The Office of Academic Enrichment

Before Your Session (In-Person or Online)

• Know what you need help with.
  Identify the topics you’re struggling with and what you hope to accomplish during the session.

• Attempt the homework first.
  Try every question—even if you don’t finish. Mark where you got stuck so you can review it with your tutor.

• Bring your materials.
  Gather class notes, assignments, textbooks, or any research you’ve started.

• Have specific questions ready.
  Think about what you want to ask ahead of time—this helps your tutor better support you.

Preparing for an Online Session

• Upload or save your documents.
  Take clear photos or upload any documents you may want to screen share.

• Set up your workspace.
  Choose a quiet, private, and well-lit space to stay focused.

• Check your tech early.
  Test your internet, audio, and camera 10–15 minutes before your session.

Tutors are here to support your learning—not do the work for you. Here’s what you can expect:

• Concept Support
  Tutors will help you better understand course material and break down complex concepts.

• Problem-Solving Practice
  You’ll work through practice problems together and learn strategies to approach similar ones on your own.

• Focused, Goal-Based Help
  Tutors will listen to your concerns, help clarify assignments, and guide you toward solutions.

• Share Study & Learning Skills
  Tutors may provide tips on effective study habits, time management, and how to approach future assignments – based one their personal experiences.

• Independent Work Time
  Tutors may ask you to try problems on your own during the session with guidance as needed.

• Confidentiality
  Your privacy is respected—tutors follow FERPA guidelines and keep your information confidential.

To maintain academic integrity and help you become a more independent learner, please keep in mind that tutors are not permitted to:

• Complete homework or graded assignments
  Tutors will not do your work for you—but they will guide you through similar practice problems.

• Give you answers
  Tutors will help you understand how to find the answers, not just hand them over.

• Help with take-home exams or quizzes
  This includes any graded take-home work. However, tutors can work with you on similar, ungraded practice problems.

• Cram for exams
  Tutors are here to support long-term learning, not last-minute cramming. Start early for the best results!

• Teach new material
  Tutoring is for reviewing or reinforcing what was already covered in class. If you missed class, check in with your professor or a classmate first. Do not expect a tutor to re-lecture material.

• Write, proofread, or edit papers
  Tutors can discuss writing strategies or help brainstorm ideas, but they won’t revise or edit your work line-by-line.

• Textbook
• Class notes and other useful class materials
• Pen/pencil
• Class syllabus
• Assignments (including any assignment sheets or instructions)
• Student ID#

To get the most out of your time with a tutor, here are a few things you can do:

• Take Notes
  Write down explanations, examples, and problem-solving steps so you can refer back to them later.

• Share Your Thought Process
  Let your tutor know how you think about or approach a problem. This helps them tailor their support to your learning style.

• Observe Problem-Solving Strategies
  Pay attention to how your tutor breaks down a problem—this is a great way to build skills you can use on your own.

• Ask Questions
  Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification! The more specific your questions, the more helpful your tutor can be.

• Be Considerate
  UD tutors are your peers and they require respect, understanding and patience as well. Also, If you’re in a shared tutoring space, speak at a respectful volume and be mindful of other students working nearby.

• Limit Distractions
  Keep phones and unrelated devices put away so you can stay focused and make the most of your time.