Resources

Student Employment

Interested in working as a Tutor or Supplemental Instruction Leader? We offer training, flexible work schedules, and good pay. For more information, review the job descriptions below or contact the University Tutorial Services Director (Jessica Fletcher, 828-262-6809).

Become a Tutor | Become an SI Leader

Become a Tutor

Tutors must Posses:

an overall GPA of 3.0 or above and at least a 3.0 GPA in the subject area tutored.
soph, junior or senior status preferred (exceptions are made on occasion to hire outstanding freshman who demonstrate maturity and have established a GPA here at Appalachian)
academic proficiency to tutor the specific course documented by approval from the Departmental Chairperson of the Academic Department in which the course is listed. Typically, this requires having taken the specific course you plan to tutor and having made an A in the coursework. Other factors may also be considered by the Chairperson in making this decision. A letter for the Chairperson to sign indicating approval/denial for the recommendation is issued to tutor applicants along with the application.
strong interpersonal and communication skills.
the ability to participate in the Tutor Training Component in the manner agreed upon with the Coordinator ( a Training Agreement is a part of the application packet).
the ability to provide three references who can substantiate the above qualities (other than friends or family members).

The Tutor Will:

assist students in learning and practicing the concepts necessary for success in a subject area, to assist students in bettering their learning skills (note-taking, organization of materials, and time management) and provide a forum for participatory learning (studying with a peer, group tutoring, question and answer sessions, and flash card exercises).
assist only those students referred through the tutorial office and only in the tutoring lab. Tutors are not to complete class assignments for students or assume any responsibility for the completion of projects or in meeting coursework deadlines.
refer students to the Tutor Coordinator if tutees’ personal or academic needs are beyond the tutor's expertise. The Coordinator is always available to consult with tutors about working with tutees or specific concerns that may arise.
work the assigned hours per week unless making prior arrangements with the Coordinator.
prepare for tutoring sessions by reading required material, planning questions, and provide structure for the time spent with students.

Become an SI Leader

SI Leader Qualifications:

Junior, senior, or graduate standing is preferred; second-semester sophomore is usual minimum. (Underclass candidates must receive an outstanding recommendation from a faculty member in order to be considered for the position.)
An overall GPA of 3.0 or above is preferred.
An "A" or "B" in the selected course is preferred; prior enrollment with the professor who is to teach the selected course is preferred.
Completion of both parts of an introductory course is preferred: for example, both CHE 1101 & 1102 must be completed in order to work with CHE 1101. (BIO 1110 counts towards both BIO 1101 and BIO 1102, pending faculty approval).
Content competency (to be determined by the course professor) is required.
Good interpersonal and communication skills (to be determined by the SI coordinator) are required.

SI Leader Job Description - Primary Activities

Attend all class meetings of the selected course, and take notes (3 hours a week).
Go over homework, read assigned materials including text(s) and supplemental readings, prepare worksheets and create plans for review sessions. (3 hours a week).
Conduct three 50-minute study sessions per week throughout the term using strategies learned through the SI leader training meetings. (3 hours a week, depending on attendance) Sessions are scheduled based on class survey and SI leader's own schedule.
Attend all leader training sessions and individual leader consultation meetings. Discuss observations of the SI sessions, the creation and use of SI session handouts, the planning of SI sessions & use of a wide variety of learning strategies. (1 hour every other week or so).
Communicate frequently with course instructor.
Encourage students to attend SI, including introducing SI during the first two weeks of class, and making periodic announcements throughout the semester.
Provide extra SI sessions &/or marathon sessions as necessary (e.g., prior to exams).

SI Leader Job Description - Maintenance Activities

Complete necessary personnel paperwork, including monthly payroll.
Attend SI leader training workshops prior to the beginning of each term (2 half days, paid)
Communicate in advance with the SI coordinator to select appropriate times and scheduling of SI sessions, including marathon or review sessions.
Collect attendance data for every SI session & turn in to the SI coordinator in a timely manner.
Maintain a professional attitude about matters such as class standards, grades, and student comments.
Provide SI coordinator with an up-to-date schedule of your SI sessions, notify the coordinator in advance if you cannot conduct an SI session as scheduled, and keep SI coordinator informed if any problems arise.

Application Process

Complete and submit the SI Leader application and schedule for next semester.
Schedule interview with Jessica Fletcher, UTS Director.
Turn in your schedule as soon as you can. You will be considered for possible placements with biology or chemistry courses next semester. If a match seems likely, you will need to meet with the faculty member for approval.
If faculty member approves, and you confirm that you want the position, you will be hired.You will need to attend approximately 2 half days of training at the start of the semester.

top

Tutoring Services