ASC Tutor Job Description Summary:
Heritage University hires tutors for work in the Academic Skills Center (ASC) on campus, online, or in other approved locations. Tutors provide academic support to Heritage University students through one-on-one and small group tutoring sessions in subjects that the tutor has been hired to support. Tutors facilitate learning and serve as guides and coaches to assist students in becoming successful, independent learners.
Tutors in the ASC support a variety of programs, including TRiO (S3), CAMP, CRESCENT, and the Bridge program, as well as providing direct tutoring to the greater Heritage and Yakima Valley communities.
The purpose of tutoring is to increase and enhance mastery of concepts or applications of a specific course of study. Tutors integrate effective study and learning strategies to maximize students’ potential for academic success. As members of the ASC, tutors may be asked to to contact instructors and are expected to maintain ongoing communication with ASC leadership, including ASC Coordinators or Lead Tutors. Tutors are also expected to refer students to other appropriate college resources as needed.
Responsibilities:
- Represent Heritage University in a positive manner with current, prospective, and former students, and the community we serve.
- Interact effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and other customers of our services.
- Learn and use operating practices of the department and Heritage University.
- Uphold the Heritage University Mission Statement.
- Handle confidential information with tact and discretion, and in compliance with FERPA regulations.
- Attend and participate in training and professional development as needed, depending on experience.
- Tutor students in specific course materials and integrate study skills and learning strategies to promote independent learning. Discuss skills and strategies such as: time management, study strategies, and navigating the university environment.
- Maintain a consistent weekly schedule of work hours for walk-in tutoring and scheduled one-on-one or group appointments.
- When requested, meet with instructors of the courses you are tutoring to discuss your role as a tutor and obtain any information that will assist you to effectively tutor.
- When requested, visit classes in your assigned subject areas to let students know of your availability, and reach out to students who are struggling or have been referred for services.
- Keep and maintain regular and accurate electronic and/or paper records of tutoring sessions.
- Develop a good understanding and knowledge of college services, support, and resources. Research and share student resources such as Anthology Portfolio, Blackboard Collaborate, Purdue OWL, and MyHeritage.
- Develop handouts and other instructional materials for students, work on projects assigned, and help keep the center running smoothly and efficiently. Help maintain an orderly and clean working environment.
- Greet visitors, students, faculty, and staff visiting the ASC. Answer the phone, take messages, staff the front desk, schedule appointments, and triage as needed.
Knowledge and Disposition:
The ideal candidate should possess a genuine interest in helping other students to develop study skills and acclimate to college-level coursework, as well as extensive knowledge of the subjects being tutored and the ability to communicate that knowledge to tutees. Experience in leadership and familiarity with learning styles is a plus.
Candidate should demonstrate an excellent level of responsibility, reliability, and punctuality; exhibit appropriate and professional behavior at all times; be self-motivated; and possess a willingness to accept supervision and constructive feedback and implement recommendations for improvement as directed.
Candidate should also be committed to creating a welcoming and positive environment and be sensitive to student diversity. Candidate should demonstrate above-average creative problem-solving, critical thinking, patience, and decision-making skills.
Abilities and Requirements:
- Communicate in a concise and effective manner, both verbally and in writing.
- Adjust tutoring methods as needed to meet various learning styles of students.
- Work well with staff, students, and faculty at a professional level.
- Be empathetic to students having difficulties.
- Be capable of staying on task with minimal supervision.
- Have excellent attendance and time management.
- Dress according to casual professional standards.
- Wear a nametag at all times and other identifying gear, if provided.
- If tutoring online, be willing to keep web camera on at all time during shifts. (Computer, video, and audio equipment will be provided if needed.)
- Have received documented grades of A’s or B’s in subject areas to be tutored, or have a completed degree or documented experience in content areas.
Application Process:
To be considered for a tutor position, candidates must submit an application. Applicants who wish to tutor writing in any subject must also submit a writing sample with their application. Qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview and may be asked to obtain a recommendation form from recent faculty.
Note the ASC typically does not hire freshman candidates, but we may make exceptions for those with exceptional academic backgrounds and/or formal tutoring experience. Freshmen are also welcome to submit applications for us to keep on file for future consideration.
If you have any questions, please contact the Director of the ASC, Karita Maltos, at asc@heritage.edu or (509) 865-0407.