Information for Faculty

Faculty FAQ
Recommended Syllabus Language

How can I apply to have a Peer Educator in my classroom next semester?

Each semester, a group of faculty members are selected to work with assigned Peer Educators. There are four types of Peer Educators who can assist in the classroom: Embedded Tutors, Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leaders, Learning Assistants (LAs), and Peer Mentors.

The application form to partner with a Peer Educator in Spring 2025 is now available. Applications are due October 25th. (If you have concerns about this deadline, please reach out to Deanna Peck at deanna.peck@sjsu.edu.) Please be sure to review the information below regarding the various Peer Educator roles and what might be the best fit for your course needs.

A comparison spreadsheet of the various Peer Educator roles is available here [pdf].

Applications are requested every semester as needs and demands may change.

Embedded Tutors

Embedded tutors are tutors who are assigned to specific course section(s) and attend class as arranged by their supervisor and the course instructor. Embedded tutors offer appointments and/or drop-in tutoring for a wide variety of subjects, depending on their academic background. They can also assist with personal and academic skill development in areas like Campus Resources, Stress Management, Study Strategies, and Time Management.

Role of an Embedded Tutor:

Provides students with peer support to supplement their learning in class.
Supports students in identifying their areas of strength and challenges in specific course content.
Guides students in developing effective learning and study strategies to become self-confident, independent learners.
Encourages students to be accountable and responsible for their choices as students.
Provides at least 6 hours/week of individual tutoring and/or small group services in designated Peer Connections areas, based on the guidelines, policies, and procedures in this manual.

Additional Embedded Tutor Responsibilities:

Partners with faculty of assigned class(es) to support students as outlined in expectations set collaboratively with faculty. Attend assigned section(s) at least once per week, or as needed, and serve as a peer leader to the students.
Completes 25 direct service hours every semester.

Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leaders

Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leaders attend their assigned class and facilitate workshops and study sessions outside of the regularly scheduled class time. These sessions are focused on active student involvement and incorporate both content and learning strategies.

Role of an SI Leader:

Uses active & collaborative learning techniques to facilitate guided study sessions for students in SI-supported courses.
Encourages and engage students to develop their self-confidence and self-efficacy while achieving greater classroom engagement, study skills, and effective learning strategies to become independent learners.
Supports students in identifying difficult course concepts by creating activities in order to capture the variety of student needs.

Additional SI Leader Responsibilities:

Promotes SI sessions to students through announcements in class and on Canvas.
Hosts at least two study sessions per week which focuses on the potentially challenging aspects of the course.
Creates and prepares lesson plans and other materials (e.g., slides, handouts) needed for SI sessions.
May host additional review sessions before midterms and finals as requested.
Meets with the assigned instructor weekly or biweekly to discuss and review upcoming course lectures.
Assures that SI session content and plans are aligned with the course content and the student needs.
Collects valuable attendance and direct student learning data for continued analysis of SI effectiveness.

Learning Assistants (LAs)

Learning Assistants work as part of an instructional team to help promote active learning, incorporate innovative ‘hands-on’ educational practices into the classroom, and improve student retention.

Role of a Learning Assistant:

Partners with a faculty member committed to incorporating active learning into their course.
Promotes student interaction and engagement with the content of a supported course by facilitating small-group and whole-class discussions, working through problem sets, and other activities.
Acts as a liaison between the professor and the students, providing feedback on what students have learned and what is unclear.
Encourages students to be active learners in their education.

Additional Learning Assistant Responsibilities:

Meets with the embedded faculty partner at least once a week to prepare for future class sessions and discuss student interaction with the course itself.
First-semester LAs also enroll and participate in SCI 174, a pedagogy class, to review learning theory, teaching strategies, and student development theories, and discuss best practices in STEM education.

Peer Mentors (only available in special circumstances)

Peer Mentors enhance knowledge and understanding through shared information, resources, and strategies to navigate the university experience. Mentors model effective skills, traits, and behaviors that can empower other students to do well personally and academically.

Role of a Peer Mentor:

Encourages and engages mentees to develop self-confidence, self-efficacy, and study strategies that direct them to become independent learners.
Listens to and supports students in the development of their personal, social, and academic skills.
Serves as an experienced guide and role model for students to effectively transition into and navigate the college process.
Assists in building a connection between students and the SJSU campus culture by providing campus-related resources, information, and referrals in addition to providing community-building experiences.
Provides at least 6 hours to meet with students to work on time management, study strategies, campus resources, and transitional issues. The format may vary and is determined in collaboration with the instructor and/or supervisor.

Additional Peer Mentor Responsibilities:

Develops and facilitates student success workshops in the assigned class as requested.
Facilitates/co-facilitates at least 2 workshops outside of the assigned class.

If you have questions about working with a Peer Educator, please contact Deanna Peck at Deanna.Peck@sjsu.edu.

What are Class Announcements and how can I schedule one?

Peer Educators are available to make class announcements. These short presentations will inform you and your students about Peer Connections and our services. If you would like to request a class announcement, please fill out this form.

What are Peer Connections Workshops?

Peer Connections offers workshops on academic and life skills that help improve students' college careers. In our workshops, we engage students in learning and personal development. These workshops can be presented to your class upon request. View our available workshops and request a workshop!

How can I verify that a student has met with a peer educator?

To protect the privacy and confidentiality of student records, peer educators and Peer Connections staff do not discuss the services that individual students receive at the Center. If you would like proof that your students have met with a peer educator, ask your students to contact us at peerconnections@sjsu.edu and request an electronic attendance report, which they can then submit to you.

How can I highlight Peer Connections on my course syllabus?

Feel free to use the information below! We have two formats to choose from.

Accessible Format:

Peer Connections’ free tutoring, mentoring, supplemental instruction, and learning assistant programs are designed to assist you in the development of your full academic potential and to inspire you to become independent learners. Peer Connections tutors are trained to provide content-based tutoring in many lower division courses (some upper division) as well as writing and study skills assistance. Small group and individual tutoring are available. Peer Connections mentors are trained to provide support and resources in navigating the college experience. This support includes assistance in learning strategies and techniques on how to be a successful student. In addition, Peer Connections supplemental instruction (SI) leaders assist professors in select courses by running study groups and review sessions. Peer Connections learning assistants support faculty in the classroom by engaging students directly in various activities. Peer Connections also has a study space, desktop computers, and success workshops on a wide variety of topics. All services are virtually offered at this time. When it is safe to return, we will do so while continuing to offer the option for students to participate online or in-person. For more information on services, hours, locations, or a list of current workshops, please visit Peer Connections' website at http://peerconnections.sjsu.edu for more information.

Accessible and Brief Format:

Peer Connections is your campus-wide resource for mentoring (time management, note taking, study skills, getting involved, etc.), tutoring (undergraduate writing, lower division Math, Science, History, Humanities, etc.), supplemental instruction (review and study sessions for select courses), and learning assistants (support for interactive classrooms). Peer Connections also has a study space, desktop computers, and success workshops on a wide variety of topics. For more information on services, hours, locations, or a list of current workshops, please visit the website at http://peerconnections.sjsu.edu for more information.