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    • Math Center

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do I need an appointment?
    Yes, appointments can be made through Navigate. Some walk-in help may be available during certain hours. 

    Can I get help with something that is not a Virginia Peninsula class? (i.e. placement test, standardized test, class at another college)
    No, The Math Center only provides assistance with classes that are being taken at Virginia Peninsula Community College. 

    How much help can I get? 
    We can answer specific questions and help if you're stuck on a homework problem. The Math Center is not a substitute for attending your lectures or meeting with your instructor during office hours.

    Can you help me with my calculator?
    Yes! We are very knowledgeable about the TI-83 and TI-84, and we can help with basic scientific calculators too. We'll do our best to help with whatever kind of calculator you have.

    What classes can I get help for?
    We can help with any math classes offered at Virginia Peninsula Community College.
    We may be able to help with the math that you encounter in other classes (such as science, engineering, or nursing classes) but we do not have any specific knowledge of these subjects. We do not help with accounting.

    Can I get help with a project, quiz, or take-home test?
    No, we do not provide assistance with quizzes, or take-home tests. We may provide limited assistance with projects.

    Is there space for me to work on my homework in the Math Center?
    Yes, there is limited space in the Math Center but space is also available in the library.

    Can I take tests in the Math Center?
    No, we cannot proctor any tests or exams at the Math Center. 

    Tutoring Policies & Best Practices

    We want to help you succeed at Virginia Peninsula Community College. Therefore, it is important that you attend appointments as scheduled. We understand emergencies and unexpected changes, but please be considerate of fellow students who may be able to use the tutoring slot if you cannot keep it. 

    • Tutoring is free and available to students currently enrolled in courses at Virginia Peninsula Community College. Note: for dual-enrolled high school students, we can only help with your dual-enrollment classes.
    • Appointments with VPCC tutors are made online through Brainfuse Tutor Match. 
    • Students are not guaranteed an appointment time or a particular tutor. All appointments are subject to tutor availability.
    • Students are limited to ONE appointment per day and THREE hours per week, per class. If you exceed these limits, we reserve the right to cancel appointments that are over the limit.
    • To cancel your appointment in Brainfuse, you must cancel/reschedule at least 1 hour before your scheduled session. 
    • If you cannot make a session or know you will be late, contact the tutor or email tutoring@vpcc.edu. 
    • Students will be considered late if arriving/checking in more than 15 minutes after the appointment time without notifying the tutor. We reserve the right to cancel the appointment and count the appointment as a no-show if a student has not arrived within this time.
    • Students who have two last-minute cancellations, late arrivals, or no-shows within 30 days must speak to the Tutoring Coordinator to reinstate tutoring privileges.

    To gain the most from your tutoring sessions, please read and follow the guidelines below: 

    • Tutoring is not a substitute for class/lab attendance and individual work, or for meeting with your instructor during office hours. 
    • Come to your tutoring sessions prepared. Have textbooks, class notes, assignments, paper, pencils, and old tests, when applicable. 
    • When possible, come to the tutoring session with a specific, identifiable problem.
    • Group Tutoring appointments may have up to 5 students. Time with the tutor will be shared, and you'll learn from others' questions, as well as have opportunities to ask your own. 
    • Tutors will not do the work for students (i.e. write papers, do projects, or complete homework). The tutor’s responsibility is to assist students in understanding material/concepts. Tutors may guide, ask questions, make suggestions, paraphrase, and otherwise assist students with homework and writing assignments, but will not assist with take-home tests, extra credit assignments, and quizzes in keeping with the Virginia Peninsula Community College Student Handbook’s description of academic honesty.