Employment

Guidelines

Introduction
Minimum Requirements for any position
Responsibilites for Tutors
Responsibilites for Study-with-a-Tutor Leaders
Responsibilites for Mentors

Introduction

The Learning Center Coordinator employs peer tutors and Study-with-a-Tutor leaders for a variety of courses, primarily math, science, statistics and writing, but also Spanish, accounting, finance, and other courses as students request a tutor. Peer mentors are employed to meet with the First-Year Seminar classes to help the first-year students succeed by making academic, campus, and community connections.

Penn State Harrisburg students with a successful academic record and an interest in helping other students learn the academic content are invited to apply. We employ students from a variety of majors, undergraduate or graduate level. Your work with us can be used as a Work-Study position, but you do not have to be Work-Study eligible to be employed with us. Potential tutors, Study-with-a-Tutor leaders, or mentors need to submit a tutor application form. The forms are available at Olmsted C-216 or on this Web site. The application process requires submission of an unofficial transcript in addition to the form.

Minimum Requirements

At least second semester standing with completion of at least 9 credits
One semster must have been completed at Penn State Harrisburg before employment at the Learning Center
A or B+ in the course or completion of an equivalent course, or a more in-depth course in the same subject may be substituted for the actual course
Overall GPA of 3.0
Interview with and approval of Learning Center Coordinator, Janice Smith
Faculty recommendation from the instructor of the course or its equivalent

When accepted for employment, peer tutors, Study-with-a-Tutor leaders, or mentors are expected to complete training that is provided by the Learning Center. This time will be paid. Training is required.

Responsibilities for Tutors

Work with students in a one-to-one learning situation, in a drop-in clinic or in small groups
Clarify academic content as requested by the tutee
Assess the student’s study skills: note taking, daily study skills, time management, problem solving, test taking
Encourage higher levels of thinking and problem-solving
Build the student’s self-confidence
Provide understanding and encouragement in the tutee’s adjustment to college life
Act as a referral agent in directing students to other campus services
Learn from each tutoring experience
Complete training that is provided by the Learning Center. This time will be paid. Training is required.
Spend an average of 3 to 8 hours each week working as a peer tutor.

Responsibilities for Study-with-a-Tutor Leaders

Attend the class with the students
Prepare and conduct problem-solving sessions two or three times a week
Clarify academic content as requested
Encourage higher levels of thinking and problem-solving
Build the student’s self-confidence
Act as a referral agent in directing students to other campus services
Learn from each Study-with-a-Tutor experience
Complete training that is provided by the Learning Center. This time will be paid, as is class time and preparation time.
Spend an average of 8 to 10 hours each week working as a study-with-a-tutor leader.

Responsibilities for Mentors

Attend the FYS class and some of the cocurriculars as assigned
Participate in class discussions
Facilitate technology use in collaborative projects
Assist the instructor in managing cocurriculars
Communicate regularly with students and the instructor
Meet regularly with the instructor
Make connections to campus resources
Be a liaison between the students and the instructor
Be a role model of academic success and campus citizenship
Complete training that is provided by the Learning Center. This time will be paid. Training is required.
Spend an average of 2 to 3 hours each week working as a peer mentor.