Frequently Asked Questions

If you are unable to find the answer to your question, we encourage you to visit us face-to-face at Mary Gates Hall, 161B. You can also email us at clue@u.washington.edu or call (206) 543-5755.

What are CLUE's goals?

The Center for Learning and Undergraduate Enrichment (or CLUE) strives to further UW's mission to facilitate learning in small, comfortable environments. We have outlined our program's expectations and desired outcomes on our Mission page.

Where is CLUE located?

We are located in the Mary Gates Hall (MGH) Commons (our office is MGH 161B in the Center for Undergraduate Advising, Diversity, and Student Success).

What are CLUE's hours?

Unless specified on our homepage, Evening Discussion and Review Sessions are held Sunday through Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. throughout MGH. Drop-in Tutoring for Chemistry, Math, Physics and the Writing Center are held from 7:00 p.m. to midnight. Drop-in for other areas of study are also available. Please see the schedule.

Who can use CLUE?

We invite all UW undergraduate students to take advantage of CLUE's resources.

Is CLUE free?

Yes, CLUE is a free service for all UW undergraduates. Undergraduate Academic Affairs and the New Student Enrollment and Orientation Fee support our program.

What are Discussion Sessions?

Discussion sessions seek to provide an opportunity for UW undergraduates to delve more deeply into their lower-division coursework by actively studying, reviewing, and discussing course topics and issues with their peers in a low-key atmosphere outside of the traditional space of the classroom. You can visit the Discussion Sesssions page to see this quarter's schedule.

What is Drop-In Tutoring?

CLUE's drop-in tutoring service helps students explore course concepts and problems. Working in collaboration with CLUE Instructors, students uncover answers in one-on-one and small group settings. Please visit our Drop-In Tutoring page to see this quarter's schedule. This service is located in the MGH Commons and students are invited to come and go as they please.

What is the CLUE Writing Center?

The CLUE Writing Center is an interdisciplinary, drop-in writing center open to all undergraduates. You can visit our Writing Center page to learn more about this program.

Does CLUE or the Writing Center make appointments?

No—all help is provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.

What are Exam Review Sessions?

Exam reviews are different from Drop-In Tutoring and Discussion Sessions. Exam Reviews cover probable material and strategies for specific tests. CLUE does not recommend undergraduates "cram" the night before an exam—learning is a process best accomplished over time. Please utilize your time throughout the quarter and then come to our exam review session prepared. This is a free service to all UW undergraduates—visit the Exam Review Sessions page for this quarter's schedule.

What should I bring when I visit CLUE?

To make the best use of your time at CLUE, you should bring any relevant materials to the assignment(s) you are working on. This includes your textbook and lab manual, lecture notes, old tests, calculator, periodic table chart, and lots of pencils. Students visiting CLUE's Writing Center should be sure to bring the assignment prompt, readings for the assignment, and any previous drafts of the paper. All students should have in mind any specific questions they wish to ask of the Instructors. CLUE provides plenty of scratch paper and has copies of most introductory course textbooks to loan on a short-term basis. If you plan to work for an extended period, please be sure to have plenty of water with you and maybe a snack.

When should I start going to CLUE?

We are most interested in helping students develop knowledge throughout the quarter (as opposed to the night before an exam). However, we do realize students have busy schedules and encourage them to attend CLUE whenever possible.

Who are the CLUE Instructors?

CLUE Instructors are current and former graduate and experienced undergraduate students. These individuals often come to CLUE through recommendations from professors, teaching assistants, or peers. All CLUE Instructors maintain high grade point averages and have done exceptionally well in their areas of study. Our staff work part-time and many also tutor in other capacities on campus or privately. Their goal is not to simply provide answers. CLUE Instructors help students explore questions—working to uncover answers collaboratively.

How do I apply to be a CLUE Instructor?

We're glad you are interested in helping other students. Please visit our Working for CLUE page to learn about the qualifications of and how to apply to be a CLUE Instructor.