Learner's FAQs
- What does it cost to come to the LCLC?
Nothing. Tutoring is provided free of charge by Loyola University Chicago, which supports the Literacy Center as a gift to our neighbors in Chicago.
- Who may come?
Anyone who wants to study English is welcome to come to the LCLC. In a typical semester we have learners who come from 15- 20 different countries; we also work with adults born in the United States.
- Are there classes for children?
No. We teach adults, from age 17 or 18 on up. We do not have facilities to work with children and we do not offer child-care service.
- Are there tests?
There is no testing at the LCLC.
- How large are classes?
Most of the time our learners have their own tutors: you will have your own teacher, or you might share a teacher with another learner. We do not have "classes"; instead, we offer one-on-one tutoring.
- Where are you located?
The LCLC is located at 1122 W. Loyola Avenue in Chicago, just a half block east of Sheridan Road. Loyola Avenue is a stop on the CTA Red Line elevated train. You should come to this address a little before 7 p.m. on nights we are open if you want to study with us.
- What are your hours?
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings, from 7:00-9:30 p.m., with a break from 8:15-8:25.
- How often do you give lessons?
The LCLC opens shortly after Loyola University Chicago starts the semester—that is, in the middle of September and the end of January. We close in early December for Christmas vacation, and at the end of April for the summer. You will be given a calendar with our schedule when you come.
- Where do you give lessons?
Lessons almost always are at the LCLC. If we are very crowded, a few learners and tutors go across the street to the student center.
- What time should I arrive?
Between 6:45 and 6:50 p.m.
- How will I find a tutors?
Our staff will talk to you about your needs and interests and we will match you with a tutor who can help you study English. If you would like to work on English for a special purpose, e.g., nursing or business, please tell us, and please bring books that you need to study, if you have them.
- Will my teacher always be there?
Most of our tutors (our teachers, that is) are volunteers, but we ask them to come on a regular schedule, and usually they come one night each week. We do everything we can to make sure that you work with the same teacher, but we cannot promise that you always will.
- Will I always have the same teacher?
If you come one or two nights each week on a regular basis, we will do our best to make sure that you have the same tutor. However, most tutors come only one night each week, so you might have one tutor on Monday and another one on Wednesday. Our tutors work together; they will work on the same kinds of lessons with you. The staff encourages tutors to talk to each other about their work.
- What happens if my tutor doesn't come?
If your tutor does not come, we will try our best to match you up with another tutor. On a very busy night, however, we might not be able to find one, and it might take some time and cause you to wait.
- What happens if I miss a few weeks?
If you miss two evenings in a row and do not tell us why, your tutor will be assigned to another learner. We cannot offer regular service to learners who do not attend on a regular basis.
- What if I am sick?
If you are sick, please call to cancel as soon as you can (773-508-2330).
- What happens if I am late?
If you are more than a few minutes late, your tutor might be asked to work with another learner. We are sorry about this, but if we do not know that you are coming, and if others are waiting, we ask tutors to work with them.
- Who monitors my progress?
Your tutor will make notes in a file about your work together. The file never leaves the LCLC. These notes are reviewed by LCLC staff every week.