisted at a time by one PAL leader during a scheduled PAL session. If the maximum number of participants is reached, students may be asked to attend the next available session.
   
3. If a PAL session needs to be cancelled, students will be notified immediately and at least 2 hours in advance when possible. 
   
4. Student relationships with PAL leaders are professional only. It is not appropriate to ask for a tutor's contact information to talk or meet outside of tutoring or to ask to copy their notes. Students should direct questions about course content to their course instructor. Questions about the PAL Program should be directed to peer.trsm@torontomu.ca.
   
5. PAL sessions do not replace class instruction. Students are responsible for keeping up with course content, including attending classes and/or watching lecture or tutorial videos as scheduled. PAL leaders will not be teaching missed class content.
   
6. Students are responsible for preparing for the PAL session, including familiarizing themselves with the course materials before each session, coming to the session with specific questions, and being ready to participate actively and collaboratively with their peers.
   
7. Students agree to complete a feedback form at the end of each PAL session.
   
8. Students are responsible for having their own supplies, such as a laptop/tablet, calculator, textbook, paper, etc. If students lack any necessary tech items, they should contact the TRSM Student Help Desk for support.
   
9. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the general features of Zoom, including the mute, video enablement, “raise your hand” feature, and chat function. You can use the tip sheets available on the TMU Zoom website to assist.
   
10. PAL leaders are unable to assist with materials that will be graded, such as assignments, quizzes, and take-home tests, because it is against Senate Policy 60: Academic Integrity.
    
11. Students are responsible for creating and maintaining a welcoming and accepting learning environment. They are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the Student Code of Non-Academic Conduct as outlined in Senate Policy 61.
    
12. Students agree to read the  (PDF file) Netiquette tipsheet to prepare themselves for successful and respectful PAL sessions.
    
13. The PAL team works to maintain safety and quality assurance by recording and securely storing PAL sessions. Attendance at these events constitutes consent to such recordings. Additionally, a staff member may attend a session at any time to observe. Students are not permitted to take screenshots or recordings of PAL sessions without consent.

• To work with an upper-year peer who has a good knowledge of the course material
• Opportunity to ask questions about course content and how to approach solving various problems

• Referrals to other available resources, both within TRSM and on campus, regarding tutoring and learning skills

• To be actively engaged in the session. To gain the most from your visit/ session, it is best to come prepared with questions, having done the reading/ attended lecture (ideally both!)

• A welcoming and collaborative environment. Regardless of your knowledge with the courses, there are always areas where we can assist you in improving! We respect that students who come to the Tutoring Centre may have varying learning and personal goals. Remember: we are here to help!

Please contact the Student Success team at tutoring.trsm@torontomu.ca (opens in new window)  in advance of your attendance to let us know if we can make any accommodations to ensure your inclusion in the tutoring sessions.