Mathematics Assistance

chalkboard full of math equations

Tutoring Updates

Fall Drop-In tutoring will begin on Sunday, October 6th.
Math and Chemistry Drop-in will be located in the Lower Level of Shields Library Mon.-Fri.

SPECIALISTS - Math and Science Support Center staff members who have advanced degrees in their fields and a background in teaching. Current Math Specialists are: Casey, Claire, Duff, Grant, James,  and Sara

TUTORS - A team of highly trained undergraduate students who have been successful in the courses you are taking.

  • Courses We Teach

  • Math Specialists and graduate students teach sections of MATB, MATD, and workload Precalculus. These courses each carry 3 workload units which to not count toward graduation, but do count toward full-time status and minimum progress.

    MATB - offered Fall only

    Topics covered include:properties of numbers, exponents and radicals, graphing coordinates, linear equations and inequalities, graphing lines, properties of polynomials, factoring polynomials. A skills assessment in given on the first day of class to determine areas for focus.

    MATD - offered Fall and Winter if sufficient enrollment

    Topics covered include:polynomials, systems of linear and nonlinear equations, exponent rules, rational exponents, radical equations, factoring, rational expressions, linear and non-linear inequalities, absolute values, the coordinate plane, graphing lines and parabolas, and a brief introduction to exponential and logarithmic functions (exponentials and logarithmic functions are covered more in-depth in precalculus).

    WLD910 (workload precalculus) - offered Fall, Winter, and Spring if sufficient enrollment

    Topics covered include:graphing lines, parabolas, and circles; optimization; exponents, radicals, logarithms, and log laws; simple and compound interest; exponential growth and decay; graphing absolute value, logarithmic, and exponential functions; piecewise functions; graphing polynomials and rational functions; composition of functions and inverses; difference quotients; domain and range; and trigonometry, including right triangle applications, the unit circle, radian and degree measures, trig graphs, trig identities, and simple trig equations.

    Placement

    There are no set cutoffs for placement into MATB, MATD, and WLD910. Instead, we have developed a flowchart (below) to help get students in the right part of their path toward success in Calculus.

    Enrollment

    MATB and MATD are searchable in Schedule Builder. For other Schedules and CRNs please see Pre and Co classes tab below. For questions, contact Sara Hawkes.

    flow chart for placement into precalculus

Making the Most of Drop-In Tutoring (click for more)

The drop-in tutoring room is a place where you can form study groups, work on assignments, and get assistance from tutors. There is no need to sign up ahead of time, but please look for the sign-in sheet or swipecard location when you enter.

  • Enter the Space
  • Once you enter, be sure to sign in and find a seat at your subject’s table. Your tutors will be wearing name tags. If you have a question, you may raise your hand and they will approach to help. The tutor may also be able to connect you to students from your class, helping you form a study group if you don’t already have one!
  • Come Regularly
  • Attending regular tutoring allows you to get your questions answered on a continuous basis, allows tutors to get to know you, and allows you to form relationships with your peers.
  • Be Prepared
  • By reviewing topics beforehand, you will have a better idea of what you need assistance with. The Drop-In Rooms get busy, so preparing your questions beforehand will save you time.
  • What to Bring to Tutoring
  • Textbook (or e-text), class notes, handouts
    The course syllabus with important dates, deadlines, and lecture schedule
    The problems you have attempted but are struggling with
    Questions or concerns about your homework, readings, or assignments
    If working on an essay, please bring a printed copy of your paper
  • The Role of Tutors
  • While tutors are a great academic resource, they are not able to act as a replacement to lecture or to complete the work for the tutees.
    Expect tutors to ask you questions to guide you through the homework problems or provide a similar problem for you to work on together. Tutors are trained not to Give you the answers to your homework or do the problems step-by-step for you.
    With a tutor you can review concepts and get explanations of concepts that you find confusing or have difficultly understanding, but a tutor will not be able to help you learn all the course material right before an exam.
    Tutors can provide practice problems similar to problems you may see on your exams, but tutors do not give out old exams or practice tests without consent of the instructor.
  • The Role of Tutees
  • Tutees are expected to use each session to learn the problem solving process and how to reach answers on their own. We would like to emphasize, however, that attending tutoring will not guarantee a passing/high grade in the course if you do not do any work outside of tutoring. To do well in your courses, you will also need to attend lecture, utilize office hours, and do your own studying outside of tutoring.

MAT Drop In (click for schedule)

Monday through Friday you can find Math Drop-in Tutoring in the Lower Level of Shields Library.
For mobile and small screens, this tab is best viewed in landscape orientation.

In addition to AATC Math drop-in, the Department of Mathematics also has a Calculus Room where TAs hold office hours.

If you are living in the residence halls, ask your RA about AATC Math tutors in the Academic Advising Centers of Segundo, Tercero, and Cuarto.

MAT Fall Workshops (click for schedule)

Fall 2019 MAT Pre and Co Classes (click for schedule)

CRNs will be posted at the beginning of PASS 2 Appointments. For placement information and course descriptions see the "Courses We Teach" tab above.