GUTS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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General questions about GUTSConversational English Questions for TUTEES
Conversational English Questions for TUTORS
Academic Tutoring Questions for TUTORS
Academic Tutoring Questions for TUTEES
Q. Where is GUTS and when is it open?
A. Our office location:Student Activity Center
Office #4413
333 E Campus Mall
Madison, WI 53715-1380We are open Monday-Thursday from 11am-5pm.
Q. How can I contact GUTS if I can’t stop by the office?
A. E-mail us at guts@rso.wisc.edu, call us at 608-263-5666, AIM us at GUTS Office, visit our website at http://guts.studentorg.wisc.edu, or Facebook us (Profile name: GUTS Tutorial).Q. How much is it to get a tutor?
A. FREE! GUTS is funded by segregated fees and all of our academic services are free to any UW-Madison student. Our Conversational English services are available to any UW-Madison student, faculty, staff and their families.Q. Who works at GUTS and what do they do?
A. GUTS is made up of a multitude of student volunteers who tutor various subjects for Academic Match, Drop-In Tutoring, Group Study, and Conversational English. The student staff at GUTS facilitate and run these programs. Check out the GUTS webpage for bios on all of our staff.Q. How can I get a job working at GUTS?
A. At the end of each semester, GUTS usually hires new staff members. Check the UW Job Center and the GUTS website towards the end of the semester for job announcements. The staff positions are the only paid jobs at GUTS. All of our tutors are volunteers.Q. Does GUTS offer writing tutoring?
A. No, GUTS currently does not offer writing tutoring. However, please visit the UW Writing Center if you are seeking writing help:THE WRITING CENTER
One-on-one appointments and group classes
6171 Helen C White Hall (College Library)
608-263-1992
Email: writing@facstaff.wisc.edu
Website: http://www.wisc.edu/writing
CONVERSATIONAL ENGLISH QUESTIONS-
for TUTEESQ. How do I get a conversation partner?
A. Just stop by the GUTS office and register. We are open Monday-Thursday from 11am-5pm. You will be matched with a tutor with similar availability and you will receive an email from us regarding the details of your match within 2 weeks of registration.Q. Who are the tutors?
A. Students just like you! Our tutors are made of undergraduate and graduate students who are native english speakers.Q. How long until I get matched once I register?
A. We try to match conversation partners within 2 weeks of registration but there is no guarantee that we can match you that quickly, or at all. Please be patient as you wait to hear from our staff via email.Q. How long will my match last with my conversation partner?
A. We ask for a minimum of one semester commitment but matches are encouraged to continue beyond the minimum.Q. How late in the semester can I sign up to get a conversation partner?
A. Students can register for a conversation partner through the 12th week of the semester.Q. When and where will I meet with my conversation partner?
A. It is up to you and your partner! We match you based on similar availability so you should have time where you both are free. You two will decide when and where you want to meet!Q. What do I do if I can’t attend a meeting with my conversation partner?
A. Let your partner know immediately that you are unable to attend your regular meeting. Also, at that time, suggest other days and times you would be available to meet.Q. What should happen during the first meeting?
A. Partners should introduce themselves, make sure that everyone has each other’s contact information, and discuss meeting times for the rest of the semester. You should discuss expectations you have for each other during your meetings and the tutor should ask for specific concerns tutees might have (concepts, etc).Q. What kinds of things should I do with my conversation partner?
A. This is completely up to you and your partner. You can meet for coffee and just talk, attend a sporting event, see a movie, cook dinner together, or meet in the library. Talk to your tutee to see what kinds of things they would like to work on. Many students want to practice their pronunciation so any activity that will get the two of you talking is a good idea!Q. What if I don’t get along with my conversation partner?
A. At any point during the match, tutees should feel free to contact the Conversational English staff with their specific concerns. If the match is not working, the staff can look for a new partner for you but it is important that you first attempt to work out any problems with your partner.Q. Will I be matched with other international students?
A. There is a possibility that you will be matched with up to two other students but we do our best to keep the matches one-to-one. All of our tutors are native English speakers.Q. Can my spouse and/or children get a conversational english partner?
A. Yes! Any family member of a UW student, faculty, staff, or visiting scholar can register for a conversation partner.Q. Can individuals who are not UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff or their families get a conversation partner?
A. Unfortunately, we cannot serve non-affiliated individuals with our CE program. We do recommend looking into other campus and community resources:Literacy Network Provide learner-centered literacy services to Dane County adults. Offer one-on-one tutoring of reading, writing, and English speaking skills, ESL classes, and the First Step Learning Lab. Contact: (608) 244-3911 1118 S. Park Street Madison, WI 53715 http://www.litnetwork.org amber@litnetwork.org
Madison English as a Second Language School (MESLS) Offer intensive English classes at six levels for prospective college, university, and graduate students and their spouses; visitors to the US; permanent residents; visiting teachers; and those desiring to improve their English for personal reasons. Special offerings include free classes for enrolled students, tuition sales, referral bonuses, language partners and free tutors. Contact: (608) 233-9962 3009 University Ave Madison, WI 53705 www.mesls.org apply@mesls.org
Midwest Teacher Training Program (MTTP) MTTP is a 5-week, 130 hour program with 10 hours of practice teaching English. This provides you with much more training and practice than the average 4-week TEFL program. Graduates have found teaching jobs in over 40 countries. Both native and nonnative speakers of English have graduated from Midwest and have found jobs teaching overseas. Contact: info@mttp.com (608) 257-8476 Tollfree: (800) 765-8577 19 N. Pinckney Street Madison, WI 53703 http://www.mttp.com/home.cfm
Wisconsin English School Language Institute (WESLI) Provide individualized instruction through a variety of skills, content areas and levels; support a wide range of learning and teaching styles; offer services to their students that help them take full advantage of their stay in the United States. Contact: info@wesli.com (608) 257-4300 19 N. Pinckney Street Madison, WI 53703 http://www.wesli.com/home.cfm
Q. Where else can I go for conversational English tutoring?
A. If you would like to seek help outside of GUTS Conversational English, we recommend the following on-campus resources:International Student Services International Student Services (ISS) offers a wide variety of services to international students and educates the University and community about international students. ISS provides information and programs to international students about the campus and community and provides support and assistance concerning visas and related immigration issues. ISS hosts workshops for international students to help them adjust to life in the U.S. and to promote personal, academic, and professional success. ISS also hosts a variety of on-going programs such as BRIDGE, a friendship program that matches US Americans with international students. Contact: iss@odos.wisc.edu (608) 262-2044 2nd Floor, Rm. 217 716 Langdon Street Madison, WI 53706 http://www.iss.wisc.edu
Program in English as a Second Language Offer intensive or individual courses in English for speaking, listening, reading, writing, and grammar. The program also provides information about ESL tests (i.e. TOEFL, ESLAT). Contact: askesl@facstaff.wisc.edu (608) 263-3780 5134 Helen C. White Hall 600 N. Park Street Madison, WI 53706 http://mendota.english.wisc.edu/~ESL/ESLindex.htm
Madison Friends of International Students Provide temporary housing with Madison families, holiday hospitality, coat, and furniture loans. Offer English classes for international students, scholars, and their spouses. The cost is $45 per semester. Contact: mfis@redgym.wisc.edu (608) 263-4010 223 Red Gym, 716 Langdon Street Madison, WI 53706 http://www.iss.wisc.edu/mfis
The Writing Center Free help on paper organization, style, and mechanics. Also, they offer classes and workshops on many things, such as writing graduate research proposals, preparing resumes, writing essay exams, writing about literature, and many others. Contact: writing@wisc.edu (608) 263-1992 6171 Helen c. White Hall 600 N. Park Street Madison, WI 53706 http://www.wisc.edu/writing/
CONVERSATIONAL ENGLISH QUESTIONS
for TUTORSQ. Do I get paid to tutor?
A. No, all of our tutors are volunteers.Q. How many hours per week do I tutor?
A. We ask for a minimum of 2 hours per week from each tutor but tutors are free to meet more regularly with their partners.Q. Why should I become a GUTS conversation partner?
A. There are many reasons to volunteer with GUTS but here are some: 1)improve communication and teaching skills, 2) resume building, 3) volunteer and interpersonal work experience, 4) engage in positive intercultural exchange, 5) opportunities to make new friends, and 6) the chance to expand social outlets.Q. As a GUTS conversation partner, what are my responsibilities?
A. As a tutor, you are expected to possess subject proficiency and knowledge, respect each student as an individual, build each student’s confidence through honest encouragement, give total attention to all students during your tutoring sessions, serve as a guide rather than as an authority figure, and show patience and understanding of all of your students’ abilities. GUTS tutors are also expected to show up on time to their tutoring shifts and contact GUTS staff with any problems, concerns, or if you are unable to make a shift.Q. Does GUTS provide orientation and training for conversation partners?
A. Yes! All new tutors will come to the office before they begin tutoring to meet with our Coordinators who will review policies, strategies, and expectations. At this time, tutors can also receive materials to help with their tutoring sessions- books, worksheets, games, and any other resources that the CE library owns. These materials may be checked out free of charge.Q. When I sign up to be a conversation partner, how do I know when I’m tutoring?
A. You will receive in email from the program with details on your tutoring schedule. They will let you know the day and time that works best for you and your tutee.Q. What do I do if I can’t attend a scheduled meeting with my conversation partner?
A. Let your partner(s) know right away that you will be unable to make your regular meeting. If possible, try to find an alternate time to meet.
ACADEMIC TUTORING QUESTIONS
for TUTEESQ. What’s the difference between Academic Match and Drop In?
A. ACADEMIC MATCH offers long term assistance with classes and tutoring is done exclusively in a small group setting. You will be matched with up to 5 other students and meet weekly with a tutor. We ask for a commitment of 2 hours per week to be an AM tutee and you must register for this program.DROP-IN offers short term, immediate assistance. This program requires no registration and tutors are available in a variety of subjects at College and Steenbock Libraries Sundays-Wednesdays. You should check the online schedules to see when an appropriate tutor is tutoring and then visit the center.
Q. What is the best time to register for tutoring?
A. We can accommodate students through the 12th week of the semester, but we do not advise signing up for a study group this late in the semester. Students should feel free to use our Drop In Centers at any time but if students are interested in small group tutoring, the earlier the better. If you find yourself confused in lecture, falling behind in reading, or performing poorly on quizzes or tests, stop by GUTS to find a tutor! Also, if you feel that your problems are more study related, sign up for an appointment with a Study Specialist!Q. How long until I get matched once I register?
A. We try to match conversation partners within 2 weeks of registration but there is no guarantee that we can match you that quickly, or at all. Please be patient as you wait to hear from our staff via email.Q. How are peer tutors and students matched?
A. Tutees are matched with a tutor based on schedule availability and academic needs.Q. What should happen during the first tutoring session?
A. Tutors and tutees should introduce themselves, make sure that everyone has each other’s contact information, and confirm that the day, time, and location works for everyone. The group should discuss expectations they have for each other during their group meetings and the tutor should ask for specific concerns tutees might have (concepts, etc).Q. What should I bring to my tutoring session?
A. It is important to come prepared with questions you might have to your tutoring sessions. It is recommended that you at least attempt your homework before bringing it to a tutor for help. Bring your lecture notes and textbook to your tutoring sessions too. Finally, bring your patience because occasionally our Drop In Centers are busy and there might be a short wait.Q. What do I do if I can’t attend a tutoring session?
A. Let your tutor know immediately that you are unable to attend your regular session. In the Academic Match program, if a student has more than 2 un-excused absences, the student may be dropped from the group.Q. When is tutoring?
A. Small group tutoring (Academic Match) is based on your schedule and the schedule of your tutor. We will do our best to accommodate your preferred times. All of our groups meet sometime after 4pm Sunday-Thursday. Drop In tutoring is at set days and times throughout the semester. Please see our website for specific days, times, and locations of the tutors.Q. Where do I go for tutoring?
A. This depends on the type of tutoring you are looking for. WE DO NOT TUTOR IN THE OFFICE. To find a Drop In tutor, you would visit Helen C. White Library or Steenbock Library. Our Academic Match tutoring occurs in rooms and buildings across campus. Check our website for details or stop by the office to register.Q. When does tutoring end?
A. ACADEMIC MATCH is expected to go through the last week of classes. Our DROP-IN Centers are open through the beginning of finals.Q. Does GUTS offer tutoring for finals?
A. GUTS sponsors a “Study Day” at the beginning of Finals Week that is essentially an all day study marathon for last minute help in final preparation.Q. Can I get a one-on-one tutor?
A. We offer small group tutoring with up to six students. Depending on the demand for a particular course, we will match you with other students also seeking help for the same course. If there is little demand for a course, there is a good chance you will be the only person in the group. If you are solely interested in getting a one-on-one tutor, check with your department’s office about “tutors for hire.”Q. What if I don’t get the help I need from my tutor?
A. If the match isn’t working out between you and your tutor, just email the program staff with your specific concerns and we will do our best to re-match you with someone else. It is important to remember all tutors are volunteers, doing the best they can and they may not be able to answer every question. Be sure to look into other campus resources for additional help.Q. Where are the Drop In Centers?
A. Helen C. White Library and Steenbock Library.Q. Do professors know about GUTS tutoring?
A. Most professors on campus know about GUTS and we work with many departments to find tutors and advertise our services.Q. Where else can I go for CHEMISTRY tutoring?
A. ALPHA CHI SIGMA CHEMISTRY FRATERNITY
621 N Lake Street
608-251-1159 & 608-251-1151
Website: http://www.chem.wisc.edu/~axe
Drop-In tutoring every Wednesday from 7pm-9pm
O-Chem tutoring every Tuesday from 8pm-9pmCHEMISTRY LEARNING CENTER
1101 University Ave.
265-5497
Tony Jacob, 608-263-5497
Email: atjacob@facstaff.wisc.edu
Website: http://www.chem.wisc.edu/areas/clc/AMERICAN INSTITUTE FOR CHEMICAL ENGINEERS (AICHE)
Website: http://www.engr.wisc.edu/studentorgs/aiche/
Free drop in tutoring for Chem 103, 104, 109
Contact Dave at balachandran@wisc.eduCHEMISTRY STUDY ROOM
Walk in Hours
Website: http://genchem.chem.wisc.edu/students/tutorpag.htm
Free drop-in tutoring Sun-Wed, 6:30pm-9:30pmUNIVERSITY HOUSING ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Free drop-in tutoring for housing residents in Chemistry and Math.
Website: http://www.housing.wisc.edu/student_orgs/academicsQ. Where else can I go for MATH tutoring?
A. MATH LAB
Free Drop-In Tutorial Program through Math 234
B227 Van Vleck
Website: http://www.math.wisc.edu/~MathLab/
Hours: Monday-Thursday 3:30-8:30pmMATHEMATICS TUTORIAL PROGRAM
Offers free small group tutoring for students enrolled in Math 112-4, 171/217, 211, 213, 221-2, 234
321 Van Vleck
David Camacho; 608-263-6817
Email: camacho@math.wisc.edu
Website: http://www.math.wisc.edu/~tprogramPRIVATE TUTORS (FOR A FEE)
Listed on the 2nd floor of Van VleckUNIVERSITY HOUSING ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Free drop-in tutoring for housing residents in Chemistry and Math.
Website: http://www.housing.wisc.edu/student_orgs/academicsQ. Where else can I go for ENGINEERING tutoring?
A. ENGINEERING TUTORING SERVICES
4th Floor, Wendt Engineering Library
Free drop-in help
Website: http://studentservices.engr.wisc.edu/classes/tutoring/
Email: egradvisor@engr.wisc.edu
608-262-2473Q. Where else can I go for STATISTICS tutoring?
A. STATISTICS TUTORIAL SERVICE
Tutoring only for students currently enrolled in Stats 201, 224, 301, 324, or 371
Tutoring Schedule available in Stats office
4379 Comp. Sci. and Statistics
Emal: yilin@stat.wisc.edu
Website: http://www.stat.wisc.eduQ. Where else can I go for SPANISH tutoring?
A. Spanish- TUTORS FOR HIRE
Website: http://spanport.lss.wisc.edu/people/tutorsspan.htmlQ. Where else can I go for FRENCH tutoring?
A. French- TUTORS FOR HIRE
Website:http://frit.lss.wisc.edu/new_web/?q=node/91Q. Where else can I go for ECON tutoring?
A. ECONOMICS STUDENT ASSOCIATION
7470 Social Science Bldg
608-262-8762
Email: esa@studentorg.wisc.edu
Website:http://www.econ.wisc.edu/undergrad/tutorlst.htmBUSINESS LEARNING CENTER
Website: http://www.bus.wisc.edu/blc
608-262-1186
Free small group tutoring sessions for Econ 101-102, Accounting 100, 211, 301, Business Stats 303, 304, and Math 210.DEPARTMENT of AIS TUTORING LIST
Website: http://www.bus.wisc.edu/accounting/resources_for_students/default.aspQ. Where else can I go for PHYSICS tutoring?
A. PHYSICS TUTORING CLUB
2321 Sterling Hall
608-263-2805
Website: http://ups.physics.wisc.edu
Free Drop-In tutoring - Call for schedule or check room for posting of when tutors available.PHYSICS PEER MENTORING TUTORING PROGRAM
Susan Nossal, 608-262-9107, Email: nossal@wisp5.physics.wisc.edu
Small-group tutorials in Physics 103 and 104 for students from groups underrepresented in the sciences, for students with special learning needs (such as transfer students and returning adults), and for students who have dropped physics in the past.
Larry Edgerton
7116 Helen C. White Hall
608-262-3262
Email:lgedgert@facstaff.wisc.edu
ACADEMIC TUTORING QUESTIONS
for TUTORSQ. Who are the tutors?
A. Students just like you! Our tutors are made of undergraduate and graduate students who have excelled in particular classes and have volunteered to help out others.Q. Do I get paid to tutor?
A. No, all of our tutors are volunteers.Q. Why should I become a GUTS tutor?
A. There are many reasons to volunteer with GUTS but here are some: 1)improve communication and teaching skills, 2) resume building, 3) volunteer and interpersonal work experience, 4) increase knowledge retention from past classes, 5) opportunities to make new friends, and 6) the chance to expand social outlets.Q. When I sign up to be a tutor, how do I know when I’m tutoring?
A. You will receive in email from the program with details on your tutoring schedule. They will let you know the place, time, and location of your assignment.Q. Does GUTS provide orientation and training for tutors?
A. Yes! All new tutors will come to the office before they begin tutoring to meet with our Coordinators who will review tutoring policies, strategies, and expectations. At this time, tutors can also receive materials to help with their tutoring sessions- books, worksheets, class syllabi, dry erase markers, etc.Q. How many hours per week do I tutor?
A. We ask for a minimum of 2 hours per week from each tutor but tutors are free to sign up for more hours.Q. As a GUTS tutor, what are my responsibilities?
A. As a tutor, you are expected to possess subject proficiency and knowledge, respect each student as an individual, build each student’s confidence through honest encouragement, give total attention to all students during your tutoring sessions, serve as a guide rather than as an authority figure, and show patience and understanding of all of your students’ abilities. GUTS tutors are also expected to show up on time to their tutoring shifts and contact GUTS staff with any problems, concerns, or if you are unable to make a shift.Q. What do I do if I can’t attend a tutoring session?
A. Let your group know right away that you will be unable to make your regular tutoring session. If possible, try to find an alternate time to meet. Also, please email the GUTS staff and let them know of the absence.
Q. What’s a Study Skills appointment?
A. A Study Skills individual appointment is a scheduled meeting with a study specialist who will help you pinpoint the issues and challenges you are facing in your courses and then offer suggestions and tips for improving the quality of your work. We also offer workshops and regular appointments for students who qualify for McBurney services.Q. How do I know if I should have a study skills appointment?
A. To be honest, most students could benefit from a study skills appointment. For example, if you’re having trouble studying for an exam, managing your time or stress, taking notes, focusing in class or when you are studying, or if you just want to be a more effective and efficient student, then a study skills appointment could be very helpful. It is a one time appointment, so there is no additional time commitment, and the appointment would really just give you an idea of what you can do to study smarter.Q. I’m a member of a club or organization- does Study Skills meet with groups?
A. YES, Study Skills does workshops for any club/organization/dorm floor on campus. We will focus our workshop to your group’s needs and bring materials and resources for students to take home with them. Our workshops are interactive and are a great way for your group to become better students!
