Frequently Asked Questions

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Do I need an appointment?
No! You may drop in anytime the lab is open for assistance.
Does the service cost me anything?
No! The service is free of charge and can be utilized by all students enrolled at the University of Hawai`i at Hilo.
I work during the day from 9-5. Is the Lab open in the evening or on weekends?
Unfortunately, we are not open on the weekends or late evenings. We are open from Monday through Thursday, 9am – 6pm and Fridays, 9am to 3pm.
Will there always be tutors available for my particular course?
The Lab is always staffed with at least one tutor who can tutor math from level 100 up to the calculus courses (Math 206) and can tutor math for science courses. Check the Lab's schedule to see when tutors are available for higher level math courses. It is important to know that during peak times the lab can get very busy. Thus, you may need to wait for help or work with a group already receiving help, depending upon tutor availability and demand. It's a good idea to plan ahead and make sure you have enough time to use the lab and/or wait for a tutor, if necessary.
Will I always get tutored one-on-one?
The availability of one-on-one tutoring depends upon how many other students need tutoring when you come into the lab. We make every effort to staff the lab with two tutors during peak times. The peak times are usually during the early afternoon hours. If the lab is very busy, a tutor may choose to form groups with students from the same course. This is often helpful to students because, as part of group, they can help each other learn.
What should I bring with me when I come to the lab?
You should bring pens or pencils, your notebook, your textbook, and your "thinking cap." The tutors will challenge you to think and actively participate in the session. Be prepared with specific questions and concepts that are giving you trouble.
I've gotten behind in my work - will a tutor review an entire chapter with me?
No. Tutors do not teach or review entire chapters for you; it is not their responsibility to teach you or to catch you up. You should come to the lab with specific questions or problems from chapters that you find difficult; the tutors will work with you on those.
If I'm doing well in the class, can the Math Lab help me do even better?
Absolutely! The Math Lab is a learning enhancement center designed to assist both students who are having difficulty in a course as well as those who are doing well but would like to improve their performance. Students doing well may need to fine tune concepts or practice new concepts.
When should I come for tutoring?
You should seek tutoring as soon as you are starting to have trouble with a course. Do not let the class get so far ahead of you that you cannot keep up. Come to the tutoring lab as often as you feel you need to in order to succeed in the course. Students who wait until the last minute to come for tutoring will likely gain little or nothing from the experience. That's because tutoring is a process that enhances a student's understanding over time. It is not a quick fix.
Must I get tutored the entire time I am at the Lab?
No. You may come to study quietly and ask tutors questions as you need to if you so desire.
Are there computers in the Lab? Is there access to MathCad?
Yes. We have 14 computers ready for use all equipped with MathCad and MiniTab. You may use the computers at any time during the Lab hours.
How do I become a tutor?
Students thinking about becoming a tutor must meet certain criteria. At this time we are not hiring any more tutors, but you may contact us and leave your name for future hiring.
How can I donate money to the Math Tutoring Lab?
We happily accept any donations!!! Please do not hesitate to contact us.