Peer tutors work with students on homework problems and conceptual questions related to their subject in one-on-one or group meetings that take place either in person during drop-in hours at the Learning Center, select locations on campus, or online via Zoom. Tutors are expected to develop their sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of other PSU students. Above all, tutors can initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere and establishing and maintaining effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Admitted PSU student majoring or minoring in the subject they will be tutoring OR have taken the course/s at PSU and passed with B or better
  • *special consideration may be given for courses taken at other colleges/universities and applicants will be asked to provide transcripts and possibly syllabi
• Enrolled in a minimum 5 credits for graduate students, 6 credits for undergraduate
• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
• Possess the ability and desire to work with individuals and groups of students from diverse, cultural, economic and academic backgrounds, and varying levels of ability
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Have the desire to become a student leader and role model to other students
• Be strongly committed to being a partner in the process of helping learners achieve their personal and academic goals
• Strong interpersonal skills including having a welcoming and friendly demeanor

Time Commitment

• Approximately 7-15 hours per week, with priority hours given to tutors who can tutor multiple subjects and high-demand courses (STEM).
• Flexible hours including evening and weekend options
• Minimum one-term commitment; prefer one full academic year commitment

Training

• Required in-person training on September 25th from 10am-4pm
• Mandatory staff/team meeting once per term (2hrs) for ongoing professional development
• All tutors are expected to attend 10 hours of training per academic year to work toward and maintain certification through CRLA (College Reading and Learning Association)

Responsibilities

• Develop professionally through gaining a praxis-based understanding of learning strategies, study skills, and effective academic achievements strategies
• Be communicative with Learning Center staff and other student employees via email, chat, the telephone, over Zoom, and in-person
• Work in a team environment as well as independently
• Develop or maintain excellent organizational and time management skills
• Adapt to and work effectively in a heavily bureaucratic university environment, developing a working knowledge of university infrastructure, policies, and procedures
• Develop a well-rounded understanding of center and campus resources to make appropriate referrals
• Represent the Learning Center and actively outreach and promote our services via occasional classroom presentations and tabling at campus events.
• Utilize Google Suite for Learning Center communication, including chat and google calendar, and be prompt in responding to email communications from the Tutoring Coordinator
• Utilize Penji App to maintain an up-to-date schedule and manage student attendance
• Partner with and proactively communicate with faculty as appropriate

Observations

• Receive feedback from observations of your tutoring sessions conducted by your supervisor
• Provide pre and post observation self-reflections for each scheduled observation
• Participate in post-observation meetings throughout the term with program staff
• Complete one observation per term of your peers, practice giving constructive feedback, and brainstorm ways to utilize new activities or strategies in your own sessions

Team Meetings

Attend one 2 hr all staff meeting/training per term

Compensation

• $15.95/hr base rate for one subject, with pay increases for multiple subjects tutored. (Subject to review based on number of courses in each subject area and applies only to STEM subjects we offer in the LC).
• Pay increases with CRLA Certification (based on training hours and tutoring hours).
• Flexible work schedule, paid training opportunities and leadership support for resume-building

For additional information, please contact:

The Learning Center
tutoring@pdx.edu