CSSE TUTORING CENTER
CS Tutoring Services
Cal Poly’s Computer Science Department offers free tutoring for all students taking CSC courses. We offer help at all scheduled times primarily for students in CSC/CPE 101, 202, 203, and 225. We can also help with basic C and systems concepts, but we will not help with 357 projects or assignments. Depending on the tutors on duty, we may also offer help for other CSC courses, including 123, 234, and 349.
If you need help outside of class and office hours, the tutoring center is for you. We focus on near-peer tutoring which means that we are run by students, for students. We are committed to providing computer science and debugging assistance in a safe environment and we work with our faculty advisors to make sure that our help is as quality, up-to-date, and accessible as possible.
In-Person Tutoring
Due to a lack of attendance at online tutoring sessions, we will be moving back to completely in-person tutoring. We will continue to monitor the situation on campus and adjust accordingly. See the 1-on-1 Tutoring tab for the schedule and more information.
What We Will Do
We’ll help you figure out course material that you’re having trouble understanding on your own. This material may include:
- Basics of programming in Python, Java, or C
- Debugging techniques and independent problem solving
- Data structures
- Unix shell commands
- Text editor operation
Our goal is to give you the tools you need to solve problems.
What We Won’t Do
We won’t do your assignments for you, help you through an entire project, or do generalized code reviews. We will give you explanations of concepts and guidance on how to proceed with your assignments and any bugs you run into
Want to be a Tutor?
If you’ve passed CSC 357 (or are currently enrolled, or have equivalent experience) and want to be a tutor, please email one of the current head tutors. Tell us about yourself and attach a resume, and we’ll schedule an interview!
Tutoring Center Hours
The tutoring center is held in Building 14, Room 309 all weekdays. We’re open from 5-9 PM Monday through Thursday, and 5-7 PM Friday. Tutoring starts the second full week of the quarter and continues through Week 10. Tutoring is not available during holidays or long weekends.
In-Person Tutoring
- Come to the lab and work on a personal laptop or one of the school computers
- When you have a question, write your name and what class it is for on the whiteboard
- A tutor will call out your name when it is your turn to be helped
Policies
- You must be present to be helped. If we cannot find you, we will skip you
- Collaboration policies of professors still apply in the waiting room. Do not share code with other students or violate your professor’s policies
If you have any questions or comments or if you are interested in becoming a tutor, then please email one of the the current head tutors listed below or Dr. Ayaan Kazerouni (ayaank@calpoly.edu).
Tutoring Schedule
current tutors

Head Tutor: Roman Black
CLASS OF 2024
Hey! I am a third year CS student who is still exploring my many interests in the field. I have been tutoring since high school, and I have completed two internships with OneSignal. I enjoy volleyball, badminton, and cooking.
roblack@calpoly.edu

Nick Ambrose
CLASS OF 2024
Hi! I’m a second year computer science major from Scottsdale, Arizona. When I’m not busy doing homework, you’ll usually find me on the golf course or enjoying the outdoors. I also spend my free time helping out as the Philanthropy Chair for Sigma Nu and the communications chair for Cal Poly Dance Marathon!

Wing Fung Wu
CLASS OF 2023
Hi, I’m a fourth year computer science major from Hong Kong. My interests of computer science are machine learning as well as network security. I spend much of my free time on video games and biking.

Cooper Mattern
CLASS OF 2024
I’m a third year CPE major. I specialize in embedded programming but have knowledge in Java, Python, and C. I enjoy my time with sim racing and other video games.

Kara Sawamura
CLASS OF 2023
Hi! I am a 4th year Business Administration major with a concentration in Information Systems and minors in Computer Science and ES. I’m from San Mateo, CA. I’m interested in software engineering and development, and in my free time I enjoy photography, musical theater, and volleyball.

Masato Nandante
CLASS OF 2024
I am a third year computer science major and my interests include front end engineering and data science! Outside of class I love soccer, books, and drawing.

Kaanan Kharwa
CLASS OF 2023
Hi, I am a fifth year graduate student studying computer science. I am interested in data science and machine learning, especially computer vision! I enjoy playing video games and lifting weights in my free time.

Ike Schwetman
CLASS OF 2025
I am a CS Major in my second year here from Duluth, Minnesota. I enjoy playing videogames and working on various programming projects.

Jonathan Serdinsky
CLASS OF 2024
Hi! I am a third year computer science major from Bakersfield, CA. I’m mainly interested in machine learning but love to learn about everything! In my free time I enjoy hiking, lifting, and spending time with friends and family.

Tyler Hlaing
CLASS OF 2025
Hello! I am a Second Year ComSci major!! I’m interested in machine learning or game dev and I love listening to music, watching anime, and playing volleyball!!