Tutor Training

Download the Tutor Handbook (pdf)

The Importance of Training

Welcome to the Tutor Training Web Page. If you have been hired as a tutor, then you know how to proceed. Simply follow the instructions given you by the Academic Coordinator. As a tutor, you are a staff member of not only The Tutor Connection but of Student Support Services as well. We look forward to working with you. If you are not a tutor but are interested in becoming one, you can click here and print out a tutor application and bring it in to the Academic Coordinator in Zehmer Hall.

Introduction to SSS vs. Non-SSS

Student Support Services (SSS) is funded by the United States Department of Education and is designed to help eligible students succeed in college. Its mission is to provide its 175 participants with the academic support necessary to be retained and graduated from The University of Virginia's College at Wise.

- Eligible students are enrolled at UVa-Wise and meet the following criteria:

First generation college (neither parent has a bachelors degree)
Low-income or limited financial resources
Have a physical or learning disability

Student Support Services at UVa-Wise began in 1973 and continues to be a vital resource for students. SSS works in conjunction with the administration, faculty, staff, and students to provide the best possible service to its participants as they work toward graduation.

Tutoring is one of many essential activities that SSS offers. While all UVa-Wise students are eligible for group tutoring sessions, SSS participants are eligible to receive intensive one-on-one tutoring if necessary. Tutors will be expected to participate in tutor training, in-service sessions, and monthly staff meetings as well as conduct individual and or group tutoring sessions, keep thorough and accurate records and complete evaluations of the program.

Students who do not meet any of the requirements for SSS can receive tutoring through the Tutor Connection. These students are thus considered Non-SSS. Any student of the College can receive tutoring free of cost.

Purpose of Tutor Training

To introduce new tutors to tutoring and the expectations of Student Support Services and the Tutor Connection
To refine and enhance tutoring skills
To supplement academic skills necessary for effective tutoring
To expose tutors to new information about tutoring students with special needs
To provide opportunities for networking with and feedback from other tutors

Sample Workshop Titles:

Understanding the Role of the Tutor

Meyers-Briggs Personality Indicator

Learning Styles

Developing Effective Communication Skills

Tutoring Students with Disabilities

Tutoring Across Cultural and Ethnic Boundaries

Typical Tutoring Situations

Selection of Tutors

To qualify as a tutor, a student must:

Be enrolled at The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Be at least a sophomore
Have a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 or better
Have at least a "B" average in the class being tutored
Be recommended by faculty

Also, tutors must be patient, caring, flexible, enthusiastic, able to communicate effectively, and exhibit strong interpersonal skills.

The objective of a tutor is to help students pass the courses in which they are being tutored; however, in working toward that end, tutors also should:

Engage students in active learning
Help students work toward academic independence
Evaluate students' progress on a regular basis
Be a sympathetic listener
Refer students who need additional assistance
Be a model student and employee
Communicate regularly with the Academic Coordinator

Starting salary is $6.00 per hour; however, yearly merit increases can be earned based on evaluations completed by students and SSS staff.