Do Tandon students actually use campus tutoring / academic support regularly, or is it more ad hoc? If they should be using it, what’s the simplest way to get them to start in week 1 instead of week 6
At NYU Tandon, the utilization of academic support services, such as the Polytechnic Tutoring Center (PTC), tends to be reactive, with most students seeking help primarily during peak times, especially before exams. In Fall 2023, the PTC recorded over 3,200 visits from nearly 500 students, indicating a pattern of ad hoc usage rather than consistent engagement throughout the semester.
Regular vs. Ad Hoc Usage
- Ad Hoc & Peak-Driven: General tutoring at the PTC operates mainly on a drop-in basis, leading to spikes in usage during exam weeks.
- Regular & Structured: Programs like TRIO Scholars and OASIS PASS encourage or require weekly sessions, fostering a more consistent approach to academic support.
To encourage students to utilize tutoring services from the start of the semester, consider the following strategies:
- Syllabus Integration: Include information about the PTC in course syllabi and remind students on the first day of class.
- Normalize Tutoring: Frame tutoring as a proactive strategy for maintaining academic performance, rather than a remedial tool.
- Personalized Nudges: Send positive reminders via email or text in Week 1, providing links to schedule tutoring sessions.
- Early Success Stories: Share testimonials from upperclassmen who benefited from early tutoring visits.
- Low-Stakes First Visits: Encourage students to visit the PTC in Week 1 to ask a simple question or meet a tutor, reducing the intimidation factor.