Another year means new classes and new opportunities. Some subjects are more challenging for some students than others. This is why Missouri Southern provides tutoring services that are available to all students.

Students can stop by in Hearnes Hall, room 301 and 317 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m during the week. There is no need to fix an appointment in advance. Students are free to come at any time and ask questions.

For those who can’t make it during the established hours, students have the opportunity to contact Student Success Center and request online tutoring or one-on-one tutoring.

 This allows students to work with tutors through Blackboard, submit essays or ask specific questions about classes. All information can be found on the college website or by contacting 417-659-3725.

 According to Craig Thompson, Academic skills Specialist at Missouri Southern, tutors are available to help students with any subject needed.

 Schedules with each subject are provided in Hearnes or on the website, however, if the specific class is not presented on the schedule, scholars are free to check the “Master list” that will tell them what tutor can assist them.

 The “Master list” can also be found on the Missouri Southern website.

 In order to become a tutor, students need to have at least 30 academic hours under their belt. They also need to have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and a grade of A or B in the subject they are wanting to teach. According to Thompson, potential tutors also might need to present a reference from a professor in order to prove the qualification.

Christopher Gil Johnson, a senior, studying pre-med biology at Missouri Southern, explains what is it like to work as a tutor. He uses his personal method of teaching and says that it’s important to not do homework for students but rather “facilitate their learnings.”

 This helps students to not only understand their specific homework but be able to work by themselves in the future. Johnson also points out that tutors don’t have to know everything since they are also students too, but they are very open to collaborate with other tutors, or take extra time with scholars in order to find answers to the questions.

 “I like the challenge and meeting new people, it is also interesting when students teach me something I didn’t know,” said Johnson. “We have a both ways interaction which is very rewarding.”

 According to Thompson, tutoring services are not only offered for students that have bad grades, but for everyone who wants to have a different perspective, get help with general skills or help with basic strategies as reading.

 “Sometimes students can get through an A but don’t specifically understand the concept,” said Thompson. “This is why we are here to help.”

 There is a big difference between a classroom and a tutoring lab. According to Johnson, the the atmosphere is more “lay back, and less formal.” Students make their schedule and can stay as long as they want. It’s not structured and they can feel free to come as much or as little as needed.

“It’s not as stressful to ask questions, because they are on a one-on-one with the tutor, and nobody can judge them,” said Johnson. “It’s low stress, high challenge.”