Frequently Asked Questions
- What tutoring services are available?
- Is there a charge?
- Are computers available?
- Do I need to make an appointment?
- When is the ASC open?
- Where is the ASC located?
- How do I get help?
- Who are the tutors?
- What computer programs are available?
- Will someone help me with my computer?
- Can I make copies in the ASC?
- When is my instructor available?
- Is there any online tutoring available?
- What if I want to be a tutor?
- Can someone show me how to use my calculator?
- Are calculators available for my use?
- What does the Writing Lab do?
- What is rich text format?
What tutoring services are available?
The ASC's focus is to provide services to support the academic success of MSUB students. Tutors are available for math, writing, reading statistics, biology, chemistry and other subjects. Please see the schedule for times and tutor
availability.
Is there a charge?
The services of the Academic Support Center are available free to all currently enrolled MSU-Billings students, including those at
City College and those taking online classes.
Are computers available?
Computers and printing are available for current MSUB students in the ASC on the university campus and at
City College. Wireless access is also available.
Do I need to make an appointment?
Tutoring is provided on a drop-in basis. No appointment is needed. Please see the schedule for more information on tutoring times.
| Fall & Spring | ||
| University Campus | City College Campus | |
| Mon - Thur | 8am - 7pm | 8am - 6pm |
| Friday | 8am - 5pm | 8am - 5pm |
| Sunday | 6pm - 9pm | closed |
| Tutor Schedule | Tutor Schedule | |
Summer hours vary, so please see the current Tutor Schedule in the summer.
Where is the ASC located?
On the University campus, the ASC building is now located on the first
floor of the Student Union Building.
At City College (COT), the ASC is located in the Tech Building off of the student commons area.
How do I get help?
First, make sure to sign in using your student ID card or ID number at the front computer. After you sign in, find a comfortable spot and ask any of our helpful tutors to assist you.
Students who need help with writing should bring a typed, double-spaced copy of their draft, as well as any assignment instructions they have received.
Students who need help with their math should bring their text and assignment materials with them. Students should bring their calculator manuals if they have questions about using their calculators.
Appointments are not necessary, but students who wish to work with a particular tutor may want to make arrangements ahead of time (See schedule)
Who are the tutors?
The ASC is staffed by instructors, student tutors who have successfully passed the courses and have been approved by the instructors, and professional tutors.
What computer programs are available?
All Microsoft Office products are available for student use, as well as the programs needed for math and business classes. Additional programs needed for OT courses are available in the ASC at
City College.
Will someone help me with my computer?
We can help troubleshoot basic issues. We also have eLearning Specialist tutors to help with online courses. However, more complex difficulties should be addressed by the IT Student Helpdesk in COE 401 or at 247-5755. Online issues should be referred to helpdesk@msubonline.org or 657-2191.
Can I make copies?
Yes. Ask at the front desk for assistance. Copies are $.10 each.
When is my Instructor available?
All ASC instructors are available in the tutoring center at least one hour for every hour they teach in the classroom. Click here to find your instructor’s schedule. Other times can also be arranged by appointment.
Is there any online tutoring available?
Yes. Please see the Online Tutoring page for more information.
What if I want to be a tutor?
Follow this link to student employmentopportunities at the ASC for more information.
Can someone show me how to use my calculator?
Most of the tutors are familiar with the Texas Instrument model calculators. If you have a different model, bring your manual with you. For help using graphing calculators TI-83+, TI-85, TI-86, TI-89 or TI92,
see the Graphing Calculator Helps page.
Are calculators available for my use?
The ASC has a limited number of calculators that students may check out to use in the tutoring center. Ask at the front desk. You will be asked to leave your campus ID card with the staff at the front desk while you are using the calculator. The calculators may not be taken home.
What does the Writing Lab do?
Writing tutors will help MSUB students with any school-related writing assignments or concerns. The best way to help your writing tutor help you is to communicate your teacher’s instructions to the tutor and be ready with your text and one or two specific questions. Tutors will not correct or edit your paper for you, but they will help you with your questions and to become a better writer.
What is rich text format?
When you save a document, a dialogue box opens in which you give the file a name. Usually, MS Word documents are saved with a .doc extension, MS Excel with .xls, and MS Works with .wps . The symbol .rtf stands for rich text format. If a file is saved as an .rtf file, most word processing programs can open it, so it's easier to share files. If you have a different version of a program at home than is available at school, you can work on the file in either place if you have saved the file in rich text format.
At the bottom of the Save As screen, below where you type the name of the file, is another box with a drop-down arrow beside it. There are several choices there, and you can select .rtf.
