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Tutor Responsibilities and Qualifications

The Writing and Learning Commons (WaLC) provides small-group tutoring for specific classes that have been approved for tutoring by the Director and by course instructors. The WaLC’s ability to provide tutors with clients is contingent upon supply and demand, program funding, faculty approval and support, and the tutor’s willingness to fulfill the responsibilities outlined below. A tutor’s electronic signature on the Employment Application indicates his/her agreement to carry out these responsibilities, and noncompliance with any of these may result in termination of employment.

Tutor Responsibilities

Facilitate Learning

  • Conduct small-group tutoring sessions in which each student is actively involved in exploring and learning the material.
  • Review course concepts, provide alternate explanations, and offer multiple strategies for reviewing and reinforcing information.
  • Model effective organization and study strategies.
  • Encourage students to do most of the talking and writing in your tutoring sessions.
  • Help students to identify resources and to develop problem-solving strategies they can use when studying on their own.

Act as a Liaison between Students and Instructors

  • Communicate with course instructors to learn what they expect of students in their courses and what they expect of you as the tutor.
  • Work with other tutors and with instructors to ensure that a tutor visits each class to advertise the WaLC’s services.
  • Encourage students to communicate with their instructors outside of class about their progress and any questions they have about the material.
  • Request a copy of the course textbook from the instructor if a copy is not already available in the WaLC.

Demonstrate Professional and Ethical Behavior

  • Act in accordance with the WaLC's Code of Ethics
  • Comply with and enforce the WaLC’s Policies for Students
  • Report to tutoring sessions on time and avoid canceling appointments. 
  • Maintain a consistent number of tutoring hours for the duration of the semester.
  • Establish appropriate boundaries with the students you serve. Notify the Director immediately if you are unable to do so.
  • Respond to students within the limits of your training, position, and expertise. Tutors are not expected to re-lecture course material, to complete students’ homework for them, to suggest a grade for an assignment discussed in the tutoring session, or to engage in negative talk about an instructor’s teaching methods, grading policies, assignments, or personality.
  • Model successful student behavior when questions arise that you are not able to answer. Help students identify other resources that can help them answer their questions (e.g. the course instructor, textbook, or other students).
  • Clean up your area at the conclusion of each tutoring session: wipe down whiteboards and tables, throw away trash, and return any borrowed WaLC materials to their appropriate places.

Participate in Tutor Training

  • Enroll in USI 202 (Introduction to Peer Tutoring) during your first year of employment. Successful completion of USI 202 and 25 hours of actual tutoring time will qualify you for Tutor Certification through the College Reading and Learning Association.
  • Meet with your mentor for orientation and complete additional training activities as assigned.
  • Read the WaLC Associate Manual and the WaLC Course Tutor Manual.
  • Review documents in the WaLC Canvas course (located under “My Organizations”) and refer to them as needed.

Fulfill Administrative Responsibilities

  • Accurately record work hours on your myWCU timesheet every week and submit your timesheet every other week.
  • Check your catamount email regularly and respond promptly to communications from the WaLC.
  • Submit tutor reports in Navigate each week. Reports are due no later than 8:00 am on the Monday following each appointment.

Tutor Qualifications

To be eligible for a tutoring position in the WaLC, you must:

  • Maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA
  • Have earned an 'A' in each course you wish to tutor or have written approval from the instructor.
  • Provide at least two recommendation forms from faculty members at WCU (see application for details)
  • Possess excellent communication skills
  • Be eligible for on-campus student employment by reviewing the requirements listed on the work-study and/or non work-study student employment websites

 

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, and veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program.
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