Peer Tutor Project

The LAC utilizes peer tutors who are fellow students or recent graduates, who provide direct assistance in the college/university courses, at no cost to students. This provides opportunities for students to receive an honorarium for their invaluable work as a Peer Tutor. The Peer Tutor project is a joint venture between UCN’s Student Association Council and the UCN Learners’ Assistance Centre and is available for students who pay student association fees.

Many students have expressed their gratitude for this program when they see their marks increasing. The staff at the LAC would like to acknowledge the Student Council and the tutors for their dedicated work. For more information or clarification, call or drop in and visit the staff.

Information for Students Seeking Peer Tutoring (Tutees)

Eligibility for Peer Tutoring:
Peer tutoring is a free academic support service available to any UCN student experiencing difficulty with a specific course or topic.
Purpose and Limitations of Peer Tutoring:
Peer tutoring is intended for remedial academic support only. It is not a substitute for class instruction, missed classes, or regular homework completion. Students are expected to be active, independent learners. Prior to requesting tutoring, students must consult with their course instructor regarding the academic challenges they are experiencing.
Types of Academic Support Provided:
Peer tutors provide content-specific support in areas such as accounting, statistics, drafting, and other specialized subjects. LAC staff provide foundational skills support, including academic writing, grammar, reading, algebra, geometry, and study strategies.
Qualifications of Peer Tutors:
Peer tutors are typically current UCN students or recent graduates. When necessary, qualified community members may be hired to provide tutoring support.
Academic Consultation:
Discussions regarding the academic performance of both the tutee and the tutor may occur between LAC staff, UCN instructors, and UCN counsellors to determine appropriate supports. A student may be denied tutoring if the outcome of these discussions indicates that peer tutoring is not the appropriate intervention.
Professional Conduct Expectations:
Tutors and students are expected to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, reliability, honesty, and trustworthiness. These qualities are essential to fostering a respectful and productive learning environment.
Requesting a Change in Tutor or Tutee:
Both tutors and students may request a change in tutoring assignment. All requests must be discussed with and approved by the LAC Coordinator prior to any changes being made.
Request for Tutoring Process:
Students seeking tutoring must complete a Request for Tutoring form with LAC staff. Students must specify the course area in which support is needed and estimate the number of hours required.
Authorization and Timesheet Procedures:
Students will receive an authorization form and a timesheet to provide to their tutor. These documents are assigned to the individual student and may not be transferred to another student.
Tutoring Time Allocation:
Tutoring sessions are assigned in predetermined blocks of time for a specific course. Each block is valid for one month from the date of issue.
Requesting Additional Hours:
Students requiring further support after using their assigned hours must contact the LAC Coordinator to request an additional authorization form.
Tutor Assignment and Scheduling:
The LAC Coordinator will assign a tutor and notify the student. The tutor will then contact the student to schedule tutoring sessions. Students and tutors are responsible for determining mutually convenient meeting times and locations; on-campus tutoring is strongly recommended.
Verification of Tutoring Sessions:
At the end of each session, the student must sign the tutor’s timesheet to verify the session’s completion.
Reporting Concerns or Difficulties:
Any concerns or issues related to tutoring must be reported to the LAC Coordinator as soon as possible.
Attendance and Cancellation Expectations:
Students and tutors should exchange contact information to accommodate scheduling changes when necessary. Failure to attend scheduled appointments without notice may result in suspension of tutoring privileges.
Access to Additional Support:
Students and tutors are encouraged to seek guidance from the LAC Coordinator, UCN instructors, or UCN counsellors if additional support or clarification is needed regarding the tutoring process.

Download Form To Request a Tutor

Information for Peer Tutors

All peer tutors must complete an application form and provide two instructor references, one from an instructor who teaches the course.
Peer tutors will attend an information session.
Peer tutoring sessions delivered by the Peer Tutor and the Tutee (Student) for 2 hours per week. No exceptions.
Tutors will receive a Peer Tutoring Authorization Form form the student. Any tutoring done without an authorization form will not be paid.
Peer tutors will be presented a timesheet and must keep complete and accurate record keeping. Time sheets are to be submitted to the LAC Coordinator by the 25^th of each month. Tutors will be paid according to the time recorded on the time sheets.
Tutors can not claim for simultaneous tutoring of students as separate sessions.
Tutors will be paid per hour as outlined by the SAC. Two rates are in effect. The first rate is for tutoring one-on-one and a higher rate for tutoring a small group (no more than 5 students). Contact the LAC Coordinator for specific rates.
Peer Tutors can pick up their cheque from the LAC Coordinator during the first week of the following month or otherwise stated.