Viterbi Learning Program

We recommend making an appointment beforehand, but tutors may be able see you as a drop-in if you message them through Tutor Matching Service and they do not have appointments already scheduled. If you have just a few quick questions, you are always welcome to come to drop-in hours.

If none of a tutor’s hours fit with your schedule, message the tutor you would like to meet with through Tutor Matching Service to see if they can work out a time to meet with you. If no hours appear for a particular class, either all the tutors for that particular class are booked, or they still need to update their available hours. In any case, be sure to check back in and check for newly opened hours (due to cancellations or new hours being posted). You can also message tutors about whether they have updated their availability or whether they tutor a specific class.

Our advice is to start working on your assignment or studying for your test in advance of your appointment. This helps you identify what you want to focus on during your session. Be sure to write down your questions, so you don’t forget anything. Your session will be much more productive if you are prepared with specific topics or assignments to discuss with your tutor. Bring the following items, as needed, to your session: Homework assignment (already started) Textbooks Lecture notes Course syllabus Past tests Your questions!

You can schedule up to two hours a week with the same tutor in no more than one-hour blocks.

Of course! Many students come to VLP on a weekly basis to see a specific tutor. Just be sure to book every appointment in advance! You can also sign up with our VL Pairs program to meet on a consistent basis with a tutor.

Yes. VLP services are for engineering and pre-engineering students, but USC has many other resources for students in departments outside of engineering. Check out the Kortschak Center for Learning and Creativity, the Math Center, Supplemental Instruction and the Writing Center.

We have also compiled a link with many academic resources here.

If there is one hour or more before your appointment time, log in to the system and cancel. If there is less than 1 hour, contact VLP by email (viterbilearningprogram@usc.edu) to cancel and be sure to message the tutor through Tutor Matching Service so that they will not be waiting for you.

Staff members are at VLP from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday so you can stop by to ask any other questions. We check our email throughout the day, so we will get back to you as soon as possible! You can always email viterbilearningprogram@usc.edu with any questions or concerns.