Community through Academics and Leadership
Prospective Science Tutor Applicant,
Thank you for your interest in becoming an SLC Science tutor! The SLC is a vibrant community of over 250 tutors
who have in common the desire to improve their own tutoring/teaching skills while assisting their fellow
students to achieve their academic goals at Cal. Most tutors find it a challenging yet very rewarding experience.
When applying to become a tutor at the SLC, applicants fill out two forms: a general SLC tutor application, and a
separate application specific to the subject the applicant wants to tutor. This packet is a combination of both of
these applications. As a result, this packet contains all of the information about being an SLC tutor, and
completing the enclosed application is all that is required to apply to be a tutor.
Some specific items to be aware of:

This application may be submitted in three ways:
o Email it to rgibson@berkeley.edu, or
o Turn it in to Richard Gibson's office in 201C Chavez Student Center
o Mail the application to
Richard Gibson
141 Chavez Student Center
UC Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 94720-4260

Applications are considered on a rolling basis and should be submitted as soon as possible.
The latest that we anticipate accepting applications is Suunday, January 24, 2016. But all of the positions
may have been filled by then, so again, turning them in sooner is advantageous to you. Applicants can
expect to hear back regarding the status of their application no later than Friday, February 5, 2016.

A letter of recommendation is required to apply to be a tutor. The recommendation can be turned in
separately from the rest of this application. So, do NOT postpone submitting your application because of
the recommendation. Just submit that part when you have it. The recommendation does not have to be
on our form. A letter or email to rgibson@berkeley.edu is acceptable.

A copy of your transcript is also required. An unofficial version by paper or email is fine for this.
Thanks again for your interest in joining our community of science tutors. If you have any questions, please feel
free to email to rgibson@berkeley.edu .
U.C. Berkeley, Chavez Student Center
•
http://slc.berkeley.edu
•
(510) 642-1342
Student Learning Center
Richard Gibson
Science Program Coordinator
U.C. Berkeley, Chavez Student Center
l.k., 10/28/05
•
http://slc.berkeley.edu
•
(510) 642-7332
Community through Academics and Leadership
General Information & Application
for all paid Tutor positions and Field Studies programs
We’re pleased that you’re interested in joining our community of professional staff, graduate and
undergraduate instructors and tutors. So that we may give your application full consideration, please
read and follow carefully the instructions here and on the supplemental application forms.
Step 1: Completing the Application
Read and complete this application and the supplemental application(s) for the discipline area(s) to
which you are applying. The supplemental applications will provide you with specific details about
SLC programs and will answer many of your questions about the training tutors receive and the
commitment we will expect from them. Supplemental applications are available for the following SLC
Programs:
Math/Statistics
Social Science
Ethnic Perspectives
Study Strategies
Science*
Writing
Other Voices
* Note: the Science Supplemental Application is included in this packet*
* Applications are reviewed as they are received, and interviews are on-going. Most SLC tutoring
programs begin by WEEK THREE, with Tutor Orientations as early as the end of WEEK TWO, so
candidates are encouraged to submit their application materials by the second week of classes. Some
positions may still be filled after these dates; check with the specific discipline area Program
Coordinator for details. Applications may be turned in at any point of the semester for consideration
the following semester.
* General applications and supplement(s), including any work samples requested, must be submitted
together to the SLC Reception Counter (or e-mailed to the discipline coordinator(s) if applications are
downloaded from the SLC website). Applicants applying for more than one discipline area must
submit a separate copy of the general application with each supplemental application submitted. All
applicants must submit a faculty/advisor recommendation; this recommendation, however, may be
submitted after the rest of the application.
Step 2: Application Review
Discipline area Program Coordinators will review submitted applications and schedule interviews with
applicants who satisfy the minimum requirements and who appear to meet the demands of the
position (for paid positions), or who appear to possess sufficient preparation for Field Studies courses.
There is a separate interview and selection process for acceptance into Field Studies programs.
U.C. Berkeley, Chavez Student Center
•
http://slc.berkeley.edu
•
(510) 642-1342
Step 3: Interviewing, Selection and Notification
Candidates will be contacted by the discipline area Program Coordinators regarding the status of their
application. Those who are selected for interviews will be contacted by phone or e-mail to schedule
their interview time.
Please retain this page for your own information.
Information Regarding Paid Positions and Credit Opportunities
Requirements and Restrictions:
These requirements apply to all students conducting academic support within the Student Learning
Center, whether paid, enrolled in credit opportunities, or participating as auditors:
1. Students must have received a grade of "B" or better in the course(s) they will tutor (or comparable
courses) and should have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
2. Students cannot have more than two “Incomplete” grades.
3. Students must be in good academic standing (not on academic probation).
4. Students agree to abide by all University and SLC Policies.
Additional information specific to paid positions and credit/service opportunities is given below:
Tutoring for Pay:
Each semester the SLC has a limited number of paid positions available, dependent on
programmatic needs. Paid positions are competitive, and successful candidates generally have
relevant prior experience and/or training. Employment is on a semester basis; possibility of re-hire
is contingent upon satisfactory performance and SLC programmatic needs. Tutors are paid for
their attendance at all required Orientations and Training meetings.
Note:
Students may not be employed by the University more than 50% time during the fall or spring
semester in any combination of titles. Students may work up to 100% time during the summer
(from the end of spring semester to the beginning of the fall semester) and during the winter break.
Tutoring for Credit and Auditors/Service Opportunities:
The SLC offers opportunities for students to explore current issues and theoretical frameworks in
education while developing practical teaching skills and making a valuable contribution to the UCB
student community. Students accepted into SLC Field Studies/Pedagogy courses, whether
enrolled for credit or participating non-credit, all engage in weekly seminars which introduce
students to educational theory and pedagogy, explore current issues in the field and provide
structured means for students to reflect upon and analyze their SLC tutoring or teaching
experience. The format and number of hours of direct work with students varies according to the
number of units taken (3 hrs/unit), and is established by agreement with the Program Coordinator
at the time of admission into the course. Those wishing to participate as Field Studies students
without receiving credit participate fully in all aspects and requirements of the course. Through the
SLC’s arrangements with academic departments, we offer the following options for students:
• Education 97/197 (Field Studies) Courses (available for Math/Stat, Other Voices, Science, Social
Sciences, Study Strategies & Writing) This option is best for students who are completing or
considering a Minor in Education. Students with fewer than 60 units enroll in Education 97; upperdivision students (60 or more units) enroll in Education 197. A total of 3 units satisfies the Field
Studies requirement for the Education Minor.
• Departmental 300-Series (Pedagogy) Courses (available for Math, Chemistry & Writing) This
option may be best for students intending to pursue teaching within their discipline. Sophomore
standing or higher is required.
NB: These courses may be repeated for credit; please consult with your college advisor for details
specific to your course of study.
Please retain this page for your own information.
Student Learning Center Supplemental Application for NEW
Science Tutors: Spring 2016
The Student Learning Center has new tutor and/or study group leader positions available for the Spring
semester in the following classes:
Astro 10,
Bio 1A/1AL, 1B;
Chem 1A, 3A/3AL, 3B/3BL, 4B
MCB 102;
NST 10;
Physics 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B
The SLC Science component accepts new tutors for pay, and through its new tutor field study program which can
be taken for credit or audited. Applicants wanting to be tutors will need to have had significant prior
tutoring/teaching experience. New study group leaders will only be considered if they have had significant prior
teaching experience which included a training component.
Prerequisites to be a tutor
•
You should have earned a B or better in the same (or comparable) class that you wish to tutor in, and should
have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. Preference will be given to applicants who have taken one class which
is more advanced than the course s/he wants to tutor.
•
You must submit an application to the science component of the SLC (including a letter of recommendation
from a faculty, TA, or someone else who can speak to your academic ability in the subject you wish to tutor
in), and be accepted.
Responsibilities and expectations of new tutors:
•
All new tutors MUST attend a weekly tutor training seminar and do all assignments. There will be two
sections of this seminar this Spring:
Thursday 12:30-2:00, and Friday 12:00-1:30.
Training seminars are mandatory for all tutors, whether receiving credit for tutoring or not. Tutors will learn
techniques for and discuss issues involved in teaching science subjects. This seminar will emphasize both
individual tutoring and group teaching. Tutors will receive feedback from both their peers and the program
coordinators.
•
To tutor weekly for one of the science courses listed above for at least 5 hours/week. Tutors may be assigned
either a student to tutor individually or a study group leader to assist for 2 hours/week, and will work in the
science drop-in area the rest of the time. But, most tutors will exclusively work in drop-in.
•
To keep up with the class that you are tutoring for by reading SLC provided course notes, or by attending
course lectures. Tutors will have access to written materials, and experienced tutors and staff.
Specific information about the new tutor field study program (credit or auditing)
•
Students have three options for receiving credit for tutoring: Ed 97, Ed 197, and Chem 301B.
•
Chem 301B must be taken for 2 units. It can be only be taken by students who are planning to tutor in
chemistry, and want exactly 2 units credit.
For the upcoming semester, we are accepting credit/audit applicants to the field study tutoring program for
all of the courses listed above.
•
•
Ed 97 and 197 can be taken for between 1-3 units. Ed 97 can only be taken by students who have fewer than
60 units credit. Ed 197 can only be taken by those who have more than 60 units. For receiving 2 units credit,
tutors must tutor at least 5 hours/week, and for 3 units must tutor at least 8 hours/week. Receiving 1 unit
credit is an option, but students must still meet the minimum tutoring requirement of 5 hours/week.
•
The two seminars are exactly the same in content and requirements.
•
Students choosing to audit this new tutor field study must attend all seminars and fulfill all of the
requirements that those taking it for credit do.
Specific Information for Applicants wanting to be Paid
In hiring students for paid teaching positions, the SLC science component primarily hires students who have had
significant prior teaching or tutoring experience at the collegiate level. The positions that we expect to be
available for the coming semester are listed below.
Drop-in Tutor: Pay‡: $14.11/hr.
Work 5-10 hours per week. (To be arranged.)
Work as a tutor for a specific subject in the Drop-in Tutoring Area. Subject areas that the Drop-in
Tutoring Area may need paid tutors in are: General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics,
NST 10.
Paid tutors are expected to assist and mentor more inexperienced tutors both in drop-in tutoring
and at times in their training.
Study Group
Leader:
Pay‡:
$16.73/hr for 4 hrs/week
$14.11/hr for 6 hrs/week
(class time)
(2 hrs of office hours in the drop-in tutoring area,
3 hrs of preparation time, and 1 hour of training meetings.)
SLC science study group leaders coach students through some of Cal's lower division science
courses by a combination of lecturing, quizzes, worksheets, handouts, exam review sessions, and
directed group work.
Group leaders are required to attend weekly seminars during the semester. First time group
leaders must also attend a few separate introductory training seminars. Group leaders are also
expected to assist and mentor more inexperienced tutors at times, both in drop-in tutoring and in
new training.
Currently, there are possible study group openings for: Bio 1B; Chem 4B; Physics 8A and
Physics 8B
‡ Note: for students who have bachelor’s degrees, the pay rates are $17.50 instead of $16.73
Submitting an Application:
•
This application and a copy of your transcript (unofficial is fine as long as your name is on it) must be
submitted. The letter of recommendation may be submitted separately from the rest of the application.
•
The application should be turned in to Richard Gibson's office in office in 141 Chavez, or can be emailed to
rgibson@berkeley.edu .Letters of recommendation may also be mailed, delivered or emailed as convenient
for the recommender.
•
Due Dates:
Applications are considered on a rolling basis and should be submitted as soon as possible, but definitely by
Friday, January 24, 2016. Applicants can expect to hear back regarding the status of their application no later
than Friday, February 5, 2016.
Questions?
Questions should be directed to Richard Gibson in 201C Chavez Student Center, or email: rgibson@berkeley.edu
• You will be contacted by telephone or e-mail if we wish to schedule an interview. Please note that
separate interviews will be conducted for each paid position to which you are applying (e.g.
Physics Tutor or Writing Tutor), or Field Studies program for which you wish to enroll.
• If you are applying for more than one discipline area, submit a copy of this general application with
each discipline supplement.
Application for SLC Science
Paid Tutor and Field Studies in Tutoring Positions
Please fill out the following application. You may use additional sheets if necessary.
A copy of your current transcript is also required (unofficial is fine).
This application may be submitted in two ways:
 Email it to rgibson@berkeley.edu, or
 Print it out and turn it in to Richard Gibson's office in 201C Chavez Student Center.
Name (print)
Date
Local address (address/city/zip)
Cellphone
Email
Permanent address (address/city/zip)
Permanent Phone
Cal SID
Class standing based on semesters in college (not units) as of the semester you wish to tutor:
Fr.
Soph.
Jr.
Sr.
Grad. Student
Non-student
Expected graduation date (semester/year)
Major/Department
Cumulative GPA
Ethnicity (for statistical purposes
EOP:
Yes
No
Transfer students: 1st Semester at Cal (semester/year)
Previous institution
Applying for:
Paid Tutor Position
Field Studies in Tutoring for credit or as auditor
Complete this section if you are applying for a paid position
Are you eligible for work-study?
Yes
No
If yes, amount?
How many hours/week would you like to tutor?
How did you hear about tutoring at the Student Learning Center? (Check all that apply.)
Email 
Class announcement.
SLC Tutor (name)
Previously used SLC services (which)
Other
Application for NEW Student Learning Center Science Tutors, Spring 2016
Name:
Date:
Course(s) you wish to tutor
1.
Please explain why you want to be a science tutor at the SLC.
2.
What previous tutoring/teaching experiences have you had, official or unofficial?
How do you think these experiences can assist you in being an effective tutor here?
3. Please describe in what capacity you want to tutor/teach at the SLC. This should include:
• for pay, credit (write course name, and number of units wanted), or auditing (no units)
• what course(s) you are interested in tutoring/teaching.
Note: if you list more than one option for these categories, be sure to rank them and write anything
else that you think would be relevant in considering this application.
Faculty/Academic Advisor Recommendation Form
The recommender can submit this form in one of the following ways:

E-mail to rgibson@berkeley.edu, (preferable)

Return this form to the applicant to submit with their application or,

Mail via campus mail to Richard Gibson, Student Learning Center, MC 4260,
To: Program Coordinator
In my professional opinion, ________________________________________________________
name of applicant
has the academic background and knowledge necessary to tutor students in
_____________________________________________.
subject/discipline
(Additional comments would be helpful but are not required.)
signature
Name (print):
Position/Title:
Department:
date
Phone number or e-mail address: