Faculty Resources
Faculty are crucial to the success of TASC’s tutoring program. We value your collaboration and thank you for referring students to utilize our services and for recommending your students to become tutors. Together we can make a difference in our students’ success at College of the Desert.
For more information about the tutoring program, please review our FAQs.
TASC offers peer-based tutoring across a wide range of disciplines. To access current tutoring offerings and schedules, please visit the TASC Canvas. Students can work with tutors in Palm Desert and Indio (subjects vary at each location).
Students do NOT need to make an appointment to see a tutor. All TASC tutoring is drop-in based. Students should check the tutoring schedule on the TASC Canvas or on the schedule board at the physical TASC locations to find a convenient tutoring time that matches their schedule.
For students seeking writing support, tutors can aid across disciplines. Tutors cannot edit students’ papers, but rather will focus on the writing process and build the students’ own writing, research, and editing skills.
TASC tutors are CoD students that have demonstrated success in a particular course or discipline. Every tutor has been recommended by a CoD faculty member. Our tutors are involved in many aspects of campus life, including student governance, student groups and clubs, and Athletics.
Students are welcome to apply to become a tutor at any time, but the majority of hiring usually takes place prior to the start of the fall and spring terms. Additional tutors may be hired during the semester based on tutoring demand.
Interested applicants should download an application on the TASC Canvas. Once an application is received, the applicant’s transcript is evaluated, and an interview is then scheduled. Hiring decisions are based on the following:
- Student must meet minimum qualifications
- Must be currently enrolled as a student at College of the Desert
- Have a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Achieve an A or B in the course(s) wishing to tutor
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Student’s application must include a recommendation from a faculty member
- Student must demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills during an interview
- There must be sufficient demand for tutoring in the subject in which the applicant is applying for
- Tutors are student employees and paid at the current hourly minimum wage defined by the state of California. Tutors also receive priority registration.
Yes, the TASC tutor training program is mandatory, paid, and must be completed before a student starts tutoring. Training is typically held during FLEX week, and consists of a variety of online modules, discussion posts, and assignments via a TASC tutor training course on Canvas. Tutors are also required to attend an in-person orientation that week.
Training topics include, but are not limited to: active listening, questioning methods, defining the tutor’s role, key elements of an effective tutoring session, and incorporating study skills. Tutors learn that their main priority is helping students become independent learners, and that tutoring cannot take the place for students attending lecture, taking notes, attending office hours, etc.
In addition to the training they receive prior to working with students, tutors also receive ongoing training throughout their employment, with many sessions led by CoD faculty. Please contact the TASC if you would ever like to offer a subject-specific review session for the tutors!
Most TASC tutors work an average of 12-14 hours per week, with the minimum requirement being 8 hours. The tutors determine when and where (Palm Desert or Indio) they would like to work. Because we know being a student comes first, we are very flexible with the tutors’ schedules.
We find that many of our most successful tutors are the products of direct faculty recommendations! If you recognize the potential of a student in your classroom, please encourage them to apply via the TASC Canvas. You are also welcome to email any of the Tutoring Coordinators and we will connect with your student to initiate the application process.
Alternatively, a student may ask you to sign their tutoring application. TASC values your assessment in determining the readiness of your student to help others in the discipline. If you have concerns about their readiness, please feel free to reach out to a Tutorial Coordinator directly.
