Peer tutoring in MCDB

The MCDB department is piloting a department-sponsored peer-tutoring program to support core courses in the department. Learn more about the program below.

Purpose

The MCDB Tutoring Program is designed to provide free academic support to students enrolled in core MCDB courses. The program will initially support MCDB 1150 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology and MCDB 2150 Principles of Genetics, with plans to expand to additional core MCDB courses as the program grows.

The MCDB Tutoring Program is available to all students currently enrolled in participating MCDB courses, regardless of academic standing, current course grade, major, or financial need.  Tutoring services are provided free of charge through funding from the MCDB Department. The program is intended to support all students, whether they are seeking help understanding course material, preparing for exams, strengthening problem-solving skills, or reinforcing concepts presented in class.

For the F26 semester the MCDB Tutoring program will be supporting MCDB 1150: Introduction to MCDB and MCDB 2150: Genetics.

We are hoping to expand to all required core lecture courses in the near future. Check back for more details in the spring!

Tutoring is free to all students enrolled in supported courses.

Tutors are paid by the MCDB department for their work.

  • Arrive on time and come prepared with course materials and specific questions.
  • Actively participate in tutoring sessions and use scheduled time for course-related learning.
  • Treat tutors and fellow students with courtesy and respect.
  • Attend in-person sessions only in the MCDB Learning Lounge and notify the tutor as soon as possible if a session must be canceled or rescheduled.
  • Avoid requesting tutoring from someone with whom you have a close personal relationship (e.g., a close friend or romantic partner), as this may create a conflict of interest.
  • Uphold the University's academic integrity policies (/sccr/students/honor-code-and-student-code-conduct . Tutors will help students learn the material but will not complete assignments or provide unauthorized course materials.
  • Complete a brief feedback survey when requested. Responses are confidential and shared with tutors only in aggregate form
  • Arrive on time and come prepared to assist students with course-related questions and concepts.
  • Conduct tutoring sessions in a professional, respectful, and supportive manner, using scheduled time for tutoring activities.
  • Meet with students in the MCDB Learning Lounge for in-person sessions and notify students as soon as possible if a session must be canceled or rescheduled.
  • Avoid tutoring someone with whom you have a close personal relationship (e.g., a close friend or romantic partner), as this may create a conflict of interest. Uphold the University's academic integrity policies by promoting learning without completing assignments, providing unauthorized course materials, or assisting students in violating course policies.
  • Complete required session documentation, accurately record hours worked, and perform other assigned program duties.
  • Participate in required training, meetings, and program evaluations to support continuous improvement of the MCDB Tutoring Program.

Students schedule tutoring sessions through the MCDB Tutoring

  • select the course for which you are seeking tutoring and choose an available tutor, session type, date, and time.
  • Tutoring appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to tutor availability.
  • After scheduling, students will receive an email confirmation containing the appointment details and, if applicable, the link for online tutoring sessions.

In-person tutoring sessions are available Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., depending on tutor availability. Remote tutoring sessions may be scheduled between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., seven days a week, depending on tutor availability.

Coming Soon!

To be eligible to be a tutor you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a sophomore, junior, or senior at the °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï.
  • Be available to tutor 5–8 hours per week during the semester (maximum 8 hours per week through the MCDB Tutoring Program).
  • Have earned a grade of B+ or higher in the MCDB course(s) they wish to tutor.
  • Demonstrate strong communication skills, professionalism, and reliability.
  • Complete 4–6 hours of required tutor training before beginning tutoring duties.
  • Not serve as a paid TA, CA or LA for the same course they wish to tutor. Students may tutor for a different course provided their combined University appointments do not exceed a full-time TA position.

If these requirements are met you can apply (You must already have a Handshake Account to access this job posting)