Safeguarding & conduct

Free tutoring only works if it's safe. These are the rules everyone in the program agrees to, and how to raise a concern.

Report a concern: if anything about a session or a message makes you uncomfortable, tell a trusted adult and email masstutoringea@gmail.com right away. If someone is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services first. We review every report and act on it.

These policies are maintained with adult oversight and reviewed regularly. This page describes how the program is designed to operate; some elements (such as a named adult advisor and any in-person supervised sites) are operational commitments that are put in place before those settings are used.

How sessions are run

  • Tutoring happens on approved video platforms and through program-coordinated scheduling — not private, unmonitored channels set up between a tutor and a student.
  • Communication about sessions goes through program-managed channels. Tutors and students don't exchange personal contact information to message privately.
  • Session times are documented, and we prefer school-, library-, or community-supervised settings where one is available.
  • We do not operate private one-to-one direct messaging between minors and volunteers.

Tutor code of conduct

  • Be respectful, patient, and encouraging. Explain — never just hand over answers.
  • Never promise a specific score or make admissions predictions.
  • Keep all communication about the SAT and studying, through approved channels only.
  • Protect student privacy; don't share a student's information or work.
  • Use official College Board materials appropriately; never share pirated or unauthorized copyrighted content.
  • Report any safety concern immediately, and step back from anything outside your role (for example, a student in crisis) by escalating to the coordination team.

Student code of conduct

  • Treat your tutor with respect — they're a volunteer.
  • Show up to scheduled sessions, or let us know if you can't.
  • Keep sessions focused on SAT prep.
  • Tell a trusted adult and us if anything feels wrong.

If a session is missed

If a tutor doesn't show, tell us and we'll follow up and, if needed, rematch you. If you can't make a session, let your tutor or the coordination team know in advance when you can.

For parents, guardians, and schools

We encourage a parent, guardian, counselor, or teacher to know a student is using the program, and we welcome adult involvement. Adults with questions about how tutoring is supervised can email masstutoringea@gmail.com. Schools and libraries interested in hosting supervised sessions can start on the For Educators page.