Welcome back! With the beginning of spring semester, the CILCE staff knows that your schedules are full, but we want to remind you to take time out to think about giving back to the community – and possibly learn a little bit about yourself along the way.
This spring UST’s Tutor-Mentor (TM) program will enter the second half of its 22nd year. Each semester 150 to 200 UST students participate in TM, dedicating an hour and a half to two hours per week of their time working with kindergarten through 12th-grade students in academic work and other enrichment activities. The results are unforgettable.
A local teacher recently thanked TM program director Kate Caffrey for supplying her classroom with tutor-mentors: “The first graders love getting all the attention from the one-on-one tutoring the Tutor-Mentor program makes possible. They get very excited when they see the mentors and work hard to gain their praise. We have enjoyed getting to know them and letting them see how 22 first graders learn. Thank you!”
She touches on an important part of the program – community involvement is a two-way street. As part of their responsibilities, tutor-mentors are encouraged to reflect on their experiences partway through the term. Last fall one student wrote: “I truly didn’t expect to look forward to going every week as much as I do. I am really enjoying what I am doing.”
All UST students are eligible to participate in TM. Caffrey and student leaders work with the tutor-mentors’ availability, placing them at locations according to their schedule and access to transportation. It is a fun and convenient way to enhance their résumés and satisfy course or club requirements.
The TM staff is looking forward to spring semester. New as of December, the Tutor-Mentor Facebook page has become an easy way for its members to stay connected. TM leaders plan to make it an even bigger part of the program. Log in and “like” us today.
Apply to become a part of the program
If you are interested in being part of the Tutor-Mentor Program, applications are available by clicking here or at the CILCE center, Room 153, Murray-Herrick Campus Center. Applications must be returned by Thursday, Feb. 9.
Whether you are a student who would like to be more involved, or a faculty member who would like to incorporate the Tutor-Mentor Program in your classroom, stop by the CILCE Center, send an email, or call the CILCE office, (651) 962-6800, for more information.
