On August 21 and 22, 2023, the tutors of Seton Hall University gathered to participate in staff training to prepare them for the upcoming academic year. Eighty-eight tutors, who represent the Academic Resource Center, Academic Support Services for Student-Athletes, Educational Opportunity Program, Math Learning Lab, Pre-Medical Pre-Dental Plus Program, and R.I.S.E, spent their first day of training participating in team building exercises along with full-time staff from the various support centers.

The group participated in several teambuilding exercises including solving how they would save a city with useless superpowers, deciphering rebus puzzles, navigating a maze blindfolded with only a partner’s oral directions to help them through, and making cards for hospitalized children. The teambuilding day encouraged the tutors to meet their peers from other departments and exchange ideas and experiences. The exercises helped peer tutors create bonds, learn to communicate more effectively and problem-solve, all of which are necessary attributes of an excellent peer tutor.

The second day of tutor training was centered around the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA), one of the foremost international professional organizations certifying universities and colleges in academic support programs. The tutoring centers of Seton Hall were awarded certification in December 2022. Tutors spent the day in groups discussing basic tutoring guidelines, communication skills, intercultural communication, communication skills, and stress management. Attendance counts towards the tutors' required number of workshops to complete their CRLA certification and provides them with professional development opportunities in their field.

The Seton Hall Tutoring Consortium, which consists of full-time staff representing the tutoring centers on campus, meets one to two times a month to exchange ideas, celebrate accomplishments, and workshop solutions to challenges in their respective areas. All tutors on campus are collectively trained together to provide a consistent and seamless experience for Seton Hall students no matter which center they go to.

Categories: Campus Life, Education