General SSC FAQ
Where are you located?
We are currently located in the basement of McDermott Library. If you need help navigating, please visit the SSC front desk located in the Peer Tutoring lab (MC 1.304) or use the UTD Interactive Map.
What does the SSC do exactly?
We are your one-stop destination for tutoring support at UTD. We specialize in helping students understand the concepts being used in their coursework. Rather than giving you the right answer, we help you understand how to get to the right answer and succeed!
Does the SSC charge me for using their services?
Your tuition already covers access to the SSC! You can stop by the SSC as often as you want, free of charge.
When can I start using SSC services?
We start services during the second week of every semester and end services the week before Finals! Program hours vary, please visit the Programs page for specific hours!
Do I need to schedule an appointment?
It depends on the program, but drop-ins are available for most of our SSC programming!
- Registration required at start of semester – PLTL
- Appointments needed – ASC, CommLab
- Appointments recommended – Writing Center
- No Appointments needed – Peer Tutoring, Supplemental Instruction
All appointments can be made via Accudemia appointment scheduler. Please make sure to bring your Comet Card to enter the library and sign-in!
How long do tutoring sessions last for?
It varies by program!
- 30 Minutes for ASC, CommLab, and Writing Center
- 75 Minutes for SI
- 80 Minutes for PLTL
- No set time for Peer Tutoring
Is there a limit to how much I can come to the SSC?
There is no limit, however for appointments where you work one-on-one with a peer leader, it is generally recommended to visit once per week. This gives you the chance to work on what you discussed before reaching back out. While visiting frequently seems like a strong strategy, it may actually be overwhelming as each session is meant to give you new action items to accomplish before the next meeting.
How are these tutors different from a paid, off-campus service?
These tutors are students at UTD, just like you! They have taken the same courses they are assisting you with and have passed with an A- or higher. We also require tutors to have taken their chosen courses here at UTD so they know more about university-specific challenges or timelines for content. Some tutors may even be working directly with your professors for sessions (such as in PLTL and SI).
How do I know which SSC programs support my course?
You can find the courses we support and which SSC Programs have tutors for them via the Supported Courses page.
Does the SSC offer printing?
No, the SSC does not offer printing. However, you can find more information on printing in McDermott Library here.
How can I apply to be a tutor and work for the SSC?
We always appreciate your eagerness to help UTD students! You can find more information on our Work for the SSC page. Just know, we hire a semester in advance. If you want to work for the SSC, hiring begins in September for Spring start dates, and February for Fall start dates.
Does the SSC offer a virtual option for their sessions?
In some programs, yes! We are currently expanding our virtual options again due to increased demand after virtual fatigue from the Covid-19 pandemic, so be on the lookout for ways to engage virtually with the SSC in the 2025-2026 school year.
Currently, you can make virtual appointments with the Writing Center and CommLab, and some workshops can be made available virtually if requested!
Do you provide tutoring for upper-level or graduate-level courses?
The SSC and the programs within it are undergraduate-based programs and will be tailored to undergraduate courses. However, there can be some exceptions when seeking assistance for things that are not specific to graduate-level work, such as basic essay feedback in the Writing Center or presentation assistance in the CommLab.
If you need help with your upper-level or graduate-level courses that are not supported by the SSC, please reach out to your school’s resource.