Frequently Asked Questions
Our academic journey is always full of questions. Our office receives many questions. Here are some of our most frequently asked ones.
How can I contact the Tutoring or Writing Center?
Answer: Please call 507–389–1791. Or email us at academicsuccess@mnsu.edu .
Math, Science and Business
Where is the CAS located?
All tutoring now takes place on the first floor of the library, near the elevators.
Do I need to make an appointment?
The majority of tutoring in the Math, Science, and Business Center is on a walk-in basis. However, there are online appointments available for some classes. These must be made in advance.
What subjects are tutored?
The CAS offers a variety of subjects, including mathematics, statistics, physics, chemistry, biology, accounting, finance, economics, and computer information science. Other subjects are available upon request.
Are children allowed in the CAS?
We allow children in the CAS as long as they are not disruptive and are able to entertain themselves. This privilege can be revoked at any time. The full text of our child policy can be viewed upon request.
Can I get private tutoring?
We cannot guarantee private tutoring for any student in the Math, Science, Business Center. Our appointments have a maximum of two students per time slot in order to match demand. Our walk-in demand ebbs and flows, so you may find that you are able to get one-on-one tutoring some days that you drop by, but this should not be an expectation.
How do you hire tutors/what requirements are there to be a tutor?
CAS tutors are MSU students who have a minimum 3.0 GPA and have received A’s in the classes that they tutor.
How can I become a tutor?
You must fill out an application and complete an interview process. Our application can be obtained by visiting our office.
Do you offer online tutoring?
We are offering online tutoring through Zoom. When you make an appointment, please make sure you select "online" as your reason in order to ensure that you are scheduled a remote appointment.
Is it alright if I bring friends to the Math, Science, and Business Center?
We ask that you do not bring friends with you at this time in order to maintain social distancing in our physical location. For an online appointment, if you are already gathered, you may share the webcam and microphone to ask questions. Please note that we may ask for additional information so that we can track all of the students that thus attended that appointment.
Are there textbooks for students to use?
Students are expected to bring all study materials required for a successful session; this INCLUDES bringing their own textbooks. Any textbooks that we may have are for tutors' reference only.
Are there solutions manuals that students can use?
Any access to solutions manuals that our tutors have is for their benefit to quickly get students on the right track with their session. Answer manuals are never to be directly used by students.
Do you have any resources for anatomy?
We have tutors located in the Anatomical Models Room, ML86. This room is found by going inside the library, past the circulation desk, and going down the only set of stairs leading down. It will be in front of you on the left when exiting the stairwell.
What if I have a complaint or a suggestion about the Center for Academic Success?
The Director of the Center for Academic Success would love to hear from you. Please send us an e-mail at academicsuccess@mnsu.edu.
Writing
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can find video tutorials on each page, depending on the type of appointment you are trying to schedule.
How long are appointments?
45 minutes
Are there limitations on appointments?
Students are limited to three writing center appointments per class per week. Students may request exceptions to this limit by contacting our office.
Where is the Writing Center?
On the first floor of the library, by the elevators. Ask a librarian for assistance if you can’t find us.
Where and when are the Writing Center drop in hours?
The Writing Center drop-in hours also take place on the main floor of the Memorial Library, by the elevators. Ask a librarian for assistance if you can’t find us.
What is a document upload session?
For document upload appointments you must complete BOTH steps below:
Schedule your appointment on Tutortrac.
Upload your assignment sheet, rubric, and paper.
The tutor will read your paper during the scheduled time. Afterwards, the tutor will return the paper within 24 hours with comments. Students may use the comments for editing.
How do I send my paper to the tutor?
The video tutorial is located here.
When I submit my paper for a document upload appointment, how do I get it back?
The tutor will email it to you within 24 hours.
Will the tutor fix my paper for me?
The tutor will leave suggestions, but will not make changes.
How do I use the real-time Zoom meeting?
The video tutorial is located here.
Where is my Zoom link?
For online Zoom tutoring and writing sessions, open www.tutoring.mnsu.edu 5 minutes prior to your Zoom appointment. On your TracCloud dashboard, look for “Upcoming Appointments.” There will be a link to join your Zoom session.
If your appointment is not showing, make sure that today’s calendar date is displayed in order to see today’s appointment information. The Zoom link for your appointment will become active 5 minutes prior to your session start time. The link will disappear 20 minutes after your session start time.
What should I bring to the appointment?
Please bring your paper, your assignment sheet, and any rubrics.
May I use the Writing Center for all classes or just English?
We help with papers for all MSU classes, not just English.
How do I cancel my Writing Center appointment?
Log on to Tutortrac. On the Tutortrac welcome screen, there is a hyperlink for your appointment, followed by an X. Click on the X to cancel. Or send your cancellation request to academicsuccess@mnsu.edu .
How can I contact the Writing Center?
Answer: Please call 507–389–1791. Or email us at academicsuccess@mnsu.edu .
