Tutoring

The Ruth G. Shaw Academic Learning Center (ALC) is committed to student success. The ALC serves as an extension of the Library in which our area provides free tutoring to Central Piedmont students enrolled in curriculum courses in the areas of math, science, and writing. Our focus is to provide academic support to students to overcome difficulties with coursework, promote independent learning, and develop skills necessary for academic success and lifelong learning.

We offer high quality in person and virtual tutoring sessions by appointment as well as conduct a wide variety of subject specific and study skills workshops.

Multiple ALC locations are available to all Central Piedmont students and are located at the following campuses:

  • Central Campus: Parr Center, Level 2, Suite 2130
  • Levine Campus: Levine III, Room 2520
  • Cato Campus: Cato II, Room 270

Sign up for an appointment today; we look forward to serving you.

Make an Appointment with a Tutor

All Central Piedmont students enrolled in a curriculum course receive free tutoring in the Academic Learning Center. Our hybrid platform provides students with:

- flexible scheduling options 
- available in person and/or online
- professional tutors to help you clarify skills and concepts
- individualized feedback and attention to subject matter
- access to various study spaces including group, individual and quiet rooms throughout our Center and Library

Schedule your tutoring appointment now

  • Complete the Free Tutoring Sign Up Form using your Central Piedmont account. Please give us at least one business day to process your request. Once processed, you can schedule an appointment using your Schedulicity account. Once you click submit on your sign up form, you will be redirected to Schedulicity to schedule your appointment.

  • Create Your Schedulicity account.

  • Now, you're ready to schedule a tutoring appointment.

View Our Calendar

Policies

  • Appointment Policies

    • Appointments are not mandatory. However, we do encourage you to make an appointment, especially when you want to guarantee a specific date and time with a tutor.
    • The tutoring center accepts walk-ins, but appointments will take priority over walk-ins.
    • You have three tutoring sessions per week, per class.
    • If you are not able to keep your scheduled appointment, please cancel the appointment by contacting the Academic Learning Center or by using Schedulicity. Contact information for each location is available on the left side of this page.
    • If you have four no-shows, the tutoring center will call you to review the policy guidelines.
    • Tutoring sessions are generally limited to up to 45 minutes in length. Once your tutoring session has ended, feel free to move to a separate study space area so that the next student can begin their session. You may be asked to leave the area so that other students waiting feel free to enter for their session.
    • You are allowed three Writing Center visits per week (on different days) and three visits per paper. This does not include a brainstorming session (if needed).
  • Cancellation Policies

    • You must cancel at least one hour before your appointment, or you will be considered a no-show.
    • If you have four no-shows, the tutoring center will call you to review the policy guidelines.
    • If you are 10 minutes late or more for an appointment, you might be counted as no-show. You will only receive the remainder of your allotted time if it has not been taken by a walk-in student. No additional time will be added.

Get 24/7 Tutoring with Smarthinking

All Central Piedmont students enrolled in a curriculum course can receive 24/7 online tutoring free of charge. This complete online tutoring platform provides students with: 

- availability of resources offered in various academic subjects

- live on-demand tutoring

- ask questions for tutors’ feedback and guidance

- writing lab to submit essays for tutors to review and provide suggestions

How to Access Smarthinking

At the start of the semester, Smarthinking will send an email to your Central Piedmont student email account that will include your Smarthinking username and password along with instructions on how to use this service. 

Log in to Smarthinking Now

If you haven’t received an email with your username and password or you cannot access Smarthinking, contact Dr. Joevanne Estrada.

Get Ready for your Tutoring Session

  • What to Bring

    • assignment instructions
    • textbook(s)
    • study guides
    • notes
  • Keep in Mind

    • Tutoring is not a substitute for class - you are not allowed to receive tutoring at the same time your class is in session.  
    • Tutors will not discuss instructors, grades, or grading policies with you, nor will act as mediators between you and instructors. 
    • Tutors are not instructors; they help you learn skills and clarify concepts.
  • Preparing for Success

    • Plan ahead.
    • Do not wait until the night before to or the day of to study for a test, quiz, or assignment. 
    • Meet with a tutor at least once a week. 
    • Bring important information relevant to the course to your tutoring session. 
    • Know your assignment. 
    • It is encouraged that you have some working knowledge of the subject matter. 
    • Ask specific questions and play an active role during your tutoring session.

Learning Resources

The Library offers a wealth of resources, study spaces, and services to help students achieve success.

Visit the Library's Website

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get tutoring if I am only taking one class?
Yes.

Is tutoring free?
Yes. Many types of students, including those enrolled in Career & College Promise, cooperative learning, and ESL, are eligible for tutoring.

Can I get tutoring if I go to a different college or university? 
You must be enrolled as a student at Central Piedmont to sign up for tutoring.