Tutoring
- How do I sign up for a tutor?
- Does tutoring go on all semester?
- Are there tutors for all departments?
- What if I'm not sure that tutoring is what I need?
- What other forms of assistance are available?
Coaching
- What is coaching?
- Does coaching go on all semester?
- What do I need to do to prepare for a coaching meeting?
- What if I'm not sure that coaching is what I need?
International Students
- I am having difficulty in my classes, who should I talk to?
- What happens if I am on academic probation?
- Where can I go for help writing my papers?
- What is English 101/102 and is is required?
- Are there any special classes at Calvin for international students?
- Is there a special orientation at the beginning of the year for international students?
Questions still not answered. Send your question to us.
Tutoring
How do I sign up for a tutor?
You must sign up in person at our Hiemenga Hall location. Visit our tutoring website for more details.
Does tutoring go on all semester?
It is assumed that the tutor and student will meet once a week unless they decide that tutoring is no longer appropriate. The tutor, the student, or the professor may request that tutoring be discontinued.
Are there tutors for all departments?
We provide tutoring for most 100-level and many 200-level courses. Tutoring in foreign languages is arranged through each foreign language department. The Rhetoric Center provides assistance and advice in writing. Some departments also schedule their own drop-in tutor hours.
What if I'm not sure that tutoring is what I need?
You may make an appointment with a member of our staff to discuss your academic situation. These advisors will help you determine the steps to take to develop your approaches to learning.
What other forms of assistance are available?
When tutoring or other forms of study assistance are not effective, the student may seek professional guidance in diagnosing obstacles to academic success and in designing plans for corrective action. Diagnosing may involve self-reports, skills tests, and/or individual ability tests. Intervening may involve repeated counseling sessions, "homework prescriptions," and/or referral to the Broene Counseling Center for counseling and Career Development.
Coaching
What is coaching?
Visit our coaching Web site for details of our coaching program.
Does coaching go on all semester?
It is assumed that the coach and student will continue to meet once a week unless they decide that coaching is no longer appropriate. The coach or the student may request that coaching be discontinued.
What do I need to do to prepare for a coaching meeting?
Bring your planner or any method of time management that you are currently using, as well as your syllabi from each class. The coach will want to see what academic obligations you may have coming up each week. Also, have questions ready for them so they can be helpful with your most pressing needs.
What if I'm not sure that coaching is what I need?
You may make an appointment with a member of the SAS staff to discuss your academic situation. These advisors will help you determine the steps to take in order to develop your approaches to studying and managing time.
International Students
I am having difficulty in my classes, who should I talk to?
Stop by our Hiemenga Hall location and talk with the person at the front desk so that we can connect you with the appropriate resources.
What happens if I am on academic probation?
International students on academic probation are assigned a probation counselor, most often Leanne Doornbos. The students then visit with her regularly to develop strategies to improve academic performance and get off of academic probation.
Where can I go for help with writing my papers?
Several places. Located on the second floor of Hekman Library, the Rhetoric Center provides help in preparing to write an assignment, developing organization, revising drafts, avoiding plagiarism, and many other services. Another resource is ESL Instructor Leanne Doornbos. She can help students with Calvin’s writing expectations and provide students with various skills in writing papers.
What is English 100/102? And is it required?
English 100/102 is a year-long English class that fulfills the written rhetoric core requirement. More than that, English 100/102 is designed to help students with their English writing by providing small class sizes (15-18 students per class) and extended time to practice writing. Students stay with the same professor and classmates throughout both courses. English 100/102 is not a required course for international students, but many students choose to participate because of the extra help, time, and sense of community that the courses provide.
Are there any special classes at Calvin for international students?
For international students there are two sections of English 100/102 that focus specifically on their academic and non-academic needs. These sections discuss Calvin and American writing expectations, practice writing for American audiences, develop strategies and skills to succeed in writing for all courses, and consider the cultural implications of what it means to be an international student at Calvin.
Is there a special orientation at the beginning of the year for international students?
Yes. Student Development offers International Passport for international students who would like to familiarize themselves with Calvin before classes begin.
