Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Individual Learning Sessions
Can I schedule an appointment with a Learning Assistant?
Our one-to-one services are primiarily done on a walk-in basis in order to provide tutoring in the most efficient way. We are well-staffed in order to eliminate as much wait-time as possible, and find that students are able to come in regularly for sessions throughout the year. We encourage you to come early and often in order to reduce the rush of high-demand, peak hours just before exams.
In order to eliminate the loss of time due to no-shows or late appointments, the ULC does not take appointments during our walk-in hours outside of our pre-arranged partnerships with Opportunity Programs and Athletics.
How long is a tutoring session?
One-to-one learning sessions are 30 minutes long. If two of you are getting tutored at once, the session can last up to 45 minutes. Three or more in a group can have a one hour session.
How many sessions can I attend in one day?
After your first 30 minute session ends, you can sign in again for the next available time slot. If no one is waiting, this means you can have a back-to-back session.
We do not advise signing in for a third session, since our goal is to help you become more independent learners. It might be more helpful to ask for guidance on your next steps toward the end of your tutoring session, and then visit us again the next day!
If, however, you do want to sign in again, you are permitted to, but new visitors to the ULC will get priority, even if they sign in after you, in order to help us help as many students as possible.
LG Sessions
Can I get a copy of an LG worksheet if I missed my LG session?
No, LG worksheets are for use in the LG sessions and will not be distributed outside of those sessions. They were designed and created by our Learning Assistants specifically to be worked on together during these sessions.
Working at the ULC
How can I apply to become a tutor/Learning Assistant with the ULC?
Most of our hiring is done during the spring semester (March/April) for the following academic year, with some limited hiring duirng November/December for the spring semester. Please click here for more detailed information about eligiblity requirements, our timeline, and our application.
Who should I ask to write my letters of recommendation to work at the ULC?
The strongest application is supported by at least one professor from your major department and a second letter from another professor who knows you well, or from your Academic Advisor from the Dean's Office/Advising Center.
We look for references that can address your potential for success working at the Unviersity Learning Center. A letter from a TA who knows you well will likely tell us more than a letter from a professor in a large lecture hall whom you've never spoken to (but, as stated above, the best letters come from professors with whom you have built a relationship).
References should be recent and relevant, and should not be from family members or friends in your social circles. Use your best judgment in selecting your references -- your choice in professional references also reflects upon your candidacy.
Miscellaneous
Is the ULC open during the summer?
The ULC is open during the summer for shorter hours, mainly to support science, math, and economics courses. Details about summer hours will be posted on our website in late spring.