• the student asks for help on a take-home test
• the student repeatedly shows up late
• the student tries to manipulate you into doing work for him/her
• the student skips sessions because he/she has nothing to work on
• the student repeatedly wants to change his/her schedule

These situations should be resolved by politely reviewing the TIP Policies and Rules or the Do's and Don't's for Tutors and Advisors with the student. If the students becomes upset and you are unable to handle him/her, you can always refer the student to a supervisor.

Stress and Emotion
Stress and emotion are often the cause of difficult situations such as these:

• the student seems apathetic about their tutoring/class work

Students are often tired, and overwhelmed by classes and homework.  You should express your concern about the student's apathy to the student, without being rude. 

• the student begins to discuss personal problems during their tutoring

You should politely try to direct the student's attention back to the work that he/she needs to do.  You may need to politely explain to the student that you are not comfortable advising him/her on personal issues, and that tutoring time needs to be spent on class-related conversation.

• the student becomes very upset about a grade that he/she received on a test
• the student blames the tutor for a grade that he/she received

You should tell the student that you would be happy to review the test with him/her and answer any questions he or she may have.  You should also express sympathy for the student, yet not accept responsibility for the student's grade. 

Tutorial Lab Privacy
The TIP Lab can get crowded at times, which could cause problems such as these:

• the student is concerned about his/her privacy
• the student has a personal conflict with a student who is sitting near him/her

Tutors/Writing Advisors should be sensitive to these issues, and be willing to find ways to make the student more comfortable.