The MSI and Tutoring Questions found on this page are the same as those found on their respective pages of this site.
Questions on this Page: MSI , Tutoring.
MSI Questions
Why should I go to MSI?
MSI is guaranteed study time. The Learning Assistant has taken the class before and has received a B
or better. He/She facilitates the group but focus’ on assisting students to answer questions themselves.
Students who attend MSI 4 or more time are much more likely to not only pass the class but receive a
higher than other students. MSI also gives you a chance to get to know others in your class in a relaxed environment.
What can I expect from an MSI session?
MSI is available to all students in the course. The session itself is limited to the first approximately
10 students who show up. Students are asked to work together with facilitation by the Learning Assistant.
The Learning Assistants main goal is to get students to become independent problem solvers and thinkers and
to achieve excellence in the class.
When does MSI start?
MSI generally starts during the second full week of the quarter. The actual start time is the first session
after the announcement is made in class.
Where can I find the MSI Schedule?
The MSI Schedule is passed out in lecture usually during the 2nd week of the quarter. However you can also
find it by going on line to
http://eop-apps.ucsc.edu/msi/msischedule.cfm
Where is MSI held?
The location are given on the handout for the class which can be found on-line at
http://eop-apps.ucsc.edu/msi/msischedule.cfm and click on the class.
MSI Sessions are located across campus with common locations being the ARCenter
(which is located between McHenry Library and the Music Center), the Oakes Learning Center, and the Baskin Whiteboards.
What if I miss the announcement?
You can go on-line to
http://eop-apps.ucsc.edu/msi/msischedule.cfm
and click on the class.
How do I find out about an exam review session?
Most review sessions are posted in the announcements section on the MSI webpage
http://www2.ucsc.edu/lss/msi.shtml The Learning Assistant may also make an announcement in lecture.
However, most review sessions are limited to those who have come to MSI at least once before. Many times the
Learning Assistant will only announce the review sessions during MSI sessions. If an exam is coming up and you
have not heard when the review is please check the web-site, check with your Learning Assistant in class or contact
Learning Support Services at 459-4333.
How do I find out if an MSI sessions has been cancelled or moved?
If there are any changes these are posted in the announcement section on the main MSI web-page
which is located at
http://www2.ucsc.edu/lss/msi.shtml
Are MSI sessions permanently cancelled?
MSI sessions are permanently cancelled if attendance is low. If you want the services to continue for the class you must attend MSI.
How are classes that MSI supports chosen?
The classes are usually large (over 50) entry-level lower and upper division courses. The courses have generally
proven to be difficult for many students. Professors can also request to have MSI support for their course.
Does MSI happen during finals week?
No, unless there is a review session scheduled. The last MSI sessions for the quarter are held during the last week of instruction.
How are MSI times selected?
A survey is done in class during the first few days of the quarter. The most popular times are chosen as
well as times that spread the MSI possibilities throughout the week.
Do I have to go every week?
No, however students tend to get the most benefits if they attend weekly or at least 4 times during the quarter.
If I need more help, what other services does Learning Support Services offer?
If a course is supported by MSI you must attend MSI first. If you would still like to receive additional tutoring support please contact Learning Support Services at 459-4333.
How do I contact the Learning Assistant?
The Learning Assistants are in every lecture so you can talk to them there. They generally sit near the front
and in the same spot every time. Or you can e-mail them. Their e-mail is located on the bottom of the MSI
handout for your class. If you no longer have this handout you can go on-line to
http://eop-apps.ucsc.edu/msi/msischedule.cfm
and click on the class. The e-mail is located at the bottom of this page. (Please note that MSI Learning Assistants may
or may not answer questions sent by e-mail.) Of course the best place and time to talk with them is during the scheduled MSI sessions.
How do I find out more information about the Learning Assistant?
You can go on-line to
http://eop-apps.ucsc.edu/msi/msischedule.cfm
and click on the Learning Assistant’s name. Here you will find a
picture, his/her person statement, the times and locations of MSI, as well as his/her e-mail address.
Who are the Learning Assistants?
The Learning Assistants are undergraduates who have previously taken the course and received a B or better.
All Learning Assistants have been recommended by a professor and many are hand picked by the professor who is currently teaching the class.
How do I become a Learning Assistant?
In general the professor recommends students. If you are interested you should let your professor know.
You must have received a B or better and currently be in good academic standing. We generally start to hire
for the next quarter in the last few weeks of the previous quarter. Please see Student Job Listings for more details.
Tutoring Questions
How do I sign up for tutoring?
To sign up for a tutor, login to the
OTSS student portal.
If you are a first time user, you will need to register.
What can I expect from my tutoring sessions?
The tutoring sessions are meant to be interactive. You can expect to participate, to ask and to answer questions, to clarify important
concepts and to develop study strategies that are key to your discipline. Sessions meet weekly and last one-hour long.
Who is eligible for tutoring?
All UCSC students are eligible for up to 1 hour per week so long that the class is not suppoerted by MSI. If the class is supported by MSi you must attend MSI first. Then if you would still like additional tutoring you will need to contact Learning Support Services at 459-4333.
When can I sign up for a tutor?
Sign-ups are done on-line on the
OTSS Student Portal. If you are a first
time user, you will need to register.
Sign-ups are generally during the second full week of the quarter.
Is the tutoring one-on-one or with a group?
Each tutoring session can have up to 4 students. If you require specific accommodations, such as one-to-one tutoring please contact Learning Support Services 459-4333.
How much tutoring can I receive?
You may receive one hour of tutoring per week in each class that you are taking.
Is there drop-in tutoring?
Generally no. When you sign up for a tutor using OTSS you are making a commitment to attend the session each week. (After you miss 2 sessions your
tutor can drop you from the session.) We do offer drop-in tutoring for Writing three times a week at the ARC. The Mathematics Department also offers
drop-in tutoring for classes below Math 100. For more information go to their web site at
http://www.math.ucsc.edu/about/dropintutor.html.
If I am receiving tutoring, do I need to attend lecture or section?
Absolutely! Our services are supplemental and are meant to help you develop your understanding of the course material. You will get much more out of your sessions
if you attend lecture and section regularly.
What if when I sign-up on the OTSS system there are no tutors available for my class?
If there are no available tutors for your class, OTSS will prompt you to add your name to the waitlist. Then it is a two part process: 1) You need to check in
with your professor, TA and peers to see if they have a recommendation for a tutor. Also, check in with Learning Support Services regularly. 2) We will contact our
current employees and applicants to see if they can fulfill your waitlist request.
What if I find a tutor for my class but I can’t meet at the times listed?
If there is a tutor available for your class but you cannot attend at the times listed you can add your name to the waitlist. Be sure to include what times you
are available. Remember that you will have to be flexible as all tutors are students too.
Are there any requirements for attending tutoring?
Tutoring is only a supplement to you attending lecture, Sections, Professor and TA office hours, and completing reading and homework assignments.
Who are the tutors?
All of our tutors are undergraduate students who are in good academic standing and have received a B or better in the classes that
they are tutoring. In addition, each tutor is required to participate in a quarterly training.
How do I contact my tutor?
After you sign up for a session you will receive an automatic email with your tutor’s contact information. It is your responsibility to
contact the tutor within 48 hours. If you have any problems contacting your tutor please contact Learning Support Services 459-4333.
Where are the tutoring sessions held?
All tutoring sessions are held on campus in an academic setting. Tutoring sessions cannot be held in dorm rooms, dorm lounges, or
cafes with music. There is space available at the Academic Resources Center and at the Oakes Learning Center. When you contact your tutor
the two of you will decide on an exact location. We encourage you to have your first meeting at the Academic Resources Center (ARC).
What if I have to cancel a session?
Please give your tutor at least 24 hours advanced notice if you need to cancel a session.
What if I need reschedule my tutoring session?
If it is a permanent change check on the OTSS system for an available spot. Also check with your tutor to see if he/she can open up a
new session. You will need to enroll in the new session. If it is a temporary change you can check with your tutor to see if he/she can
accommodate your request. Please be respectful of your tutor’s schedule and time commitments.
What if I no longer need or want to meet with my tutor?
Please call our office at 459-4333 to be removed from your tutoring arrangements.
What if I am having problem with my tutor?
Please contact our office at 459-4333 and we will assist you.
Does tutoring happen during Finals Week?
Tutoring ends the last week of instruction unless you make specific arrangements with your tutor to meet during Finals Week.
What if I need special accommodations during my tutoring sessions?
Please contact Learning Support Services and the DRC and we will coordinate as needed.
How do I become a tutor?
Please visit the
Student Job Listings page for more information.
