The York St John Academic Tutor

In relation to the Core Competencies, an academic tutor at York St John University should:

• Be accessible to students
• Have empathy, be non-judgemental and inclusive [C5, R2]
• Engage in active listening and appropriate questioning [R2]
• Apply basic coaching techniques [C3]
• Understand the academic and social transitions between different stages of students’ university careers [I5]
• Help students understand the University and normalise the higher education experience [I1, I3]
• Assist students in collaboratively setting and monitoring academic, personal, and career goals. [R4]
• Encourage students to engage in self-reflection [R4] and foster resilience and a growth mindset
• Recognise differences in students and how these will affect their academic performance (e.g. part time, international, mature, disabled, etc.) [I5]
• Explain and provide guidance on subject specific assessment guidelines [I2]
• Help students to interpreting assessment feedback and act upon it to improve their academic performance [R4, R5]
• Provide appropriate guidance throughout the year with a focus on periods leading up to and around exam and assignment deadlines [I2, I3, I4]
• Provide appropriate support throughout the year with a focus on periods leading to student stress and anxiety (e.g. exams and assignment deadlines) [R4, I5]
• Understand and use data from a range of sources (e.g. SITS, StREAM) to enhance academic support and the student experience [I7]
• Monitor student engagement, using StREAM effectively to assess student engagement and record interactions with tutees [I7]
• Prepare and plan for tutorial meetings (group and individual) [C3, R3]
• Maintain up to date information about available support services (e.g. Student Union, Library, Careers Service, Study Advice, Health and Wellbeing, Disability Services, Accommodation and Financial Services, etc) [I6]
• Recognise when students need additional academic support and refer them to the appropriate services (e.g. Study Skills, Library, Careers and Employability Services, language support) [I6, I4]
• Recognise when students need non-academic support from specialised professional services (e.g. Wellbeing, Financial Services, Accommodation, etc) and refer them appropriately [I6, I4]
• Refer to the Subject Director or other relevant senior member of the School when additional advice is needed [I4], or when the student wants to change course or leave the University [I2]
• Be aware of the societies, sports clubs, and volunteering opportunities available to students, and the importance of these in enhancing the student experience, confidence and resilience, and the student’s skill set. [I6]
• Understand the University’s approach to induction/Welcome Semester and be aware of the induction information provided to students [I1, I3]
• Adhere to the University’s Academic Tutoring Syllabus [C4]
• Commit to developing and enhancing their own tutoring practice [R6, C2, C3, C1]