Learning Center F.A.Q.
What is the Learning Center?
The Learning Center is a free instructional support service that provides tutoring and resources to reinforce and supplement classroom instruction for all registered CGCC students.
What courses do you tutor?
While the emphasis is on providing math and writing support, services are available for a wide range of academic courses. These include all math courses, most science courses, any course that requires writing assignments, and most Spanish courses. We also provide tutoring in other courses upon request.
Who can receive tutoring?
Tutoring is provided to any CGCC student that is currently enrolled in and regularly attending the course(s) for which they are seeking assistance.
When is the Learning Center open?
The hours of operation for the Learning Center differ by subject. Please see our hours of operation for more information.
How many hours a week am I allowed to work with a tutor?
Tutoring services in the Writing Center and Math and Science Tutoring are offered on a drop-in basis and students can utilize these services anytime during our hours of operation. Students receiving tutoring by appointment are allotted a maximum of two hours per week of appointment time per course.
What are the Tutoring Policies?
In order to provide maximum benefit to the greatest number of students, the Learning Center has created the following policies and procedures.To ensure a successful tutoring experience, please review these policies before you visit the Learning Center.
Is there tutoring available at the Williams Campus?
Tutoring for math, science and any course that requires writing assignments is offered at the Williams Campus. Click here for hours and location. Free tutoring is provided to CGCC students currently enrolled in and regularly attending the course(s) for which they are seeking assistance.
What can I expect when I come to the Writing Center?
- We will make you feel comfortable and welcome
- We will listen to your ideas, questions, and concerns
- We will offer ideas, suggestions, and advice
Can tutors only help with papers?
No, we'll help you with the writing part of any class project you have, including Math, Psychology, Education, etc.
How can I make the most of my tutoring session?
- Come prepared! Bring your assignment, notes, and textbook and be ready to work.
- Ask questions. If you're not sure what a tutor is getting at, ask. If you need help with something in particular, let us know.
- When the session is over, choose which of our suggestions (if any) you will incorporate in your paper based on your understanding of the assignment, your audience, and your purpose.
Can a tutor help me with using the computer?
Of course, a tutor's first priority is tutoring. However, if we are not working with a student, and time permits, we will help you to the best of our ability. If you are new to computers, you may want to work in the Computer Lab (B123) where the trained computer technicians can help you or enroll in a computer skills course.
Will tutors fix my grammar and punctuation?
While we are happy to work with you on grammar and punctuation, there are many more important things you may want to think about first, such as:
- Focus: Do all of the parts of my paper focus on one main point (your thesis)?
- Development/support: Do I have enough details/information/justification/explanation to support my claims?
- Organization: Is everything where it's supposed to be?
- Audience: Have I considered the needs of my reader(s)?
- Ideas: What do I have to say about this topic?
- Brainstorming: How can I get started on my topic?
- Clarity: Does this make sense?
- Voice: Do my voice, ideas, and perspective shine through? Am I in control of my paper or is my research controlling it?
- Works Cited: How do I give credit where credit is due?
- Plagiarism: How do I avoid it?
- And any other concerns you might have
Note: When we do address grammar and punctuation, we will not edit your papers. Instead, we will help you understand and apply appropriate grammar and punctuation rules yourself. This way, soon, you'll be able to edit your papers without our help.
Please remember that successful writers must make a series of decisions while writing. Your tutor can provide ideas, suggestions, and advice, but it's your responsibility as a writer to decide which strategies, if any, you will incorporate in your final draft.
What can I expect when I come to the math and science center?
- A supportive, inviting and friendly learning environment.
- Tutors who are courteous, respectful, patient and encouraging.
- Tutors who have reasonable knowledge of the subject matter.
- Tutors who facilitate my learning but do not do my work for me.
- Tutors who find help if they cannot answer my question.
- Tutors who rotate time among students as evenly as possible.
- Tutors who suggest additional resources and services.
As the tutor's role is one of support, ultimate responsibility for all work as to correctness and completeness rests with ME!
What is expected of me?
- I come prepared. I bring my assignments, notes, textbook and calculator and am ready to work.
- I ask questions. If I am not sure, I ask. If I need help with something in particular, I let my tutor know.
- I allow ample time in my schedule to complete the tutoring process.
- I know that the Learning Center is a supplement to classroom instruction, not a replacement for missed class(es).
- I am respectful of other students and tutors. I keep conversation low, subject matter appropriate and take cell phone calls outside.
Do I have to make an appointment to get math or science tutoring?
No, you do not need to make an appointment to meet with a math or science tutor. These services are provided on a drop in format; therefore, students receive tutoring on a first come first served basis. When you have a question, raise your hand so a tutor knows to assist you.
Is this where I take tests?
No. Tests are taken in the Testing Center located in the A building, Room A150R.
Do you rent graphing calculators?
We do not rent calculators for student use during the semester. The Mathematics Division rents graphing calculators to for a fee of $25.00. Please see the calculator checkout form and policy for more information.
Can I hire a tutor to work with me one-on-one?
For your convenience, we've compiled a list of people that provide private tutoring and are available for you to hire if you choose. If you'd like a copy of this list, stop by L229 to pick one up or e-mail your request to tutoring@cgcmail.maricopa.edu. Chandler-Gilbert Community College is not responsible in any way for any of the private tutors listed. The tutors have asked to be added to this list and take responsibility for their actions. Private tutoring sessions can in no circumstances take place in the Learning Center or on the CGCC campus. The tutors listed have not been screened for credentials or experience. Therefore, CGCC cannot guarantee the quality of tutoring. Pay rates and meeting places are coordinated between you and the private tutor you hire.
How can I become a tutor?
Working with other students in a helping role will provide you with some of the most valuable experience you could ever get during your college years.
The Learning Center is interested in math or science students who:
- have a minimum grade of "B" in the course in which you wish to tutor;
- know their subject matter well and are willing to learn more about it;
- are able to communicate information clearly;
- relate well with different personalities and cultures;
- practice academic professionalism;
- practice patience;
- are able to participate in required tutor training sessions;
- possess good listening and problem-solving skills.
If you possess these qualities, you may apply to become a tutor in the Learning Center. Please either pick up an application from the LC or print out an application and drop it off in Room L230 at the Pecos Campus. Our goal is to preserve the reputation of the Learning Center by ensuring we have the best tutors working with our students.
How do I make an appointment to meet with a tutor?
If you would like to make an appointment for Aviation, Accounting, Computer Programming, Economics, Spanish tutoring or wish to inquire about tutoring for a different course, please call us at (480)732-7231 or send e-mail to tutoring@cgcmail.maricopa.edu.
How do I cancel an appointment?
Please contact the Learning Center at (480)732-7231 with at least 24 hours notice to cancel your appointment.