Get Help From Students Just Like You
Need Some Help in a Class?
Studies show that one of the most effective ways that students learn is from their peers. With that in mind, the Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) offers a free peer tutoring program for all enrolled undergraduate students, in many courses offered at Salem State.
Salem State’s peer tutoring program is certified through the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA), a nationally accredited program that requires the highest standards of training and program assessment of the institutions it certifies.
Tutors are available during the fall and spring semester (with limited tutoring sessions available in the summer). Sessions are generally scheduled in one-hour blocks but may last up to a maximum of two hours per session. Students who participate in tutoring are encouraged to see a tutor on a weekly or regular basis. Students are allowed up to four hours of tutoring per week for the same subject. If you find that you need beyond four hours of tutoring in the same subject, please contact Megan Penyack, the coordinator of academic services.
In addition to tutoring sessions, our Science Tutoring Center (located in the Berry Library and Learning Commons, Level 0) also has walk-in hours available for natural science courses.
Please note: If you are looking for a tutor in accounting (ACC), finance (FIN), or operations and decision sciences (ODS) please visit the accounting lab on Central Campus.
Who are the tutors?
Peer tutors are undergraduate students who have taken, and done well in, the course for which they tutor and come highly recommended by faculty. More than just strong students, peer tutors are hired because they are able to break down challenging material into smaller parts, provide study tips, and are eager to help others.
Get Started with Peer Tutoring
In order for you to have a valuable tutoring session with your tutor, it is important for you to understand some policies, what is expected of you, and what you can expect from your tutor. Please complete the online learning agreement prior to your first appointment.
Currently enrolled undergraduate students may visit TutorTrac to request a tutor. Need help? Contact us.
Learn how to schedule a tutoring session by watching the video tutorial or by reading the online instructions.
Online tutoring sessions
If you schedule an online tutoring session, please make sure you read the instructions to ensure you and your computer are prepared to use the online tutoring platform, GoBoard.
Can’t find your class?
We make every effort to hire peer tutors for courses that students traditionally request tutoring in but it is not possible to have a tutor for every course. If your search for a tutor in TutorTrac is not successful, please contact us.
- Be clear on the day, time and location of your session.
- Come prepared. Bring your textbook, class notes, handouts, etc.
- Be clear with your tutor about what you would like to accomplish in that particular session.
- If something is not working for you during a session, ask your tutor if they can explain it in a different way. Ask clarification questions throughout the session.
- Make plans for additional appointments if you would like to do so.
We want to know how your tutoring session went! After each session, complete a brief survey to share your thoughts. If you feel that your session was helpful, feel free to make your next session.
How to become a peer tutor
CAE seeks students who have excelled in a course and would like to assist other students. View the job description on the Student Employment portal and apply through your Navigator account.
Contact Us
Location
Peer Tutoring
Center for Academic Excellence
Frederick E. Berry Library and Learning Commons
First Floor
Chat with Us!
Megan Penyack
Coordinator of Academic Services
Center for Academic Excellence
978.542.6717