Tutoring Center

Mission

The Tutoring Center in the Student Success Center, located on the A-level of the library, aids students in becoming independent learners by offering assistance in understanding and interpreting course content, developing general study skills and providing support tailored to each student’s needs.

The Bellarmine Tutoring Center provides FREE peer tutoring to all Bellarmine undergraduate students for many 100- and 200-level courses. Our Center is certified by the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) as a ITTPC Level One and Two program.

Tutoring takes the form of individual and small group sessions (by appointment). Sessions are available either online or in-person. Our tutoring services are meant to not only further students’ knowledge in a particular class, but to help students develop the skills they need to be successful at Bellarmine.

Scheduling a Tutoring Appointment

• Schedule a tutoring appointment here
• Choose your course, preferred time and location (in-person or online).
• Once the session is scheduled, you will receive a confirmation email. If online, you will be able to access the Microsoft Teams meeting link in Accudemia under upcoming appointments. 

Reminders 

• Appointments cannot be made less than 24 hours in advance of the requested time. 
• Both in-person and online appointments may have up to three students per session.
• If you miss two appointments or cancel less than 24 hours in advance of your appointment twice, you will be required to communicate with the Dr. Staci Pippin-Kottkamp (skottkamp@bellarmine.edu) before you will be able to schedule additional appointments.

Technology Requirements (if online)

• Computer/laptop, tablet or smartphone device with working microphone and camera 
• Internet access 

Who participates in tutoring?

Tutoring is available for any undergraduate student. Services are available for students at any level of understanding of the class material, and the tutors help students become prepared and comfortable with the class content.

Benefits of tutoring

You do not have to be struggling in a course to participate in tutoring. Tutoring can be beneficial for all students in the following ways: 

• Individual and unique learning experience.
• Improves confidence in course content. 
• Encourages independent learning and critical thinking skills. 
• Supports in-class learning. 
• Aids in developing strong academic and study skills. 

What do tutors do?

Our tutors are Bellarmine undergraduate students, who have successfully completed the courses they tutor with a satisfactory grade (A or B). They are trained to lead group or individual tutoring sessions and aim to improve students’ general study and critical thinking skills. Our goal is to help students have rewarding learning experiences inside and outside the classroom.

What to expect from a Tutoring Session

• Your tutors will do their best to offer help that benefits you both in the short-term for your immediate needs, and in the long-term of improving your overall skills.
• Your tutor will use your needs, effort and investment to guide the session.
• Your tutors will address your questions regarding course material and the organization of the course, and they will work with you to figure out how you can study most effectively.
• Your tutor will provide you with strategies regarding studying, note-taking, time management and test-taking that you can apply on your own time to improve your learning.

What NOT to expect from a Tutoring Session

• Tutors will not teach material. They are not able to present the material with the depth as your professor. They will direct you to your instructor when it comes to questions about course organization or grading procedures.
• Tutoring is NOT a substitute for attending class.
• Tutors will not complete homework assignments with you.
• Tutors are not available 24/7. Budget your time and make an appointment as soon as you can in you are concerned about your success in a content area.
• You cannot drop things off to be corrected or edited.
• Tutors will not judge or criticize your work. They will always do their best to meet your needs. Tutors may refer you to other resources when necessary.

Contact Us

Staci Pippin-Kottkamp, Ph.D.
Director of Tutoring and Summer Academic Programs
skottkamp@bellarmine.edu
502-272-8065