Explore UAB

Colleges & Schools

Academics UAB Students

Academics

Vulcan Materials Academic Success Center

Tutoring

Tutoring at the VMASC is a FREE, peer-facilitated academic support service. VMASC tutors work with students to identify and mobilize resources that promote independent learning and academic success.

All tutors are undergraduate students who have excelled in the course(s) in which they tutor, and have been trained to facilitate discussions on course content, study skills, and effective habits for academic achievement.

Tutoring is available Monday-Thursday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Tutoring Subjects

Tutoring services are currently offered for the following courses:

Accounting

  • AC 200 – Financial Accounting Foundations
  • AC 201 – Introduction to Decision-Driven Accounting
  • AC 300 - Financial Accounting I

Biology

  • BY 115 – Human Anatomy
  • BY 116 – Introductory Human Physiology
  • BY 123 – Introductory Biology 1
  • BY 124 – Introductory Biology 2
  • BY 210 - Genetics
  • BY 261 - Introductory to Microbiology

Biomedical Sciences

  • BMD 315 – Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology for Health Professions

Business

  • BUS 101 – Introduction to Business
  • BUS 102 – Business Foundations
  • BUS 202 – Know Your Accounting Numbers
  • BUS 204 - Business Analytics Applications
  • BUS 214 - Introduction to Business Statistics
  • BUS 215 - Foundations in Business Analytics
  • BUS 246 - Legal Environment of Business
  • BUS 302 – Business Foundations: Finance

Chemistry

  • CH 105 – Introductory Chemistry I
  • CH 107 – Introductory Chemistry II
  • CH 115 – General Chemistry 1
  • CH 117 – General Chemistry 2
  • CH 235 – Organic Chemistry 1
  • CH 237 – Organic Chemistry 2

Computer Science

  • CS 103 - Introduction to Computer Science in Python
  • CS 250 - Discrete Structures

Economics

  • EC 210 – Principles of Microeconomics
  • EC 211 – Principles of Macroeconomics
  • EC 305 - Intermediate Macroeconomics

Finance

  • FN 310 – Fundamentals of Financial Management

Mathematics

  • MA 094 – Basic Mathematics
  • MA 098 – Basic Algebra
  • MA 102 – Intermediate Algebra
  • MA 105 – Pre-Calculus Algebra
  • MA 106 – Pre-Calculus Trigonometry
  • MA 107 – Pre-Calculus Algebra and Trigonometry
  • MA 110 – Finite Mathematics
  • MA 125 – Calculus I
  • MA 126/226 - Calculus II
  • MA 180- Introduction to Statistics

Nutrition Sciences

  • NTR 222 – Nutrition and Health

Physics

  • PH 201 - College Physics I
  • PH 221 - General Physics I

Psychology

  • PY 101 – Introduction to Psychology
  • PY 216 - Elementary Statistical Methods

Public Health

  • PUH 250 - Biostatistics

Sociology

  • SOC 100 – Introduction to Sociology
 

Join Our Team

Application

The VMASC accepts applications for our Peer Educator team throughout the year and will be considered on an as-needed basis. The hiring timeline prioritizes applications submitted before the midterm in the semester prior to employment. For example, applications submitted before October will be the first ones considered for Spring positions that start in January. Similarly, applications submitted before March will be the first considered for fall positions that start in August.

On the application, you can indicate if you are interested in being considered for a position with SI as an SI Leader, a Tutor/Peer Partner, or both. The VMASC undergraduate application is an identity-hidden process. Make sure you double-check your email address as this is your application identifier. Only completed applications will be recorded. When you complete the application fully, it will trigger an email confirmation, so you know that it was received.

Be sure you have the time to commit to completing all sections at once, as you will not be able to save and return to an existing application. Before beginning the application, be prepared to provide:

  • Student information
  • Responses to 3 short answer essay questions
  • Course information for which you are qualified and interested to support (earned A or B)

If you are selected to move on to the next round of consideration, you will receive an email invitation with details about setting up an interview, as well as providing references to support that step of the selection process.

Apply Here

Interview

Applicants who have been selected for interviews will be notified by email regarding the interview process and instructions for providing references. Aside from the confirmation of receipt upon completing your application, you will only hear further if or when you are invited for an interview.

HR Onboarding

Students who are offered employment will be expected to present original documentation for legal hire in a timely manner. Documentation as required by Human Resources (HR) includes but is not limited to: U.S. Passport OR Social Security Card (original documentation) AND driver’s license. Please note that photocopies are NOT acceptable. HR staff will lead a process for onboarding. Action steps will include an in-person visit to HR to present the required documents.

Training and Orientation

Participating in pre-semester training is a requirement for employment with Academic Support. Training and orientation dates are published ahead of time and attendance is mandatory. If you cannot participate in these meetings, you will not be able to begin working.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I have to wait until I am really struggling to sign up for tutoring?

    No! Tutoring is most effective when started at the beginning of the semester. If you think you may need extra help in a course, you are encouraged to start tutoring as early as possible.

  • What are the benefits of tutoring?

    Tutoring offers several benefits for students, including:

    • Individualized learning
    • Reinforcement of what is taught in the classroom
    • Improved self-confidence and study skills
    • Encouragement in overcoming learning obstacles
  • What should I expect during a tutoring session?

    You can expect your tutor to be friendly, patient and sensitive to your individual learning needs. Your tutor will:

    • Work with you to set goals and expectations
    • Provide support and help you understand how to learn course material
    • Ask what you are struggling with and explain concepts using examples similar to your homework
    • Help you refine your study skills and encourage your independent learning
    • Tutors will not complete homework, take home quizzes/exams, or any other assignments for their tutees. Asking a tutor to complete your work for you is a violation of UAB’s Academic Honor Code.

    During the session, you are expected to:

    • Be open and honest with your tutor
    • Ask questions for clarification
    • Take notes to refer to later
  • How can I get the most from my tutoring session?

    Before your Appointment

    • Attend all class sessions and take detailed notes
    • Read assigned material
    • Prepare a list of questions to ask your tutor
    • Try homework problems/questions on your own

    During your Appointment

    • Bring relevant learning material to your session (i.e. textbook, class notes, lecture slides, notebook and pencil, etc.)
    • Ask your tutor questions and take detailed notes
    • Practice homework problems/questions independently
    • Give your tutor feedback about their effectiveness in helping you (Remember, tutoring is a partnership that requires your input; your tutor wants to know if things are not working for you and will make appropriate adjustments to meet your learning style/needs.)

    After your Appointment

    • Review your notes
    • Write down any additional questions to ask during your next tutoring session
    • Continue attending class, taking detailed notes and completing practice problems/questions on your own
  • How do I know my tutor is qualified?

    All VMASC tutors have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and have earned a grade of A or B in the course(s) that they tutor. Additionally, each tutor completes an extensive interview process, and tutor training before facilitating sessions with tutees. The tutor training program at the VMASC upholds high guidelines and is certified through the College Reading & Learning Association (CRLA).

  • How often can I use tutoring services?

    There is no limit to the number of tutoring sessions students can schedule, as long as they are currently enrolled and do not miss more than three appointments during the semester.

  • Can I have a set weekly appointment?

    Yes. To schedule a weekly tutoring appointment, please contact the VMASC front desk at (205) 934-8184.

  • What options are available for online students?

    Online students are welcome to schedule tutoring appointments and have the option to meet with their tutor via Zoom. If you are an online student, please request a Zoom meeting when you schedule your appointment online.

  • What if there are no tutors available when I need help?

    Contact the VMASC Office at 205-934-8184 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  • What happens if I have an issue with my tutor?

    If you are experiencing a problem with your tutor, respectfully communicate with them to resolve it. If the issue cannot be resolved between the two of you, contact the VMASC Office at 205-934-8184 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will pass it along to the Tutor Program Coordinator.

  • What happens if I miss my appointment?

    Tutoring services are in high demand. If you are not able to keep your scheduled appointment, please contact the VMASC by phone or email to cancel or reschedule your appointment. After three missed appointments, you will no longer be able to schedule tutoring for the remainder of the semester.

  • Who do I contact for additional questions about tutoring services?

    Contact the VMASC Office at 205-934-8184 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..