Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

· What services are available at the Academic Resource Center (ARC)
· How do students sign up for tutoring in the ARC?
· What are my tutor's qualifications?
· What is expected of me at a tutoring session?
· How long are tutoring sessions?
· What if I cannot make my scheduled tutoring sessions?
· What is Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)?
· Who can use the ARC's Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)?
· How do students participate in the ARC's Peer Mentoring program?
· How much does it cost to use the ARC's services?
· Where will Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) take place?
· Where will Peer Mentoring take place?
· What is the difference between a Peer Mentor and a PASS Leader?
· What's expected of me at a Peer Assisted Study Session (PASS)?
· Will PASS Leaders be available for individual work?
· Will I have to attend PASS on a regular basis?
· What are the qualifications of my PASS Leader?
· What can I expect from my PASS Leader?
· What are the qualifications of Peer Mentors?
· What can I expect from my Peer Mentor?
· Do I need an appointment to see a Peer Mentor?

Q. What services are available at the Academic Resource Center (ARC)?
A. Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS), Peer Mentoring, and Tutoring

Q. How do students sign up for tutoring in the ARC?
A. Students who would like to use tutoring services can either click here for complete instructions on setting an appointment with a tutor or can log onto the ARC website and click Make an Appointment.

Q. What are my tutor's qualifications?
A. Our tutors have earned a minimum grade of B+ in relevant coursework and are recommended by faculty. Tutors in the ARC must go through extensive training upon being hired. Additionally, the ARC is CRLA Level I and Level II certified.

Q. What is expected of me at a tutoring session?
A. Tutoring is a two way street. As a student, you are expected to effectively communicate specific problems that you are having in your subject area. Also remember to bring everything with you to a tutoring session that you are expected to have in class including your text, notes, handouts, and any past tests you may have.

Q. How long are tutoring sessions?
A. Tutoring sessions are thirty minutes long. You may schedule two back to back thirty minute sessions if you feel you need more time with your tutor.

Q. What if I cannot make my scheduled tutoring session?
A. The ARC requires no less than 24 hours notice to cancel a tutoring session. If you know at least 24 hours in advance that you will not be able to attend your tutoring session, you must cancel your appointment through TutorTrac. If you cancel within 24 hours of your appointment, please notify the ARC office (824-2478) so that we can notify your tutor. If you do not show up for your appointment and do not cancel through TutorTrac, you are considered a "no-show." If you have 3 "no-shows" you are considered inactive and must meet with either the ARC director or assistant to be returned to active status.

Q. What is Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)?
A. PASS are peer-led review sessions provided for selected courses. PASS provides a chance for students to come together with classmates to compare notes, discuss study concepts, review for tests, and to develop better study strategies.

The sessions are conducted by PASS Leaders. PASS Leaders are students who have already taken the selected course and earned a high grade. In their sessions, they share their study strategies and help session participants learn how to study more effectively. The PASS Leader does not re-lecture or give out his/her class notes, but reinforces material covered in class and helps the participants become independent learners.

Research that has been done on the benefits of study groups says students who study together learn two and a half times as much in the same amount of time as students who study alone. Collaborative learning promotes critical thinking through discussion, clarification of ideas, and evaluation of others’ ideas.

The PASS program encourages students to work with their classmates and to break the cycle of dependency that they may bring with them from secondary school. PASS does not identify high-risk students, but rather identifies historically difficult classes.

Q. Who can use the ARC's Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)?
A. Peer Assisted Study Sessions are available for any student enrolled a PASS designated class.

Q. How do students participate in the ARC's Peer Mentoring program?
A.The Peer Mentoring program is for freshman students who are enrolled in the Intro to University Life class (UNV 101)

Q. How much does it cost to use the ARC's services?
A. The ARC's services are free to currently enrolled UAH students.

Q. Where will the ARC’s Peer Assisted Study Sessions take place?
A. The ARC’s Peer Assisted Study Sessions take place in a scheduled classroom.

Q. Where will Peer Mentoring take place?
A. Freshman students will see their Peer Mentors in their UNV 101 classes. Other mentoring activities will take place all across campus.

Q. What is the difference between a Peer Mentor and a PASS Leader?
A. PASS Leaders and Peer Mentors differ in their focus, although both want to help you succeed. PASS Leaders generally concentrate on a particular subject area such as math or science, for example. Peer Mentors help you across subjects in areas such as study skills and time management. Peer Mentors can also help you in areas not directly related to academics such as adjusting to college, getting along with your roommate, and talking to professors.

Q. What's expected of me at a Peer Assisted Study Session (PASS)?
A. In order to adequately prepare for Peer Assisted Study Sessions, attend class regularly and keep up with your textbook readings. Your PASS Leader does not teach the material but rather reviews it with you. He or she can help you understand concepts, talk through ideas, and ask probing questions. Your success depends entirely upon you. The more actively you pursue your studies, the more you'll get out of each session. Make sure you bring your books, assignments, and notes to each session.

Q. Will PASS Leaders be available for individual work?
A. Peer Assisted Study Sessions are based on group collaboration. However, all PASS Leaders have tutoring hours available if you have specific questions or need individual help. The ARC offers individual tutoring services to all enrolled students.

Q. Will I have to attend PASS on a regular basis?
A. It is best to attend sessions on a regular basis, but it is not required.

Q. What are the qualifications of my PASS Leader?
A. PASS Leaders are students with high GPAs and who have been successful in the class in which they are assisting. They must complete a rigorous application process and participate in on-going professional development.

Q. What can I expect from my PASS Leader?
A. PASS Leaders will be on time and prepared to discuss and reinforce class material. They will facilitate discussion and review as well as help you work on test preparation and study skills.

Q. What are the qualifications of Peer Mentors?
A. Peer Mentors are sophomore, junior or senior-level students who maintain high GPAs and who must complete a rigorous application process and participate in on-going professional development.

Q. What can I expect from my Peer Mentor?
A. Peer Mentors assist students by planning and organizing cultural, educational, and social outings and activities and by helping you become acquainted with resources available to you within the academic community.

Q. Do I need an appointment to see a Peer Mentor?
A. No, you will see your peer mentor in your UNV 101 classes or you may stop by the center, but if we are busy, you may have to wait. If you prefer, you can make an appointment to see a Peer Mentor.