Policies and Procedures
General Policies for students
In the ASU, students and tutors work together toward student success. In order to make the tutoring session beneficial, students have to follow these procedures and guidelines.
Logging In and Out
In order for ASU to keep track of student resource usage, students have to sign in and out using the computer located at the main entrance using their QU student ID number. Student should select the service they are planning to use. Students needing tutoring assistance can choose the subject from the list provided.
Rules for using the Study Center
- Cell phones should be off or in the silent mode.
- Food and beverages are not permitted in the center.
- Computers with internet access are available for studying and learning-related purposes only.
- Students are responsible for their belongings (purses, textbooks, flash memories, etc).
Tutee Expectations:
- Tutoring sessions are not a substitute for classes. Instead students will review and improve their understanding of course material, as well as develop better study skills and strategies during tutoring sessions.
- Tutoring services are drop-in, meaning that daily tutoring hours at the ASU are fixed, and tutoring in a variety of subjects will be available at any given time during those hours. Students do not need to make tutoring appointments, and access to tutors will be first-come first-served.
- Tutoring sessions range from 15-60 minutes. After a 60 minute tutoring session, waiting students have priority. Tutees requesting tutoring after their 60 minutes session will be required to wait while the tutor helps other students in the queue.
- Tutees are responsible for completing their own assignments. Tutors will not be blamed for students’ failures.
- Tutees are expected to come to tutoring sessions prepared. They should attend classes, take notes, attempt homework, and prepare specific questions for each session.
- Tutees must complete session evaluation forms at the end of each session.
Guidelines for SI Leaders
Supplemental Instruction Program
Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a learning enhancement program that targets historically difficult courses. The program provides Peer-facilitated sessions led by SI Leaders. The SI sessions are regular weekly sessions that start the second week of the academic semester.
SI Leaders Recruitment/Hiring:
SI leaders are recruited from the QU student body through and are usually juniors or seniors who are in an excellent Academic Standing. They are normally nominated by Faculty members.
All SI leaders MUST undertake an intensive two-day training session before the beginning of the academic semester. Observations and supervision continue throughout the academic semester and their performance is regularly evaluated.
SI Leaders Qualifications :
- Should be a junior or senior level student with a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher
- Must have at least a “B+” in the selected course.
- Must have Content-competency.
- Must have Good interpersonal and communication skills.
- Possesses good interpersonal and communication skills, and have a sincere desire to assist other students.
- Must attend the 2-day/ 10 hours training prior to the beginning of the semester.
Documents required for SI Leader Position:
- A completed S Leader Application Form.
- An unofficial copy of transcripts.
- A letter of recommendation signed by the instructor with whom the SI leader had enrolled for the targeted course.
- A copy of Qatari ID & University ID.
- A copy of class schedule.
- A completed Availability Form.
Payment for SI Leaders
SI leader will be paid according to the number of hours you work (funded solely by the University). The maximum wage is QR50/hr.
New SI Leader QR 45/hr
Returning SI Leader QR 50/hr
You can only teach a maximum of 5 hours per day not exceeding 25 hours per week.
In order to receive payment for your sessions, you must:
- Record every SI session in the Sign in Sheet.
- Fill in the Student Employment Attendance sheet and hand it to your supervisor for cross checking and signing.
SI Leader Training:
The SI leader receives an intensive 2-day training prior to the beginning of the term. In-service training continues throughout the academic term. These training sessions include specific teaching/learning theory and strategies.
The training program mandatory for all tutors, and is provided by the SI supervisor.
Resources
Textbooks will be purchased for SI leaders/tutors who require additional resources. A Textbook Request Form must be filled out and submitted to the Unit Head of Academic Support. Resources will be available to the SI leaders/tutors to help them prepare for tutorial sessions. There is a resource library in the Unit which houses textbooks, software, calculators, paper, pencils, and other stationary for SI leaders/tutors use only. If additional materials are needed, please inform ASU coordinator.
Scheduling SI sessions:
Each SI Leader completes an Availability form and submit it to the SI Supervisor during the first week of the semester. Survey sheets are prepared in which the SI leader’s own classes are blocked, and are distributed among the students of the selected class. Sheets are emptied, tallied and convenient times for most of the students are chosen. Three weekly SI sessions are normally selected. SI leader them informs class students about the Session times and location, both verbally and via posting it on the Black Board of their teacher.
Observation and Evaluation
The SI supervisor regularly observes the SI leaders and sessions, and timely feedback on observations is provided. SI leaders are also evaluated the end of each semester. They are introduced to the criteria against which they are evaluated at the training.
General Expectations:
- The SI Leader Serves as a Model Student.
- SI sessions are open to all students in the subject and are attended on a voluntary basis.
- The primary function of the SI leader is to facilitate discussion among SI participants and model successful learning strategies at key moments in the SI sessions. The SI leader neither “re-lectures” nor introduces new material in the session.
- The SI leader attends all class sessions, takes notes, and conducts three or more 50-minute SI sessions each week.
- SI sessions must integrate how-to-learn with what-to-learn. Students who attend SI sessions discover appropriate application of study strategies.
Tutoring Program Policies & Procedures
Peer Tutors Recruitment/Hiring:
Peer tutors are recruited from the QU student body and are generally juniors or seniors who have a history of excellent academic performance. Tutors may be asked to tutor students in specific course content or study skills. Once hired peer tutors may work at the Center from one semester to the next without reapplying. Peer tutors will receive ongoing training and their performance will be evaluated on a regular basis.
Peer tutor qualifications:
- Should be a junior or senior level student with a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher
- Must have at least a “B” in the course(s) being tutored
- Must have a sincere desire to assist other students
- Must participate in the Peer Tutor Training Program
Documents required for Peer Tutor Position:
- Completed Peer Tutoring Application Form
- An unofficial copy of transcripts
- A letters of recommendation from faculty member in the respective course.
- A copy of Qatari ID & University ID.
- A copy of class schedule.
Tutors Training & Certification
The peer tutor training program is ongoing and mandatory for all tutors. All tutors will be required to participate in an initial tutor training prior to their first tutoring session. Additional tutor training sessions will be offered throughout the academic year.
All tutors should be certified by the National Tutoring Association (NTA) after completing 50 hours of actual tutoring and attending 10 hours of structured training conducted by the Head of the Academic Support Unit, who is a NTA-certified tutor trainer.
Tutors are obligated to abide by the NTA Code of Conduct.
Resources
Textbooks will be purchased for tutors who require additional resources. A Textbook Request Form must be filled out and submitted to the Unit Head of Academic Support. Resources will be available to study skills tutors to help them prepare for tutorial sessions. There is a resource library in the Unit which houses textbooks, software, calculators, paper, pencils, and other stationary for tutors use only. If additional materials are needed, please inform ASU coordinator.
Scheduling
Each peer tutor must complete a Tutor Schedule and submit it to the admin coordinator before any tutoring hours are scheduled. Since the Center offers resource tutoring, tutors will be allocated a block of time to work before, after, or between classes. In the rare case where a student is mandated to attend tutoring sessions, the tutor will be consulted before an assignment is made. Tutors may request the number of hours they wish to work, but may not work more than 25 hours per week, 5 hours per day. Tutors are expected to arrive on time for work and stay throughout the duration of their shift. If a tutor is ill or is unable to attend work because of extreme circumstances, a call must be made to the ASU coordinator prior to the tutor’s missed shift.
All the tutoring sessions must occur in the ASU study center unless approved by the Unit Head.
Evaluation
Tutors will be evaluated by the Head of Academic Support at the end of each semester. A copy of the evaluation form will be placed in the tutors’ employment files, and tutors will be given a copy of their evaluation.
Tutor Expectations:
- Tutors should focus on explaining general concepts and assisting students in working on examples similar to the actual problems they are encountering. Tutors are not allowed to do homework, take-home tests, or assignments for students, and any of these actions are cause for immediate dismissal from tutoring duties.
- Student confidentiality is imperative. Under no circumstances will a tutor disclose a student’s personal or academic information with anyone.
- Tutors will treat each student with respect and dignity.
