How much does it cost to use ACE services?

• Nothing: ACE is free for all MCC students! You're also welcome to any of the free (labeled) food and supplies offered in the centers.

Who will I be working with?

• All of our tutors are MCC students, not professionals. We ask that you are patient with all of our Student Leaders; while they are well-versed in the subjects they tutor, they are not expected to be experts. Each of them looks forward to helping you; asking for their help is never a bother to them!

Do I need an appointment to come to ACE?

• No! You're welcome to work independently in any of our centers while we're open. If you decide you'd like an appointment while you're here, we can schedule a drop-in appointment for you. 

What should I do when I arrive?

• Check in with the tutor at the front desk. They can check you in for an appointment, answer your questions, give quick tips, or connect you with someone in the center or another resource on campus.

What is the environment like in the ACE centers?

• We like to cultivate a low-stress environment conducive to growth. All of our employees are eager to answer your questions and support you so that you can build your confidence in the classroom and beyond. Even if our services aren't what you need, we can direct you to someone who can better assist you.

Are there computers and/or printers in the centers?

• Yes! You'll need your A number and MCC password to sign in. We do support printing, though we encourage double-sided printing if possible and have a 10-page limit.

Does ACE have any resources outside of the tutoring centers?

• Absolutely! We have a collection of tip sheets you can access for quick help with common topics. Also, check with your professor to see if your class has an SI leader (STEM) or an embedded tutor (English). If so, they're a great resource for you!

How does ACE tutoring compare to AI alternatives?

• While AI can be a helpful resource in certain contexts, we've found that the "human touch" of a peer tutor is valuable for students. Our tutors have taken the classes you're taking, many with the same professors, and can work with you one-on-one at your pace to help you with the content. They are also trained to help you become self-sufficient with the material over time to help you gain independence in your course.

Which services do you offer besides STEM and writing support?

• We can help with study skills/time management, navigating Blackboard, computer applications, TEAS tutoring, and more. Our services change as tutors come and go each semester, so check Navigate regularly to see if there are tutors for your course. If you're not sure whether we can help, ask us and we'll support you as best we can.

What do I need to make an appointment?

• Anyone who has an A Number can make an appointment for themselves! You'll need to know what you'd like help with, and if it's for a STEM class, which course. In the comments for the appointment, describe what exact topic and/or assignment you'd like help with. The more information we know, the more effectively we can help you.

I need help with writing. How do I know which tutor would be a good fit?

• Writing tutors can tutor across the curriculum, meaning that as long as your focus is on writing (over course content), any wrting tutor can help you. There are some that specialize in working with Honors writing, ELL students, or other specific clientele.

What should I do if no tutors appear for my course in Navigate?

• Reach out to ACE in person, by phone, or by email. We can see if any of our tutors will be a good match for you, or else direct you towards another resource.

Does my tutoring appointment need to be in person?

• No! We offer Zoom tutoring during daytime, evening, and weekend hours. Check Navigate to see which tutors are available each day. The ACE website also features an eTutoring service, which is a great resource when ACE isn't open (such as holidays).

How many appointments can I make?

• We limit students to one appointment per subject (such as physics, math, or writing) per day in order to give other students a chance to schedule appointments with our tutors. However, feel free to come back the next day or to schedule a follow-up appointment! If you like working with a particular tutor, you can be scheduled with them again. Many of our tutors have "regulars"!

Can I make an appointment for someone else?

• Federal student privacy regulations (FERPA) prohibit us from allowing this. While we encourage you to refer them to us, they will need to speak with or email us or go into Navigate to schedule an appointment for themself.

What should I bring for an appointment?

• Bring any assignments, notes, or other class materials relevant to your course. Also, make sure to preview and bring the instructions for your assignment. Our tutors can only help you if you come prepared!

What does an appointment look like?

• Appointments usually last 30 minutes, though they can sometimes be extended up to an hour depending on the circumstances. Your tutor will be alerted when you arrive, and once the appointment starts, they will introduce themselves and check in to see what you'd like help with. You'll work collaboratively with them throughout the appointment, then at the end, the tutor will write an appointment summary in Navigate that summarizes what you worked on and any next steps you to take.

How can I show my professor proof of a tutoring appointment?

• After your tutor writes your appointment summary, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access it in Navigate. The appointment summary will serve as the proof your professor is requesting.

How do I know if my course has an SI Leader or embedded tutor?

• Your professor will tell you in the first week or so of classes, and it will likely be mentioned in the course syllabus. SI Leaders tend to be in STEM classes, while embedded tutors tend to be in English classes. If you're not sure, ask your professor!

What does an SI session look like?

• Your SI Leader attends your class sessions to get a sense of the material you've been working on and uses this information to plan a weekly one-hour study session for your class. There will be interactive activities planned to help you review what you've been taught over the past week. These sessions are especially helpful for practice, asking questions, and exam review. Many SI Leaders also have shifts in the tutoring centers, so if they do, you can make appointments with them in addition to your SI sessions to build on your progress.

What does an embedded tutoring session look like?

• Your embedded tutor attends your class sessions to get a sense of the material you've been working on. They hold one-on-one or small group tutoring sessions to help you build your skills and review the specific course content your professor has been covering. These sessions are especially helpful for practice, asking questions, and improving your writing skills.

What should I bring for an SI or embedded tutoring session?

• As with any tutoring appointment or study session, bring any assignments, notes, or other class materials relevant to your course. Also, make sure to gather and preview any questions you have from class. These sessions are a great time to ask questions in a lower-stakes setting.

Which Special Sessions does ACE offer?

• We offer various discussion groups for students looking to build reading, listening, and speaking skills, especially for students new to the English language. For more information, visit the ACE website. 

What events are going on in ACE?

• We offer academic workshops run by Student Leaders, as well as seasonal one-day events such as Pi Day, Ask Me Day, and more. For more information, visit the ACE website. 

How can I become an ACE Student Leader?

• Recruitment for the next semester usually opens around Week 11 of the current one. Applicants must be recommended by an MCC faculty member, earn a B+ or better in that professor's course, submit a resume and cover letter on Interview Exchange, and attend a group information session. For more information, visit "ACE is Hiring".