FAQ

• What is a peer tutor?
• How do I set up an appointment?
• Where does tutoring take place?
• Is peer tutoring free?
• What subjects have tutors?
• How do I become a tutor?
• Does going to a tutor mean I’m a weak student?
• Why should I go to a peer tutor instead of my professor?
• Will my professor(s) know I went to see the tutors?
• What do I need to bring to a tutoring session?
• What do writing tutors do?
• Can I bring papers for any course to the writing tutors?

A peer tutor is a Wheaton student who excels in a particular academic subject and has been recommended by faculty for their expertise and ability to support others. Peer tutors are trained to help students develop their understanding of course material, strengthen study strategies, and build confidence in their learning.

Peer tutors work in the Filene Center in Kollett Hall-Discovery Center, Sunday through Thursday.

Tutoring is a collaborative process—tutors won’t just give you answers, but they will help you develop the skills to find solutions on your own.

Schedules are posted throughout campus, online, and on Starfish — sessions are available via drop-in and by appointment!

To make the most of your session, bring specific questions or assignments you’d like to work on. You can also study alongside a tutor so that if questions come up, support is right there when you need it.

Peer Tutoring takes place in the Filene Center within Kollett Hall, across from Mars Center for Science and Technology and adjacent to the Diana Davis Spencer Discovery Center. Writing tutors work with students in the Scholars Lab, in the Library.

Peer tutoring is available at no additional cost for all Wheaton students.

Many.  Needs change each semester based on courses offered. See the list on the main page, or the posted schedule, for a complete list of current available tutors.

Contact [email protected], and let us know you are interested in getting info on joining our team!

Not at all! Seeking out tutoring is a sign of academic strength—it shows that you’re proactive about your learning and open to growth. In fact, many of our peer tutors also use tutoring for subjects outside their expertise. Whether you’re looking for clarity, a new perspective, or a confidence boost, tutoring is for everyone!

Meeting with your professor during office hours is always a great idea, and it’s something you should absolutely do, early and often — and sometimes, talking with a peer can also help concepts click in a different way. Peer tutors have taken the same courses and understand the challenges firsthand.

Tutoring is confidential, though professors may encourage it. If they ask, we focus on celebrating your initiative rather than suggesting it’s a sign of struggle. Our goal is to make tutoring a welcoming, stigma-free space for all students.

Bring whatever you have!

• For subject tutoring: Course materials, assignments, notes, past quizzes or exams, or just your ideas.
• For writing tutoring: A draft (if you have one), an outline, brainstorming ideas, or a prompt you need help with.

Tutors will help you at any stage of the learning process, whether you’re refining ideas or just beginning.

Writing tutors are trained peer tutors who specialize in helping students strengthen their writing skills. They won’t “fix” your paper for you, but they will help you with:

• Organizing ideas
• Strengthening clarity and argumentation
• Developing a strong writing process
• Identifying patterns in grammar and mechanics so you can improve over time

Yes! Writing tutors work with students from all disciplines, including English essays, biology lab reports, research papers, creative writing, and even honors theses. While tutors may not always be experts in your subject area, they can provide valuable feedback on clarity, structure, and overall effectiveness.

If you have additional questions, please contact Tutoring Coordinator Michael Lehman at [email protected].