Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs: Math

What type of math help is available?

We offer drop-in help and online booked appointments. Check Penji for available times. Make sure you switch to the Math Centre to see the math help services. Here's an introductory video to Penji.

Is there any math help for Owen Sound students on campus?

Check our hours page for available times. Check Penji for online appointments.

Do you have online drop-in times?

Yes! Penji will show the times when online drop-in help is available. Make sure you switch to the Math Centre to view the online drop-in times.

When you click on the online drop-in location, you will see how long the expected wait is, since other students may be receiving help at the same time. You will receive a link in your student email account that you can use to see the math technologist. Or watch this video on how to view the drop-in schedule.

Can I book an online appointment with a math technologist?

See our schedule in Penji for available online appointment times. Make sure you switch to the Math Centre to view the appointment schedule. You can book four 30-minute appointments per week and 2 appointments back to back.

How long are the appointments?

Appointments are up to 30 minutes long. You may have up to 4 appointments per week to accommodate other students' needs. You may book 2 appointments back to back (consecutive) at one time.

How do I make an appointment with a math technologist?

Our webpage links directly to Penji where you can check our appointment availability. Make sure you switch to the Math Centre to see the schedules for the math technologists. Follow these steps or watch this video on booking an appointment.

  1. Go to "Schedule a single 30-minute session".
  2. Select "Math Help" as the class you want help in.
  3. Select a time slot and c lick "Next".
  4. Select a tutor/math technologist. Once selected, click "Continue".
  5. Pick the available online location. 
  6. Complete the topic box. Please provide your program and the topic (e.g., Automotive business: Vector addition). Click "Next".
  7. A summary of your request will be shown,. Click "Complete".
  8. Confirm the session request.
  9. A confirmation email will be sent to your student email account with the details for the session. Keep the confirmation email. It includes the online link for the session.

If you need help scheduling an appointment, you can watch this short video or contact us by email for assistance.

How should I prepare for an appointment or drop-in?

Be prepared to share your work electronically. Although we won't help with your assignment, we may refer to it for clarification on concepts you need assistance with. Have a specific goal in mind for your session.

I can't make my booked appointment. How do I cancel it?

Click on the session you would like to cancel in Penji. Select the three dots in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Then click on "Cancel session". You will be asked to briefly explain why you are cancelling the session. Fill in the box and then select "Cancel session". You will receive an email notification in your student email account confirming the cancellation.  

Are there any other math resources available?

Yes, check out our Math Tools resources. The Learning Portal has a Math Hub with resources.

Here’s a special bonus. Dan, our math technologist, has created screencasts. Check them out.

  1. Introduction to the Math Centre
  2. The 11 Basic Rules of Math
  3. Use of an Interest and Annuities Formula Sheet
  4. Similar vs. Congruent Triangles
  5. Trigonometry
  6. Vectors
  7. Single Equivalent Payment - Part 1
  8. Single Equivalent Payment - Part 2

FAQs: Tutoring

What type of tutoring support is available?

You can book an online appointment or attend drop-in help online using Penji. Watch this video for an introduction to Penji.

Do you have drop-in tutoring times?

Yes, we do! You can view our drop-in times in Penji to connect with a tutor. Drop-in tutoring is happening online. Make sure you select the "Get a Tutor" tab in the Tutoring community in Penji to view the drop-in schedule. This video describes how to view and join a drop-in session.

  1. Click on "View drop-in schedules". 
  2. Click on the class you would like help with and select the "Next" button.
  3. You will see the drop-in times and locations on the following screen. Click on "Check-In" during the scheduled hours for online tutoring. For in-person tutoring, attend the session by going to the location listed at the time listed.
  4. After checking in for online tutoring, you will receive an email in your student email account updating you about your place in line, and when the tutor will be ready to meet with you.
  5. Once the tutor is ready, join the drop-in session. 

Is any tutoring available on campus yet?

We are offering in-person tutoring for some courses. Please continue to check Penji for updates.

Do you have any tutoring appointments?

Yes! You can book an online appointment with a tutor using Penji

How long are booked appointments with a tutor?

Appointments are 30 minutes or 60 minutes long depending on a student's needs. You may have a maximum of 60 minutes of tutoring per day and 120 minutes of tutoring per week to accommodate other students' needs.  

How do I make an online appointment with a tutor?

You can book an online appointment with a tutor using Penji. Make sure you select the "Get a Tutor" tab in the Tutoring community in Penji to view the appointment schedules. Watch this video to book a group tutor appointment or this video for an individual tutor appointment.

  1. Select the appointment type of your choice from the options listed.
  2. Click on the class you would like help with and click the "Next" button.
  3. Select a time slot.
  4. Select a tutor.
  5. Pick the available online location. 
  6. Describe the type of help you would like to receive during the appointment.
  7. Confirm the session request.
  8. A confirmation email will be sent to your student email account with the details for the session. Keep the confirmation email. It includes the online link for the session.

If you need help scheduling an appointment, you can watch this short video or contact academicsuccess@georgiancollege.ca for assistance.  

How should I prepare for an appointment or drop-in?

Have a specific goal in mind for your session. Come prepared with your questions and your resources (textbooks, lecture notes, etc.). Although tutors won't help you with your assignment, they may want to refer to it for clarification on concepts you need assistance with.

I can't make my online appointment. How do I cancel it?

Click on the session you would like to cancel in Penji. Select the three dots in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Then click on "Cancel session". You will be asked to briefly explain why you are cancelling the session. Fill in the box and then select "Cancel session". You will receive an email notification in your student email account confirming the cancellation.  

I'm not located near any of the campuses. Can I still get a tutor?

Of course! Tutoring is available online. Just make sure to consider your time zone if you're not local and that of your tutor to make sure you don’t miss an appointment. Here’s a time zone converter to help with matching times.

How many hours of one-on-one tutoring can I get?

You may book a maximum of 60 minutes of tutoring per day and 120 minutes of tutoring per week via one-on-one appointments. There is no limit for drop-in tutoring each week.

How is online tutoring provided?

Online tutoring is provided using WebEx or Microsoft Teams.

Can a tutor help me with my assignment?

No. Tutors are not allowed to assist you with your assignment or assessment (test, exam, etc.). Tutors are required to report academic misconduct to their Academic Success team lead. Review Georgian’s regulation on academic integrity for further information.

What can a tutor help me with?

Tutors will coach you using tips and strategies to improve and build your learning and study skills. Each tutoring session will have specific and realistic goals that you help create.

Tutors must always adhere to Georgian’s academic integrity philosophy.

I don’t think I need a tutor but maybe a little support. Are there any other resources?

Check your Blackboard course shells. Your professors will identify resources that you can access. You can also check out the resources suggested by the student success advisors.

What do I do if I'd like to be a tutor?

If you are interested in becoming a tutor, check out the tutor job description for more information

Can I hire my own tutor?

If you choose to hire a tutor not from the college, make sure you negotiate a contract. The contract should include how many hours of tutoring, pay rate, how long each tutoring session is, start and end date of contract, etc. Don’t forget that you are responsible to maintain the academic integrity of your work.

FAQs: Writing

What type of writing help is available?

Writing help is available through booked appointments and drop-in visits.  

You can also submit a paper for feedback. Our writing technologists will review up to 30% of your paper and provide feedback within 1 to 3 business days. Tell us your name, student number, email, and program. 

How do I submit a paper (or report or essay) for feedback?

  1. Select "Get paper feedback" from our department website or "Submit a paper" from the Writing Centre guide. Watch this video for the steps.
  2. Remember, your paper isn't being edited or changed in any way. It takes 1 to 3 business days before you receive feedback in the form of comments. Only 30% (or 1/3) of your paper is reviewed.
  3. Select "Begin to submit a paper".
  4. Enter the required information - first and last names, Georgian email address, student number, etc.
  5. Describe the type of feedback or section in your paper you would like feedback on. Examples are APA formatting, references and in-text citations, paragraph structure, etc.
  6. Now add your paper in MSWord format. You can either click the box to open the folders on your computer or drag a file over. Your file will be listed under the upload box.
  7. The maximum file size is 2MB.
  8. Selected the wrong file? No worries, you can delete it by clicking the garbage can icon.
  9. Sometimes it's really helpful to include the assignment instructions. You can upload them, too. There is a separate upload box for assignment instructions.
  10. Click the "Submit" button.
  11. If you want a copy of the form submission, either enter a valid email address or select the email you used in the form. Now click the "continue" button. Your paper has been submitted.

I'm having problems with submitting a paper for feedback. What can I do?

If our form isn't working for you, email us at academicsuccess@georgiancollege.ca with the following required information.

  • First and last name
  • Student number
  • Georgian email address
  • Program of study
  • Attached paper for review.

You can attach the assignment instructions for clarification and tell us what you would like feedback on.

How long before I get the feedback?

We will return your paper with our feedback within 1 to 3 business days after you submit the paper. For example, if you submit the paper on a Monday, you'll get the paper back no later than Thursday.

What happens when I submit a paper (or report or essay) for feedback?

One of our writing technologists looks at your paper and concentrates on 30% (or 1/3) of your paper. If you've identified where you need feedback, e.g. APA formatting, they will focus on what you want. All feedback will be in the form of comments within your document.

Once I get my paper back and I make changes based on the feedback, how do I get rid of those comments?

Within MSWord, make sure you are in the "Review" ribbon. You may need to select "Show Comments" or make sure that "All Markup" is selected. Select each comment and "Delete" it. What you need to do depends on if you are using a desktop or web version of MSWord.

Can I book an appointment with a writing technologist or writing tutor?

See our schedule in Penji for available times. Make sure you are in the Writing Help tab in the Writing Centre community in Penji to view the appointment schedule. Click on "Schedule a single 30-minute 1:1 appointment" or “Schedule a 60-minute 1:1 appointment”.  Then select "Join a class". Select "Writing Help" as your class. Select "Writing Help" again and then the "Next" button. You will see the appointment schedule on the following screen. You can also watch this video on how to book an appointment

How long are the appointments?

Appointments are 30 to 60 minutes long.  You may have up to 120 minutes of writing help per week. 

How do I make an appointment with a writing technologist or writing tutor?

You can make an appointment with a writing technologist or writing tutor online using Penji. Make sure you are in the Writing Help tab in the Writing Centre community in Penji to view the appointment schedule. Watch this video on how to book an appointment

 

  1. Click on "Schedule a single 30-minute 1:1 appointment” or “Schedule a single 60-minute 1:1 appointment”.   

  1. Click "Join a class". Select "Writing Help" as your class. Select "Writing Help" again and then click the "Next" button. 

  1. Select a time slot. 

  1. Select a writing technologist or writing tutor. 

  1. Pick the available location.  

  1. Describe the type of help you would like to receive during the appointment.  

  1. Confirm the session request. 

  1. A confirmation email will be sent to your student email account with the details for the session. Keep the confirmation email. It includes the online link for the session. 

 

If you need help scheduling an appointment, you can watch this short video or contact academicsuccess@georgiancollege.ca for assistance.   

How should I prepare for an appointment or drop-in?

Be prepared to share your work electronically. Have your assignment ready in case we need clarification. Have a specific goal in mind for your session.

I can't make my appointment. How do I cancel it?

Click on the session you would like to cancel in Penji. Select the three dots in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Then click on "Cancel session". You will be asked to briefly explain why you are cancelling the session. Fill in the box and then select "Cancel session". You will receive an email notification in your student email account confirming the cancellation.  

Can you proofread my paper?

No, but we will show you how to proofread.

I need help with APA. Where can I look?

Use our APA Citing Guide to help. APA also has a website with many useful examples and explanations. Or connect with the Writing Centre.

FAQs: Academic Success

Wow, I didn’t know I’d have to be so organized to finish my course online. Do you have anything to help me?

Organization and time management are key to being successful in an online course. Check out the resources suggested by Georgian's student success advisors.

More information on study skills can be found on The Learning Portal's Study Skills hub

Do I have to pay for tutoring?

Math help, writing help, and tutoring are free services to all Georgian and Lakehead-Georgian students.

I’m feeling overwhelmed right now. This online learning isn’t as easy as I thought. I’m not sure if I can do this?

This is a new experience and we get it can feel overwhelming. Have you considered other student services? Perhaps contact studentsuccess@georgiancollege.ca or your student advisor. In the meantime, don’t forget to take care of yourself. There are many mental health and wellness services available to students.

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