Become a Tutor

Each semester, the Learning Commons hires dedicated and knowledgeable undergraduate students to join our Peer Tutoring team as peer tutors. This position offers the opportunity to assist fellow students in achieving academic success through personalized tutoring support.

Job Description 

• Attend on-boarding and orientation meetings, as requested, during the semester
• Provide tutoring support to students by reinforcing difficult concepts through group study, discussions, practice quizzes and effective study practices
• Record appointment notes in EAB after each tutoring session

Qualifications

• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above
• Grade of A or B in the course(s) for which you want to tutor
• Demonstrated proficiency in the content of the course(s) for which you want to tutor
• Strong time management and organization skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong attention to detail

Step 1: Application & Instructor Reference

If you believe you meet the required qualifications and can meet the job expectations listed above, please complete the Peer Tutoring University Tutor Application.

The application will ask for information about you, your interest in tutoring and your availability during the upcoming semester. You'll also need to provide one instructor reference and your résumé.

We recommend selecting an instructor who taught you in a course for which you want to tutor. We also encourage you to contact the instructor and ask for their permission to list them as a reference before you submit the application. 

When we receives your application, a Learning Commons staff member will email a recommendation form directly to the instructor.

Step 2: Interview

Qualified candidates will be invited to an in-person or Zoom interview.

• Interviews for fall semester tutoring positions are scheduled in April.
• Interviews for spring semester tutoring positions are scheduled in November.

Please be prepared to discuss your application, your experience and the courses for which you want to provide tutoring. If your interview will be conducted on Zoom, please ensure you're in a quiet, distraction-free environment.

Step 3: Hiring Decision & On-boarding

You'll be notified of our hiring decision via your UAlbany email address. If you're hired, the email will also include instructions for completing required paperwork, orientation, online tutoring training and other next steps.

Position Overview

The Learning Commons seeks motivated, academically strong undergraduate students to serve as Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leaders. SI Leaders facilitate structured, collaborative learning sessions that support historically challenging courses and promote student success, persistence, and a sense of academic belonging.

This is a paid undergraduate position that emphasizes peer-led learning, intentional session planning, and ongoing professional development.

^{Core Responsibilities}

Training & Professional Expectations

• Successfully complete required SI Leader training prior to facilitating sessions
• Attend and actively participate in onboarding, monthly professional development meetings, and scheduled debrief meetings
• Engage in ongoing feedback and reflective practice to strengthen facilitation skills

Session Planning & Facilitation

• Prepare and submit structured session plans for each SI session
• Facilitate SI sessions using evidence-based instructional strategies such as collaborative problem solving, guided discussion, and practice-based learning
• Adapt sessions to meet student needs while maintaining alignment with SI program expectations

Student Support & Engagement

• Reinforce challenging course concepts through group learning rather than re-lecturing
• Foster an inclusive, supportive learning environment that encourages participation and peer collaboration
• Opportunity to host exam review sessions, scheduled by the Learning Commons

Administrative & Communication Responsibilities

• Accurately record attendance for all SI sessions and review sessions using designated systems
• Attend meetings with the Learning Commons Director or designee, as requested
• Complete required documentation and administrative tasks in a timely and professional manner

Time Commitment & Scheduling

• SI Leaders are typically assigned to one course per semester
• Each SI Leader facilitates 1–3 SI sessions per week for their assigned course
• Weekly hours vary based on the number of sessions assigned and include preparation time, session facilitation, meetings, and required administrative responsibilities
• SI sessions are held in 55-minute increments

Qualifications

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Earned a grade of A or B in the course(s) supported
• Demonstrated content mastery and academic responsibility
• Strong time management, organization, and attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to facilitate group learning rather than provide answers

Step 1: Application & Instructor Reference

If you believe you meet the required qualifications and can meet the job expectations listed above, please complete the SI Leader Application.

The application will ask for information about you, your interest in tutoring, and your availability for the upcoming semester. You'll also need to provide one instructor reference and your résumé.

When we receive your application, a Learning Commons staff member will contact the faculty for a recommendation. 

Step 2: Interview

Qualified candidates will be invited to an in-person or Zoom interview. Please be prepared to discuss your application, your experience, and the courses for which you want to provide tutoring. If your interview will be on Zoom, please ensure you're in a quiet, distraction-free environment.

Step 3: Hiring Decision & On-boarding

You'll be notified of our hiring decision via your UAlbany email address. If you're hired, the email will also include instructions for completing required paperwork, orientation, online tutoring training, and other next steps.