The First Session
Assess Student Academic Skills

1.   Ask Students for a Self-assessment
Ask the Student to describe the difficulties with the class. This encourages the Student to be an active learner and a co-participant in the tutoring progress, and it gives the Tutor an idea of what the student already knows and the likely beneficial direction of tutoring.

2.   Give a Quiz or Collect a Writing Sample
Assure the Student that it is not a test but a way to determine the starting place for tutoring. The Tutor can use questions from the text or a student study-guide.

3.   Confer With the Instructor About Course Expectations
To maintain confidentiality and a professional tutoring relationship, ask the Student's permission before discussing the Student's issues with the instructor.