Student Staff Positions with the Calculus Center
Undergraduate Tutors
Undergraduate Tutors assist fellow CSU students in strengthening their understanding of Calculus course content as well as academic skills in general. We offer drop-in tutoring specific to each Calculus course (see list below). Tutors are initially assigned to one course for tutoring. This allows them to focus on best practices for tutoring in that specific content area and to learn other course information such as homework policies, exam strategies, etc.
Training is provided on group tutoring skills, questioning strategies, collaborative learning strategies, and growth mindset and asset based learning within mathematics.
Tutors must have completed the course and received an “A” or “B” in the course to be eligible for tutoring. AP credit with a score of 4 or 5 on the exam also meets the requirements for tutoring MATH160.
During the first semester, tutors are required to enroll in the one-credit course MATH 384: Supervised College Teaching.
Primary Job Responsibilities
- Provide group tutoring to CSU students utilizing active and collaborative learning strategies.
- Aid students in learning and practicing effective study skills.
- Be aware of CSU student resources and support students in connecting with these resources.
- Maintain professional contact with Calculus Center staff, GTA instructors and faculty.
- Participate in paid tutor training.
Qualifications: A successful applicant will…
- Have successfully completed the course(s) they are applying to tutor with a grade of “A” or “B” and be in good academic standing.
- Demonstrate knowledge and passion in the subject matter.
- Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Be able to work well with large groups of students with competing priorities.
- Be an effective team player and able to collaborate with peers.
- Demonstrate a commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for our diverse student body.
- Be able to effectively manage their time.
Undergraduate Learning Assistants (ULAs or LAs)
Undergraduate Learning Assistants (ULAs) are peer educators who help to facilitate students’ learning both in and out of the classroom. The LA experience involves teaching practice, content preparation, and pedagogy to support students’ success as well as LA’s success within the role.
CSU’s Learning Assistant Program is based on an evidence-informed model of peer-to-peer academic support, and research strongly indicates that implementing the LA model with fidelity positively impacts all students. Alongside course instructors, our LAs work to make learning accessible and engaging for students and contribute to students success.
During the first semester, LAs are required to enroll in the one-credit course MATH 384: Supervised College Teaching.
Primary Job Responsibilities
- Meet weekly with the instructor and fellow LAs to strategize how to best support students and to review upcoming material for the class.
- Share your perspective and offer suggestions to improve students’ learning and experience in the course.
- Attend lectures to facilitate active learning activities and to address students’ questions.
- Provide drop-in tutoring and support to CSU students in the Calculus Center utilizing active and collaborative learning strategies.
- Aid students in learning and practicing effective study skills.
- Be aware of CSU student resources and support students in connecting with these resources.
- Maintain professional contact with Calculus Center staff, GTA instructors and faculty.
- Participate in paid tutor training.
Qualifications: A successful applicant will…
- Have successfully completed the course(s) they are applying to support as an LA with a grade of “A” or “B” and be in good academic standing.
- Demonstrate knowledge and passion in the subject matter.
- Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Be able to work well with large groups of students with competing priorities.
- Be an effective team player and able to collaborate with peers.
- Demonstrate a commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for our diverse student body.
- Be able to effectively manage their time.
Quotes from current Tutors and LAs:
“I like working in the Calc Center because I get to hang out with people outside of my major and keep my math skills sharp. I also enjoy teaching with cool professors and grad students!”
“I love connecting with the students so that we are able to incorporate fun into the process of learning math! Seeing students having “aha” moments is so rewarding.”
“I love the calc center because I get to do my favorite math while also helping people. I’ve met a lot of people who have become my friends as both a tutor and a student!”
“The Calc Center is a super fun and supportive work environment. I learn just as much from the students as they do in the class, and get to make meaningful relationships with my students and coworkers in the process. I love working in the Calc Center and highly recommend it for those that like math and love helping others!”