House Calls

House Calls is a new program that adds to the many benefits of campus life.  The program provides free tutoring for resident students who need emergency help in certain classes by tutors who can help them succeed in those classes.  House calls provides tutors when and where they are needed the most - right in the residence halls.  Tutoring occurs in the evening hours, when other resources may not be available, in less formal settings and with only one tutoring session going on in the room at any given time.  Students can click on the "Request a Tutor" option on the left to set up an appointment, or email housecalls@winthrop.edu for more information. 

Meet the Fall 2009 House Calls Tutors! From left to right, they are Zach, Anna, Abby, Jon, and the graduate assistant, Stephen.

Some of the most common questions about House Calls are addressed below.

Who is offering this program?

House Calls is an initiative of the Department of Residence Life, offered in cooperation with University College.

How much does it cost?

Tutoring through House Calls is free - it is a benefit of living on campus and is provided by Residence Life with no additional cost to students.

Who are House Calls tutors available to?

House Calls tutors are available to all resident students in the Winthrop community, although tutoring only occurs in Wofford, Richardson, and Margaret Nance halls. 

When are House Calls tutors available?

The current hours for House Calls are Sunday through Thursday, 7PM to 10PM.

How do I get an appointment?

Use the web request form, which can be reached by clicking on "Request a Tutor" at the left.  You will be asked to submit detailed information about what you need help with, as well as a few times when you would be available to meet.  You will receive an email informing you of when and in which room your tutoring session will occur.

What should I bring to the tutoring session?

You should bring all relevant materials for the subject or assignment you need help with.  This could include your textbook, a description of your assignment (from a handout, your syllabus or your calendar), your notes from class, any work you have already done, rubrics, etc.  The more relevant material you bring with you, the more help your tutor is likely to be able to provide.

How long will I be there?

House Calls appointments are limited to one hour in an effort to make sure we can provide assistance to as many students as possible.

Can I set up recurring appointments at a certain time?

House Calls cannot offer long-term tutoring solutions.  It is intended to be a kind of emergency measure to help students with a specific topic or assignment.  For long-term, regular assistance, contact your professor and ask about the resources available in the department you need help with.

Can I request a specific tutor?

Matches between tutor and student are determined by House Calls staff after considering the subject the student needs help with, the times the student requests to meet and the expertise and availability of the House Calls tutors.  Requesting a specific tutor is not likely to affect that process.

Who can I contact with specific questions or concerns about the program or my tutoring session?

A form will be provided after every tutoring session to provide a chance for students to give their feedback on the session.  For more information or to report issues, you can contact Cynthia Cassens, Director of Residence Life, or Tim Daugherty, Associate Dean of University College.  You can also email housecalls@winthrop.edu with questions.