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 302 MW and in Building 14, Room 301 TR. We’re open from 7-9 PM Monday through Thursday. Tutoring starts the second full week of the quarter and continues through Week 10. Tutoring is not available during holidays or long weekends.
In the event 14-302 is unavailable (due to conflicts with scheduled classes), tutoring will be held in an adjacent lab (301 or 303).
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: Austin Shin
CLASS OF 2022
Hello! I am a graduate computer science student from Fullerton, California. I discovered coding early on because I wanted to make video games, and my love for CS has only grown since. In my free time, I like cycling, drinking coffee, and skiing. I also love my wowies!
Contact at amshin@calpoly.edu.
Head Tutor: Garrett Desrosiers
CLASS OF 2022
Hi, I’m a fourth year Computer Engineering major from San Diego. When I’m not playing hide and seek with semicolons, I enjoy surfing, fitness, and hanging out with my Labrador, Nala.
Contact at gdesrosi@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!
Roman Black
CLASS OF 2024
Hey! I am a second year CS student who is still exploring my many interests in the field. I have been tutoring since high school, and I have completed one internship with OneSignal. I enjoy volleyball, badminton, and cooking.
Calvin Brown
CLASS OF 2022
I’m a fourth year Computer Science major from Irvine, California. My favorite course I’ve taken is CSC 349 and I’m interested in machine learning and data science. Additionally, I’ve been a Junior Developer at Amazon in the SLO office since March 2020. Much of my free time is spent captaining the ultimate frisbee team, playing board games, and reading.
George Heisey
CLASS OF 2022
Hello! I’m a fourth year Computer Science major with an interest in cybersecurity. I like to spend my free time playing video games and hanging out at the beach.
mcclane howland
CLASS OF 2022
Hello! I’m from Mountain View. I help write software for satellites at PolySat. When I’m not staring at a screen, I enjoy mountain biking, surfing, and skiing.
Ryan Ngoon
CLASS OF 2022
Hi! I’m a computer science major who’s primarily interested in accessibility in design and making computer games. I’ve been tutoring since high school and am excited to continue to do so here! Outside of school, my hobbies include gaming, game design, and cosplay!
Adam Perlin
CLASS OF 2023
I’m a 4th year computer science major and 4+1 student from Seattle, Washington. I have been passionate about programming for quite a while and enjoy helping people learn to CS concepts. I’m very interested in programming languages and so my favorite CS classes at Cal Poly would have to be CSC 430 and CSC 431. When I’m not writing software, I love getting outside and enjoy climbing, surfing, and skiing.