Distance Learning Policy - Tutoring Services
Overview
Cumberland University’s tutoring services offers tutoring assistance for all currently enrolled distance learners in a limited number of courses. Tutoring services are provided to students in formats appropriate to the delivery of quality student support for all distance learners.
Qualifications for use of distance learning assistance
- Student(s) must be currently enrolled at Cumberland University.
- Student(s) must provide a valid student number as well as the course name.
- Student(s) must live at least 30 miles from campus (unless other circumstances are present).
- Student(s) must only be enrolled in online courses (or a Cumberland University course that qualifies).
Disclaimer
Only students who meet the previously listed qualifications will be automatically eligible to use the Cumberland University tutoring services for distance learning tutoring assistance. Exceptions to this must be approved by both the Executive Director of Academic Support and the Director of Student Success.
Distance learning tutoring sessions will consist of a one-on-one video session (offered on several approved platforms) during which the student will have the ability to ask questions and work with the tutor. All distance learning sessions must be scheduled two business days in advance and student(s) will be required to provide proof of enrollment at the time of scheduling. The Office of Student Success will only hold and schedule distance learning sessions during normal operating hours (8:00am-4:30pm) unless approved by the Director of Student Success. Tutoring sessions will be limited to a maximum of 1.5 hours per session.
The Office of Student Success requires that students seeking distance learning send their tutor a list of items to be discussed at least two hours before the start of the session. In addition, any notes taken during the session must be sent to the Director of Student Success at the end of the session.
Tutoring Services Distance Learning Policy
Cumberland University’s tutoring services offers tutoring assistance for all currently enrolled distance learners in a limited number of courses. Tutoring services are provided to students in formats appropriate to the delivery of quality student support for all distance learners.
Steps to Seeking Distance Learning Tutoring Sessions
1. Student(s) must contact Cumberland University Office of Student Success
In order to begin the process of arranging a distance learning session, the student(s) must contact the Office of Student Success two business days in advance of the desired session date. Note, the number of sessions to be conducted each day is very limited. Availability will be on a first come, first serve basis. Contact can be made via email. In the email, the student will need to tell the director the class, specific topics, and their availability for the session. Student(s) who are making arrangements for a session must schedule their session no less than four days before the assignment or test due date.
2. Student(s) must provide proof of enrollment
In order to assure that students are currently enrolled at Cumberland University, the student must provide their student ID number (also referred to as an A #) the name and section of the course they are currently enrolled in, as well as their full name. The enrollment of the student will then be verified by the Director of Student Success.
3. Student(s) must schedule distance learning tutoring session
Once enrollment has been verified, student(s) will be permitted to schedule their distance learning session. Student(s) who are making arrangements for a session must schedule their session no less than four days before the assignment or test due date. Appointments must be made at least two days in advance of the session.
Distance Learning Tutoring Session Information
Tutoring Session:
All distance learning tutoring sessions will take place on pre-approved platforms. Certain platforms will be required for tutoring sessions in specific subjects. For a detailed list, please see distance learning platform list below. Students in need of tutoring must share a list of topics and questions that they wish to discuss at least two hours before the session. This will allow the tutor to gauge the understanding of the student and create a plan of action for the tutoring session. If the student does not have specific questions, the tutor will use the topic given to the Office of Student Success when the session was requested. While the tutor will be permitted to guide and assist the student, no homework or quiz assistance will be given. Throughout the session, the tutor will be required to take notes on the topics discussed and the methods used to describe. These notes should not include any personal observations or information about the student or information about grades. At the conclusion of the tutoring session, students will be required to fill out a survey about their tutoring session. All notes taken by the tutor, must be turned in to the Office of Student Success at the conclusion of the session. Tutoring sessions will be limited to a maximum of 1.5 hours per session.
Additional Tutoring Sessions:
At the conclusion of the session, the student will have the option to schedule a follow up session with the same tutor. If further assistance is needed with another tutor, the student must schedule a new session with the Office of Student Success.
Distance Learning Disclaimer
Due to online formatting of classes, tutors may not be aware of specific teacher preferences. Tutors who have previously taken courses on grounds may have been exposed to different learning materials and resources. Please be sure to email your teacher and get clear instructions for each assignment.
Changes to Our Policy
The Office of Student Success reserves the right to change this policy at any time. Non-material changes or clarifications will take effect immediately. You should periodically check the Cumberland University website or contact the Office of Student Success for updates.
Last Updated: This Distance Learning Policy was last updated on 03/12/2020.
Distance Learning Platforms
The following list contains the pre-approved platforms for distance learning sessions as well as information on what subjects can be used with what platform. Depending on the materials that need to be covered, the tutor will select the appropriate platform for the session.
- Skype (free): History, Science, Business, Literature, Criminal Justice
- Facetime or Google Duo (free but limited by phone type): History, Science, Business, Literature, Criminal Justice
- Zoom Meetings (free): History, Science, Business, Literature, Accounting, Math, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Nursing, Athletic Training, Exercise Science
- Go To Meeting (paid subscription required): History, Science, Business, Literature, Accounting, Math, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Nursing, Athletic Training, Exercise Science
If you have any questions regarding this policy, please contact cconley@cumberland.edu.