Empire State College Course Assistant Job Description
Description:
Course Assistant’s objectives will be to improve overall quality and rate of student participation; improve retention; and improve communication by clarifying and/or reinforcing course content, assignments and material through individualized peer tutoring and additional responsibilities defined by the assigned course instructor.

Responsibilities:
•	Provide individualized content and skill-development tutoring to students in assigned section.
•	Create and maintain a tutoring schedule convenient to the students in need of academic assistance and to those identified by instructor.
•	Develop a good understanding and knowledge of college services, supports, and resources.
•	Make appropriate student referrals to college offices, departments or professionals, when necessary.
•	Attend and complete tutor training and development sessions, required by the CDL Office of Academic Support.
•	Maintain strict confidentiality of all student information, material, and discussions shared in the tutoring relationship.
•	Provide reports and/or updates to instructor and Office of Academic Support regarding activity of and interactions with students. (Form will be provided)
•	Provide any additional information as required by the instructor.

Other duties may include (to be determined by the Area Coordinator, the Course Instructor, and/or Course Assistant)
•	Follow-up with students who are inactive for discussions and assignments (inactivity determined by instructor).
•	Check “Ask a Question” area and answer inquiries which only pertain to clarification of course navigation, assignments, due dates, basic technical questions, administrative issues and any other basic questions.  Will not answer questions pertaining to grades, when assignments will be graded or if an assignment can be submitted late.
•	Send reminders 48 hours prior to an assignment due dates.
•	Using a prepared document, email students prior to course start introducing yourself, listing your responsibilities and those that you are not responsible for as Course Assistant and reminding students where to locate course instructions.
•	Monitor roster for new students, and using a prepared document, email students prior to course start introducing yourself, listing your responsibilities and those that you are not responsible for as Course Assistant and reminding students where to locate course instructions 
•	Other duties as mutually agreed upon with the course instructor.

Expectations as a representative of SUNY Empire State College:
Course Assistants are held to the same standard as any SUNY Empire State College employee.  The Course Assistant is an extension of SUNY Empire State College and will conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. Please refer to the Code of Ethics provided in the CDL Peer Tutor Program online training for more information.  

Course Assistant Qualifications:
•	SUNY Empire State College undergraduate, graduate or alumni student.
•	A recorded B+ or higher in course(s) being tutored/assisted.
•	Positive instructor referral/recommendation for course(s).
•	Good academic and student conduct standing. 
•	Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, especially while using electronic forms of communication.
•	Must maintain active enrollment at SUNY Empire State College if receiving Work-Study compensation.

Payment/Expenses:
•	Course Assistants are paid $10.00/ hour, if they qualify for the Federal Work-Study Program. A Federal Application for Free Student Aid Application (FAFSA) must be submitted and approved yearly in order for a Course Assistant to continue receiving Work-Study. Payments for tutoring will be delayed until required paperwork has been received.
•	Course Assistants who qualify for the Federal Work-Study Program are paid for training, tutoring preparation, and actually tutoring time only.  
•	No expenses will be paid to Course Assistants for: books, materials of any kind, mileage/gas, rental costs, phone/cell, texting, copying, printing and supplies.  Any out of pocket expenses must be coordinated in advance with the CDL Office of Academic Support. 
•	Only students who qualify for the Federal Work-Study Program will be paid.

   I have read the Course Assistant Job Description and understand my responsibilities and expectations as a representative of SUNY Empire State College.  

Tutor Signature:_____________________________________________________Date:______________________________