DSDS Peer Tutor

Overview: Peer tutors are viewed as academic student leaders and are significant contributors to the UDC community. Peer tutors work in individual or small group sessions to answer questions on course content as presented by the course professor in approved subjects. Peer tutors facilitate learning as a guide and coach to assist the student to become a successful independent learner. Reporting to the Academic Coaching within the Office of Special Programs, as a member of the team, a peer tutor is expected to maintain ongoing communications with the Academic Coaches regarding tutor schedules and student needs including the issue of referral to other appropriate college resources. Qualifications: Be a currently enrolled student at the University of the District of Columbia. Be classified as a sophomore (minimum of 30 credit hours). Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75. Skills: Mastery of the subject being tutored; good overall academic ability. Good interpersonal and communication skills with students, fellow tutors, and department faculty and staff. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to be empathetic to students having difficulty. Ability to maintain accurate records of tutoring sessions. Ability to effectively and efficiently navigate the comprehensive tutoring platform, Upswing. Responsibilities: Assist students in understanding key concepts and the scope of assignments, within the boundaries of academic integrity; utilize effective tutoring techniques shared through training, promote utilization of resources and independent learning. Be punctual for all scheduled tutoring sessions and notify the student and Academic Coaching staff regarding schedule changes. Offer professional, respectful, and courteous tutoring to all students and serve as a role model for all students seeking academic assistance. Maintain records through the Upswing tutoring platform. Check college e-mail daily; respond to contact from students and Office of Special Programs staff within 24-48 hours. Assist with answering general questions regarding tutoring services and perform other duties consistent with the position of a peer tutor. Attend tutor training and tutor meetings, as scheduled. Courses and Types of Tutoring: Tutors are approved for courses for which they have received a grade of “B” or higher. Academic Coaches may add additional courses based on course equivalencies and demonstrated competencies. Tutors can participate and facilitate one-on-one and group tutoring sessions. Tutoring sessions should not last more than one hour. Compensation The base wage for peer tutoring is $17 per hour and will be paid directly to your student account. Tutors will be scheduled and expected to show up for 10 hours per week. All tutoring will take place in the Student Achievement Center (Bldg. 38, A-Level) or virtually using the Upswing platform. Benefits of becoming a tutor include the opportunity to build your resume and gain valuable work experience; strengthen your communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills; increase mastery of academic skills and course material; develop a sense of pride and accomplishment from helping others; and be involved in student life develop your leadership skills.