Become a Peer Tutor
Peer tutors facilitate student learning by helping to clarify specific course content and promote the use of appropriate study strategies. Tutors may consult with faculty for course resources, guidance, and direction in their tutoring work. The most common courses supported include introductory courses in mathematics, chemistry, physics, economics, engineering, and computer science. Tutors conduct regularly scheduled one-on-one and group tutoring sessions throughout the semester as needed. They also host Drop-in sessions on a weekly basis, during scheduled times that are held using Zoom Video Conferencing. Tutors will return to hosting Drop-in tutoring sessions in various residence halls and library locations on campus in the future, in alignment with CMU’s posture on Covid-19. Peer Tutors do not provide answers to homework assignments, but work with students to model problem solving strategies and explain course-specific concepts in compliance with university academic integrity standards. Peer Tutors typically work 5-10 hours per week.
What does a Peer Tutor do?
- Assists students with specific course-related concepts and problems
- Facilitates development of effective, related study skills
- Conducts one-on-one, small group and/or Drop-in tutoring sessions
- Participates in regularly scheduled meetings with supervisor
- Conducts classroom announcements to promote SASC programs
- May consult with faculty for course resources, guidance, and direction
- Works approximately 5 to 10 hours per week
Additional opportunities
Our student staff can also work in projects for service, outreach, and research for the SASC office.
The benefits of being a Peer Tutor
- Develops leadership and interpersonal communication skills
- Reinforces and builds upon your own knowledge of course content
- Meets a diverse group of students across a variety of academic disciplines
- Develops career competencies that prepare you for successful transition into your future workplace
- Gain satisfaction from helping other students to succeed academically
- Allows you to schedule your work around your classes
- Paid on-campus position after training
- Earn your CRLA Tutor Certification which is nationally recognized by all colleges
Qualifications
- Currently enrolled CMU student
- Minimum QPA of 3.0 or bachelor’s degree in the discipline
- Undergraduate students have received an B or better in the course(s) you intend to support
- Graduate students have received a B or better in a similar course during your undergraduate experience
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Good organizational and time management skills
- A commitment to helping other students learn
- Satisfactory completion of training program
Training
Components
- Orientation
- Weekly shadowing
- Weekly reflection and connection
- Approx 3 hrs per week for 10 weeks
Application Process
All applicants will need to submit an application, including an unofficial academic record.