Tutoring

History

For the past 20 years, a unique tutorial program for electrical and computer engineering undergraduates has been administered and conducted by members of Eta Kappa Nu, the electrical engineering honor society. The program is funded by an endowment established in 1981 in memory of Philip N. Summers '76 (EE), by his parents, Willard and Charlotte Summers. The majority of the core ECE courses in addition to some upper-level one are now being provided with tutorial services in a dedicated effort that assists hundreds of students each year. Students are urged to prepare for the sessions beforehand since the tutors are there to answer specific questions rather than to teach or to summarize professors' lectures. In addition to the weekly sessions, Eta Kappa Nu offers individual tutoring by appointment. The endowment, which receives matching funds from IBM, pays the salaries of the tutors and has funded the renovation of an office to provide administrative space and a room for individual sessions.

Philip obtained the B.S. degree in electrical engineering in 1976, and the M.B.A. degree from Boston University in 1978. He died in an automobile accident in November 1979, while traveling to Cornell to attend a Homecoming weekend. During his undergraduate career at Cornell, Philip elected a number of non-technical courses in communication arts and public policy. In his application to business school he indicated related interests by statements that clearly established his desire to strengthen his already considerable skills in communication. It is altogether fitting that his memorial is identified with an activity that requires personal interactions similar to those in which he had hoped to excel.

One-on-one Tutoring

Tutoring is not available yet for this semester. Please check back soon.