Apply for Student Positions

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. 

Please note: This is an in-person position.  All tutoring appointments take place on campus and are not offered virtually. 

Job Description
Peer Tutors are expected to:

• Complete all required training, including a 4-hour online training module, prior to beginning tutoring responsibilities.
• Participate in onboarding and orientation meetings, as requested, to ensure understanding of policies, procedures, and program expectations.
• Complete required shadowing hours by observing experienced tutors and participating in structured debrief conversations to reflect on tutoring strategies, session management, and student engagement techniques.
• Attend and actively participate in monthly Peer Tutor meetings for professional development, updates and ongoing skill enhancement.
• Provide high-quality academic support to students by reinforcing course concepts through guided discussion, collaborative problem-solving, practice activities, and evidence-based study strategies.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation by recording detailed appointment notes in EAB Navigate immediately following each tutoring session.
• Adhere to all Learning Commons policies, including communication expectations, timekeeping procedures, and professional conduct standards.
• Engage in continuous improvement, incorporating feedback from supervisors and participating in debrief sessions when requested.

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

Additional Information for New Peer Tutors
To support a successful transition into the role, newly hired Peer Tutors are expected to focus exclusively on peer tutoring during their first year of employment. First-semester Peer Tutors are not eligible to simultaneously serve as Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leaders.

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 the course 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 receive your application, a Learning Commons staff member will contact the faculty to complete an online reference form.  The faculty member does not need to write a formal letter of recommendation.

Step 2: Interview

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

• Interviews for fall semester tutoring positions are scheduled in February.
• Interviews for spring semester tutoring positions are scheduled in October.

Please be prepared to discuss your application, experience, and the courses for which you would like to provide tutoring. 

Applicants should arrive on time and dress appropriately for a professional interview.

Step 3: Hiring Decision & On-boarding

You'll be notified of our hiring decision via your UAlbany email address. If you're offered a position, you will receive additional instructions about the next steps, including submitting your availability, completing required hiring paperwork, orientation, online tutoring training, and other onboarding requirements.

Students may apply for both Peer Tutor and Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leader positions. However, students may only accept one role. Applicants who are selected for both positions will be contacted and asked to choose which opportunity they wish to accept.

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.

Please note: This is an in-person position.  All Supplemental Instruction sessions take place on campus in the Learning Commons and are not offered virtually. 

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

Additional Information for New SI Leaders

To support a successful transition into the role, newly hired SI Leaders are expected to focus on developing their facilitation and leadership skills within a single course. During their first semester, SI Leaders may support only one course and are not eligible to serve as Peer Tutors simultaneously.

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 and your interest in becoming an SI Leader.  You'll also need to provide one instructor reference and upload your current résumé.

When we receive your application, a Learning Commons staff member will contact the faculty to complete an online reference form.  The faculty member does not need to write a formal letter of recommendation.

Step 2: Interview

Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an in-person interview. During the interview, you will be asked to discuss your application, relevant experiences, and the course for which you would like to provide Supplemental Instruction support.

As part of the interview process, applicants will receive a course-related problem or question in their selected subject area. You will be asked to explain the concept and demonstrate your understanding of the material. While arriving at the correct answer is important, greater emphasis is placed on your ability to explain the concept clearly and accurately, in a way that supports student learning. Because Supplemental Instruction Leaders must be able to facilitate learning and help students develop a deeper understanding of course content, your ability to explain the material will weigh heavily in the selection process.

Applicants should arrive on time and dress appropriately for a professional interview.

Step 3: Hiring Decision & On-boarding
You'll be notified of our hiring decision via your UAlbany email address.  If you're offered and accept the position, you will receive additional instructions on the next steps, including submitting your availability, completing required hiring paperwork, and completing orientation and onboarding requirements.  During their year, SI Leaders may support only one course and are not eligible to serve as Peer Tutors simultaneously.

Students may apply for both Peer Tutor and Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leader positions.  However, students may only accept one role.  Applicants who are selected for both positions will be contacted and asked to choose which opportunity they wish to accept. 

Undergraduate peer tutors are paid hourly as student assistants.

Prospective peer tutors must complete AENG 360Y, which is offered each spring semester.

The three-credit course introduces students to methods and theories of writing instruction and process, while preparing them to work as Writing Center tutors. 

Contact the course instructor for the permission number before you register for classes. 

Transfer students with previous writing tutor experience can waive the prerequisite course by supplying a supervisor’s reference.  

After completing the course, students who choose to apply for a peer tutor position will be asked to: 

• Submit a resume and statement of tutoring philosophy 

• Complete an interview with our Director and Assistant Directors at the end of the spring semester. 

Hiring decisions are typically made after the end of the spring semester.

Graduate teaching assistants are appointed via the Department of English’s graduate program. Contact the department.