Frequently Asked Questions About the CAST

FAQ

What is expected of students prior to attending their tutoring session?

Please carefully read over the Student Tutoring Agreement. This document outlines how the Center for Academic SucceSs & Tutoring (CAST) operates as well as the expectations and responsibilities of students who use the Center's services.

What is the role of a tutor?

The role of a tutor is to provide additional assistance to students with their coursework. Tutors are not course instructors; they are not substitutes for attending class and they are not responsible for teaching the course material. Rather, tutors are available to help students clarify course content and develop effective ways to learn the material. Tutors also provide learning resources and study strategies that students can utilize for exam preparation.

Please be advised: It is strictly against the Center's policy to assist students with any graded material, including homework, projects, take-home exams, etc. In addition, tutors are not permitted to directly provide students with answers for assignments.

Which courses can I receive tutoring in?

Although tutoring is not available for every subject or course offered at the College, the CAST typically facilitates assistance in over 100 courses each semester, including some in: Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Dental Hygiene, Economics, Electrical Engineering, Nursing, Physics, Psychology, and Spanish. Assistance in additional subject areas may vary each semester based on staffing. 

Always visit the Tutoring Courses page for the latest tutoring course availability.

Who is eligible to use the Center's services?

The Center's services are available to all Farmingdale State College students for courses in which they are currently enrolled. 

Please note: The Center is not able to assist individuals who are not current students of the College (i.e. alumni, transferred to another institution, community member, etc.), or for courses in which they are not currently enrolled at the College (enrolled at FSC, but seeking tutoring in a course they are completing at another institution).

How much does tutoring or coaching cost?

All of the CAST's services, including face-to-face tutoring, online/remote tutoring, and academic coaching are provided free of charge to all currently enrolled students.

When can I get tutored?

The Center is open to students Monday through Friday, on days when classes are in session during the Fall and Spring semesters. Operating hours vary each semester based on the tutoring schedule. The Center is not open during the January intersession. Limited tutoring services are typically available during the summer.

How much tutoring can I receive?

Students are permitted to schedule one tutoring appointment per course per day. Lab and theory are counted as one course. In order to provide all students with an equitable experience, we do not permit back-to-back or double appointments for the same course in the same day.

Where are the tutoring or coaching sessions held?

Face-to-face tutoring and coaching sessions are conducted in the Center's facility in Greenley Hall (Library), Room 302. Remote sessions are held on Google Meet.

Who are the tutors?

Typically, there are around 15-20 peer and 8-10 professional tutors each semester. Peer tutors are faculty recommended, must have received an A- or better in each course they tutor, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Professional tutors must have at least a Bachelor's degree and at least one year of tutoring or teaching assistant experience in a higher education setting.

How can I prepare for my tutoring session?

Before coming in for a tutoring session, it is highly recommended that students do the following:

  • Go to class, listen attentively, take notes, and address questions with your instructor to clarify any difficulties or problem areas. Remember: tutors are NOT teachers. They are not responsible for teaching you any material. Rather, they are available to assist you with specific concepts that you learned in class.

  • Attempt to do your assignments and practice problems before coming to your tutoring sessions. Tutors are NOT permitted to do any assignments for you (exams, quizzes, homework, etc). This is a violation of the College's policy on Academic Integrity.

  • Identify specific concepts/areas where help is needed prior to attending your session.

  • Come prepared with all necessary materials: notes, books, handouts, etc. The Center does not maintain copies of textbooks or other class materials. However, students may utilize textbooks on reserve from the Library.

Does the Center offer tutoring for standardized tests?

No, unfortunately, the Center does not provide tutoring for any type of standardized test, including but not limited to GRE, GMAT, MCAT, or LSAT. 

Does the Center provide private tutoring or tutoring for community members?

No, the Center does not provide or facilitate any private tutoring services. Additionally, the Center's services are only available to currently enrolled students at the College. Regrettably, the Center does not provide any services for alumni, local community members, K-12 students, etc.

Does the Center offer any accessibility related accommodations for tutoring or academic coaching?

The Center for Academic Success & Tutoring (CAST) strives to foster an environment that is inclusive of students of all abilities. To enhance and provide an equitable student experience, the CAST offers several reasonable accommodations that are available for any student to request at the time of their tutoring or academic coaching appointment. Students are not required to disclose a disability in order to receive an accommodation as it pertains to tutoring services.

Students with a documented disability are strongly encouraged to register with the Disability Services Center (DSC) to receive classroom related accommodations. Some accommodations approved by the DSC, such as extended testing time, are only available for the classroom setting and do not carry over to tutoring services. Therefore, the CAST does not provide back-to-back tutoring or coaching appointments for the same course, or extended tutoring or coaching time (time and a half or double time) as a reasonable accommodation.

Available tutoring related accommodations are listed below:

  • Extra time to enter or exit the physical space
  • An aide or scribe to accompany the student during the session
  • Intermittent breaks during the session
  • A distraction reduced space*
  • An accessible, height adjustable table*
  • Use of assistive technology, such as closed captions, dictation, text to speech, and screen reader
  • Audio recording of a tutoring or coaching session^

*Note #1: This accommodation is dependent upon available space during the time of the appointment and it is not guaranteed this will be available to all students at all times.

^Note #2: The CAST kindly asks that any student who wishes to record their tutoring session notify the tutor or coach prior to initiating recording.

We value your privacy. Students should not send any medical or personal information to the CAST. Students with questions or concerns about accommodations should contact the DSC for further assistance. 

Can I schedule a tutoring session when I am in class?

Tutoring sessions are not conducted while a student is in class or attending another meeting.

For online appointments, we highly recommend a private, distraction-reduced area if possible. 

Can I bring or eat food during my session?

You may bring a beverage to your session. Due to allergen risks among students and staff, we kindly ask you to enjoy food prior to your appointment outside of the Center in designated spaces.

I'm interested in becoming a peer tutor or success coach. How do I get started?

Please visit the Center for Academic Success & Tutoring Employment Opportunities page for more information.

Still could use some help? Email us and we will get back to you shortly.

CENTER FOR
ACADEMIC SUCCESS & TUTORING

Greenley Hall, Room 302
934-420-2066
tutoringcenter@farmingdale.edu

Email

Michael Londis
Director

Email

Ashley Perrone
Assistant Director

Email

Madison Lerner
Administrative Coordinator

Office Hours | Fall 2024

Monday 8:30am - 5:00pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5:00pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5:00pm
Friday 8:30am - 3:00pm

Effective Tuesday, September 3rd through Friday, December 13th.

Please view the Tutoring Schedule for specific course and tutor availability. These hours are only effective on days when classes are in session during the fall 2024 semester. 

Last Modified 9/3/24