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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Student Jobs

The Office of Student Life offers opportunities to get involved with academic support through several programs. These paid and volunteer positions allow students to share their knowledge and help other students while building their resumés and gaining valuable leadership experience.

Applications are open for the Winter 2024 term for Peer Content Tutor positions only. 

Note: We only have a few vacancies to fill at this time. If your application is not successful, please be sure to reapply during our summer hiring period, which is when we hire the majority of our student staff.

Apply for a position 

PASS Leader (paid opportunity)

The Peer Assisted Study Session (PASS) program is a peer-led interactive group study program that targets historically difficult courses. PASS is facilitated by upper-year students who have successfully completed the course. PASS Leaders are required to re-attend all lectures of the target course and prepare collaborative activities to conduct twice-a-week group study sessions. The role of a PASS Leader includes the following:

  • Encourage students to take responsibility for their own learning.
  • Encourage students to work together using each other as resources.
  • Follow the Supplemental Instruction model, which is covered in training
  • Help students discover connections between and within concepts.
  • Integrate what to learn (course content) and how to learn (study skills).
  • Organize activities that facilitate active processing of conceptual material.

Benefits of becoming a PASS Leader

  • Allows for a flexible 10-hour-a-week work schedule, arranged around the student's academic timetable.
  • Enables university-life involvement.
  • Enhances academic skills.
  • Provides an opportunity to gain valuable work experience.
  • Provides an opportunity to help other students.
  • Strengthens communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

  • Must be registered as an undergraduate student in a program at Ontario Tech University.
  • Third-, fourth- or, fifth-year standing is preferred; second-year standing is the minimum.
  • An overall GPA of 3.3 or above is required.
  • A GPA of 3.7 or above in the selected course is preferred; prior enrollment with the course instructor who is to teach the selected course is preferred.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written) are required.

Responsibilities

Primary activities
  • Attend all mandatory training and meetings throughout the duration of the contract.
  • Attend all class lectures of the selected course, take notes, and read all assigned materials, including texts and supplemental readings.
  • Conduct regularly scheduled study sessions (typically two per week) throughout the term, using strategies learned through the PASS Leader/Supplemental Instruction training workshop.
  • Regularly meet with the Academic Development Facilitator, Student Learning Centre Staff, and the course instructor to:
    • Discuss observations of the sessions.
    • Discuss how to best promote PASS to the students enrolled in the course (e.g., announcements on Canvas, posters, polling the class).
    • Discuss the creation and use of PASS handouts.
    • Discuss the planning of sessions and the use of a wide variety of learning strategies.
Secondary activities
  • Ascertain course requirements and maintain contact throughout the term with the course professor or designated representative.
  • Participate in the Peer Learning Mentor program as a Mentee or Mentor.
  • Provide extra PASS sessions as necessary (e.g. prior to exams).
  • Prepare and provide handouts for use during PASS.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Peer Learning Co-ordinator.
Administrative duties
  • Alerting the Academic Development Facilitator immediately with any schedule changes.
  • Attend PASS Leader training workshop prior to the beginning of each term.
  • Attend ongoing training sessions throughout the term.
  • Collect attendance data for every session, including student names, course title, date and time of session.
  • Complete the necessary personnel paperwork.
  • Ensure PASS surveys are distributed and collected.
  • Maintain a professional attitude about matters such as class standards, grades and student complaints.
  • Make regular announcements about the availability of PASS to the students.
  • Model appropriate professional attitudes and behaviours to staff, students and others.
  • Proactive communication and answering emails in a timely manner.
  • Provide the Academic Development Facilitator with up-to-date feedback on your sessions.
  • Provide the Peer Learning Co-ordinator with up-to-date feedback on your sessions.
Refrences

If you are selected for an interview, you will need at least one reference from an Ontario Tech faculty member or staff member.

Peer Success Facilitator (paid opportunity)

The Peer Success Facilitator is responsible for helping students develop strong learning strategies in the areas of time management, study strategies, exam preparation and multiple choice exams.  The Peer Success Facilitator’s time will be split between providing one-on-one appointments and facilitating Stride learning skills workshops. Training will be provided to the Peer Success Facilitator.  Ideal candidates will also work as Peer Content or Writing Tutors.

Responsibilities

  • Alerting the Academic Development Facilitator immediately with any schedule changes.
  • Be able to commit to working, at minimum, 7 hours a week and up to 12 hours per week, including daytime and/or evening appointments or workshops. Some weekend events may also be required to be worked, subject to availability.
  • Check the Student Life Portal for appointments on a daily basis.
  • Facilitate engaging and interactive Stride learning skills workshops for a small group of students.
  • Identify students’ needs in order to recommend appropriate strategies or services to enhance their learning.
  • Keep accurate records of what is covered with students in the one-on-one appointment through the documentation system.
  • Liaise closely with the Academic Development Facilitator for tracking purposes and to discuss best practices regarding workshop facilitation and one-on-one appointments.
  • Mentor students on a one-on-one and small group basis, by discussing learning strategies in the areas of time management, study strategies, exam preparation and multiple choice exams.
  • Participate in the Peer Learning Mentor program as a Mentee or Mentor.
  • Perform other tasks as assigned if time permits.
  • Proactive communication and answering emails in a timely manner.

Qualifications

  • Must be registered as an undergraduate student in a program at Ontario Tech University.
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher.
  • Demonstrated understanding of learning strategies.
  • Interest in and demonstrated understanding of growth mindset, wellness and well-being.
  • Must complete mandatory training and attend mandatory meetings throughout the duration of the contract.
  • Must be available to work in both the Fall and Winter semesters.
  • Presentation and facilitation experience are preferred.
  • Preference will be given to students in second year and above.

Skills

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, (both verbal and written), demonstrates meta-cognitive awareness, and has a strong understanding of group dynamics.
  • Openness to diversity.
  • Prior experience with group and one-on-one facilitation is an asset.
  • Respect for confidentiality.
  • Strong problem-solving and time-management skills.
  • Strong public speaking skills.

References

If you are selected for an interview, you will need at least one reference from an Ontario Tech faculty member or staff member.

Peer Content Tutor (paid opportunity)

The Peer Content Tutor is responsible for conducting one-on-one tutoring that focuses on subject-specific concepts or specific skills that require improvement. Each appointment is conducted at an appropriate pace and level of instruction that is suitable to the tutee’s individual needs. The Peer Content Tutor does not teach the course material, but rather reviews the subject concepts by providing an explanation and/or demonstration where appropriate.

Benefits of becoming a Peer Content Tutor

  • Allows for a flexible work schedule, arranged around the student's academic timetable.
  • Enables university-life involvement.
  • Enhances academic skills.
  • Provides an opportunity to gain valuable work experience.
  • Provides an opportunity to help other students.
  • Strengthens communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

Peer Content Tutor subject areas

  • Business and IT
  • Engineering
  • Health Science
  • Math
  • Nursing
  • Science
  • Social Science and Humanities 
  • Study skills (note, please select Peer Success Facilitator on the application to be considered for this specialization)
  • Writing (note, please select Peer Writing Tutor on the application to be considered for this specialization)

Minimum Qualifications

Education and experience
  • Must be registered as an undergraduate student in a program at Ontario Tech University.
  • Third-, fourth-, or fifth-year standing is preferred; second-year standing is the minimum.
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher and grade point of 3.7 or higher in relevant courses of tutoring subject.
  • Must attend mandatory Peer Tutor training.
  • Preference will be given to students in years two to four of their program.
  • Prior tutoring experience is an asset.
Skills
  • Openness to diversity.
  • Respect for confidentiality.
  • Strong interpersonal, problem-solving, communication and time-management skills.
  • Superior understanding of the tutoring subject area.
Responsibilities
  • Alerting the Academic Development Facilitator immediately with any schedule changes.
  • Be able to commit to working, at minimum, 7 hours a week and up to 12 hours per week, including daytime and/or evening appointments. Some weekend events may also be required to be worked, subject to availability.
  • Be able to commit to conducting most sessions in person (either at Charles Hall or Shawenjigewining Hall).
  • Check the Student Life Portal for appointments on a daily basis.
  • Keep accurate records of what is covered with students in the one-on-one appointment through the documentation system.
  • Liaise closely with the Academic Development Facilitator for tracking purposes.
  • Meet with the Academic Development Facilitator regularly to discuss tutoring practices.
  • Must complete mandatory training and attend mandatory meetings throughout the duration of the contract.
  • Must complete mandatory weekly training and homework that is assigned through the Google Classroom.
  • Participate in the Peer Learning Mentor program as a Mentee or Mentor.
  • Perform other tasks as assigned, which may include email correspondence, administrative duties, assisting with Student Learning Centre (SLC) resources, promoting the SLC services, and greeting students.
  • Proactive communication and answering emails in a timely manner.
  • Provide drop-in tutoring hours, Study Hall support, and one-on-one appointments, as assigned.
References

If you are selected for an interview, you will need at least one reference from an Ontario Tech faculty member or staff member.

Peer Writing Tutor (paid opportunity)

The Peer Writing Tutor is responsible for conducting one-on-one tutoring that focuses on subject-specific concepts or specific writing skills that require improvement. The Peer Writing Tutor leads one-on-one appointments to provide writing support (i.e., brainstorming, outlining, structuring, citations) to students in all disciplines. In addition, they support staffing the Writing Room (either at Charles Hall or Shawenjigewining Hall). Typically, Peer Writing Tutors also offer content support and provide tutoring support for 3 to 10 courses per term. 

Each appointment is conducted at an appropriate pace and level of instruction that is suitable to the tutee’s individual needs. The Peer Writing Tutor does not teach the course material but rather reviews the subject concepts by providing an explanation and/or demonstration where appropriate.

Benefits of becoming a Peer Writing Tutor

  • Allows for a flexible work schedule, arranged around the student's academic timetable.
  • Enables university-life involvement.
  • Enhances academic skills.
  • Provides an opportunity to gain valuable work experience.
  • Provides an opportunity to help other students.
  • Strengthens communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
  • Strengthens skills relevant to the Writing Process (e.g., outlining, drafting, revising, referencing).

Peer Writing Tutor subject areas

  • Writing tutors can come from any disciplinary background, provided they can demonstrate evidence of their academic writing capabilities.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and experience

  • Must be registered as an undergraduate student in a program at Ontario Tech University.
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher and grade point of 3.7 or higher in relevant courses of tutoring subject.
  • Third-, fourth-, or fifth-year standing is preferred; second-year standing is the minimum.
  • Prior tutoring experience is an asset.

Skills

  • Openness to diversity.
  • Respect for confidentiality.
  • Strong interpersonal, problem-solving, communication, and time-management skills.
  • Superior understanding of the writing process.

Responsibilities

  • Alerting the Academic Development Facilitator immediately with any schedule changes.
  • Be able to commit to working, at minimum, 7 hours a week and up to 12 hours per week, including daytime and/or evening appointments. Some weekend events may also be required to be worked, subject to availability.
  • Be able to commit to conducting most sessions in person (either at Charles Hall or Shawenjigewining Hall).
  • Check the Student Life Portal for appointments on a daily basis.
  • Keep accurate records of what is covered with students in the one-on-one appointment through the documentation system.
  • Liaise closely with the Academic Development Facilitator and Writing Specialists for tracking purposes.
  • Meet with the Academic Development Facilitator and Writing Specialists regularly to discuss tutoring practices.
  • Must complete mandatory training and attend mandatory meetings throughout the duration of the contract.
  • Must complete mandatory weekly training and homework that is assigned through the Google Classroom.
  • Participate in the Peer Learning Mentor program as a Mentee or Mentor.
  • Perform other tasks as assigned, which may include email correspondence, administrative duties, assisting with Student Learning Centre (SLC) resources, promoting the SLC services, and greeting students.
  • Proactive communication and answering emails in a timely manner.
  • Provide drop-in tutoring hours, Study Hall support, and one-on-one appointments, as assigned.

References and Requirements

If you are selected for an interview, you will need at least one reference from an Ontario Tech faculty member or staff member.

Peer Writing Tutors must be able to provide 3 writing samples to be reviewed by the Academic Writing Specialists to be considered for this position.