VARC is a place where students help fellow students achieve their academic goals through tutoring, mentorship, and support. Team members will meet many interesting new people while gaining personal satisfaction from helping someone else. Team members will hone their own study, communication, and interpersonal skills, while adding experience to their resume and, of course, making some extra money!

Who should apply?

Intelligence alone does not indicate success as a tutor; but what kind of person and what kind of student you are does. We need enthusiastic undergraduates who like their subjects and wish to share it with others. We need reliable people that tutees can count on for guidance and support. And most importantly, we need all peer tutors to have a desire to help others achieve their goals.

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Supplemental Instruction (SI)

Academic Workshops, Resource Library, Writing Consultants

Employment Opportunities

How do I apply?

Do you have 3.5 GPA or higher in your major? And a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3?
Will you be able to work at VARC between 6-10 hours a week?
If YES to both of the questions above, then stop by VARC to get an application or download a copy here.
Applications are due asap to RTH 110 (the main Viterbi Admission & Student Affairs Office).

Download an application here!

What happens next?

Your application will be reviewed by the Director of Student Support Programs and the Graduate Assistant, Student Support Programs. You will be contacted via email if they would like you to come in for a 30-minute interview. Interviews will be scheduled the week of April 14th. 2008-2009 VARC team members will have a welcome meeting and training sometime after the beginning of the semester.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Do you hire graduate students?

A: Due to the mentoring components of our program, we are only hiring undergraduate students at this time. Please check with your academic department for similar employment opportunities.

Q: Is this a paid position?

A: Yes. New team members will be paid $9.00/hour.

Q: What classes can I tutor?

A: VARC offers tutoring in math, chemistry, physics, and engineering classes. Demand is highest for sophomore and freshman level courses.

Q: How many hours a week is required?

A: Team members select between 6-10 hours a week to work when they are not in class. Please see the application for further instructions.

Q: When can I submit an application?

A: Applications are considered on a rolling basis, but to be considered for the upcoming 2007-2008 school year, the priority deadline is Friday, April 6th by 4:00 pm.

Q: Can I be both a Peer Tutor and a Supplemental Instructor (SI)?

A: Yes. All team members will serve as Peer Tutors. Team members will be selected to facilitate SI sessions based upon student needs, interest, and availability.

Q: When will I be notified if I have received an interview?

A: We hope to get back to applicants by late Monday, April 14th for interviews happening later that week.
Q: Who can submit a letter of recommendation?

A: A faculty member, TA, or academic advisor that you have worked closely with may submit a recommendation form for you.

Q: Will training be provided?

A: Yes. There will be an Orientation/Welcome during the last week of class determined by everyone's schedules. Training will take place during the second week of class in the fall.

VARC Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leaders:

VARC's SI program targets the most difficult engineering courses with regularly scheduled, peer-administered group study sessions. SI Leaders currently lead these study sessions in the following courses:

Electrical Engineering 101
Electrical Engineering 201
Computer Science 101
Computer Science 102