Three considerations for institutions before contracting with a tutoring firm

In recent years, online tutoring has gained popularity for its ability to provide students with convenient and flexible academic support solutions. Unlike many college and university tutoring centers, online tutoring has a greater ability to fit into students’ schedules. As the number of online students has grown over the past three years, many institutions have explored partnering with tutoring companies to meet student needs. However, for faculty and staff working in on-campus tutoring centers, partnering with online tutoring companies may be viewed as a threat. In addition to common considerations like budget and compatibility with other edtech, there are other factors that may impact your institution’s culture and satisfaction with resources. Here are three things to consider when evaluating a coaching partnership.

Students receive tutoring services

A key consideration is service availability. Should this service be offered exclusively to online students or also to in-person students? While the initial focus may be on accessing online students with limited campus resources, providing access to in-person students can promote inclusion and equity across the institution. If an institution chooses to offer online tutoring to on-campus students, it should also consider the parameters of the service. For example, will the service only be available when the campus option is turned off? Should current students be required to pay for online services, or be provided with a limited number of tutoring hours each semester? Access to this service by on-campus students will impact tutoring costs and use of on-campus tutoring centers. Will online tutoring replace or enhance the work of on-campus tutors? Consider how this service will impact your institution’s culture of trust and care.

If an institution chooses to offer online tutoring to on-campus students, it should also consider the parameters of that service

Tutor’s qualifications

Another important consideration is the qualifications of the tutor who will provide the services. The company should have a rigorous process for selecting mentors at your institution. Ideally, tutors should have a strong background in their subject area and teaching. Be sure to ask about the mentor selection process and training process. Faculty and tutors at your institution must participate in job training and development annually; online tutors should have these same requirements. This will help ensure that their services are of high quality and comparable to those on campus.

Flexibility of Counseling Services

A final tip is to check out the various options and partnerships the company offers. Is the service flexible enough to allow students to study in the format they prefer (e.g. one-on-one, small group student sessions, scheduled and unscheduled sessions)? Is the service flexible enough to include tutors from your institution? Are you limited to using company-hired tutors, or can your employees provide online tutoring as well? Include flexibility in assessments if staff or faculty feel threatened by online tutoring services; all of these will help you balance the technical and human aspects of online tutoring services. By taking the time to carefully consider these factors, institutions can be confident that they are making the best decision for their students when contracting with a tutoring company.