TRIO ESS Program Services

ESS participants have an opportunity to work one-to-one with a coordinator throughout the semester or school year. The ESS Coordinator will help the student develop an academic plan utilizing a variety of resources that will help the student stay on task and have a successful year. Students can also work on note-taking, test prep, time management, and many other skills.

Tutors are trained to work with any student, regardless of background, academic proficiency, or learning style. These one-to-one sessions will be scheduled as weekly recurring appointments for the semester. They can be cancelled or adjusted thru ESS at any point if needed.

What subjects are offered?

The most common subject areas available for tutoring are Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Animal Science, Statistics, English, Public Speaking, Modern Languages, as well as many others. If an ESS tutor is not available for your course, you may be referred to Holtz Hall tutoring. We will make every effort to find other tutoring resources.

Where will I get tutored?

Tutoring sessions take place in Holtz Hall or over Zoom.

How often will I meet with my tutor?

During your initial meeting with your ESS Coordinator, you will be scheduled for 1-3 hours per week for up to 3 subjects based on tutor and subject availability.

What if I need to cancel a tutoring session?

Participants are expected to attend all tutoring sessions.

• As soon as you know if you need to cancel a session or if you will be late, you are responsible for contacting your tutor at least 24 hours before your scheduled session to avoid a documented absence.
• Upon receiving the notice of a second absence from your tutor, your Coordinator will e-mail or call you to set up a conference time. During this conference, you and the Coordinator will discuss the decision to resume or discontinue your tutoring and a determination will be made at that time.
• Three unexcused absences will result in your tutoring being cancelled until you have had a conference with your ESS Coordinator.

What can I expect from my tutor?

Your tutor is expected to be present at all scheduled sessions and on time. Tutors should be courteous, fully attentive, helpful, clear in their communication and instruction, and have a solid knowledge of the subject matter. Tutors receive 10 hours of training that provides fundamental skills to be effective at tutoring. If you have any difficulty with your tutor or feel the situation is not working, you should contact your ESS Coordinator immediately. We want your experience to be the best it can be!

What can my tutor expect from me?

ESS participants are expected to come to the tutoring session prepared, which means having had attempted your homework and have problem areas ready to discuss with the tutor. You should bring any relevant course materials with you. You are expected to attend tutoring sessions, even if you feel comfortable with the material - you can start to review the next section or chapter, or review a previous unit. However, if you and your tutor feel that you have mastered the skills necessary, you can request to cancel the remaining sessions.

ESS participants can work with the ESS Writing Specialist for one-to-one help at any point during their writing process.

How will I get tutored?

TRIO ESS writing tutoring is offered two ways:

• Zoom virtual writing sessions (up to 1 hour per session)
• Written feedback on drafts, outlines, etc. (feedback typically emailed within 48 business hours)

ESS can provide help completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and answer questions on financial aid. ESS also partners with PowerCat Financial Services and the Office of Student Financial Assistance for more information and workshops offered during the semester designed to improve financial and economic literacy.

Thinking about going to graduate school and need some guidance?

ESS students planning to attend graduate school can get advice about...

• Applications
• Making long-term goals
• Finding funding sources
• Preparing for grad school itself

ESS hosts a Canvas resource page filled with comprehensive grad prep resources - just ask to be added!

We can also help you prep for the GRE admissions test and provide information on the GMAT, MCAT, and VCAT. (Ask your Coordinator about admissions test vouchers!) Depending on the level of student interest, some semesters we host a GRE study group.

ESS can assist student with developing crucial career skills, including but not limited to:

• Resume building
• Cover letter review and development
• Workshops on the workplace and job applications

ESS also offers a Canvas course "Transitioning from College to Career: Financial, Economic, and Professionalism Strategies (FEPS)" for all participating ESS students. FEPS provides financial, job market, and professionalism learning strategies to develop your skills that will prepare you for the transition from being a college student to a professional.

Each fall, ESS staff teach a section of Foundations for College Student Success that is tailored towards TRIO students. The course is proven to be helpful for incoming students transitioning to college. As a class, we practice college-level academic skills, explore K-State resources, and build community. Ask your advisor about enrolling in the class!