“Surviving STEM Classes”
Thursday, March 4 6:00pm
Zoom: https://buffalo.zoom.us/j/93257027109?pwd=aENYK0tSdDJTZS93L3FtSWF3UTBoZz09
Description: Get tips and helpful hints on how to learn and improve in your STEM classes.
Presented by TASS Lead Tutors- Shreya and Thomas
The B.E.S.T. Tutoring Program is an initiative designed to provide tutoring and mentorship to students at Buffalo Public School #6 (Buffalo Elementary School of Technology). Students of varying refugee status and/or of families seeking citizenship comprise a significant portion of our outreach. Last semester, we transitioned to a virtual format and will be continuing our weekly virtual tutoring sessions.
Since the virtual initiative began, we have received reports of increased attendance, engagement, and benefit from the students and teachers of Buffalo Public School #6. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our current volunteers for their dedication, and want to extend an invitation to others who are interested in making a lasting impact on young, local, 6th & 7th graders.
We are offering 3 volunteer tutor spots from 2:45-3:45 p.m. every Tuesday, beginning February 9th. All UB students are eligible to volunteer after a mandatory orientation (despite this club’s foundation in the Jacobs School of Medicine). This semester we are also implementing a waitlist for desiring volunteers, in case additional sessions open up.
If you are interested in volunteering, please sign-up using this link:
Building and strengthening the academic foundation of these vibrant, young students is a great way to give back and take a break from studying– All from the comfort of your laptop!
First Gen Peer Mentors Position Description
A peer mentor is an experienced first-gen upper-class student at UB who will mentor a small group new to UB first-gen freshmen. Mentors are committed to supporting the holistic development of our first-gen students and preparing them to make a successful transition to college. Mentors will contribute to the success of their mentees by building community and as sense of belonging. Mentors will also challenge the student to think more critically and have an increased level of self- awareness and reflection. Mentors will serve as a buddy, a coach, an advocate and a role model for their mentee.
Peer Mentor Primary Responsibilities
Participate in required mentor training sessions (approx. 2 hours in person or via zoom, there may be more training opportunities online; times TBD)
Attend fall “Welcome (Back) Bulls Social” in September to welcome all incoming first generation students
Reach out to your assigned mentees at the start of classes and each month; be available to your mentee via text, email, phone, or in person
Attend First Gen Connect monthly events with your mentee(s)
Participate in mentor workshops offered on a variety of leadership, wellness, and personal/professional development topics
Willingness to learn and utilize tracking systems
Estimated time commitment of the program:
approximately 2 hours in mentor training (times TBD)
Additional online training modules will be required as ongoing training
approximately 4 hours a week working with mentee(s), which includes related activities–workshops, mentor journal, required survey/assessments)
Peer Mentor Required Qualifications
Enrolled in Spring 2020 and will have sophomore, junior, or senior status in Fall 2021
Must have at least a 2.75 overall GPA and be in good standing at the university
Be in good disciplinary standing
First-generation college student (neither parent received a four-year degree in the United States)
Good interpersonal and communication skills
Genuine desire to help their first-generation peers succeed
Self-motivated with a positive attitude
Willing to learn and share information about the University at Buffalo community, student life and campus resources
First gen students at UB come from across the globe and represent a wide variety of ethnic, cultural, linguistic, socio-economic, geographical, and political perspectives–prospective mentors should embrace and celebrate this diversity
Interest in developing leadership and mentoring experience
Benefits for Peer Mentors
Workshops and training on a wide variety of UB resources that support student success–including career, professional, wellness, and leadership topics
Enhance your skills in coaching and guiding others
Opportunities to connect with a wide network of faculty and staff dedicated to the success of our first gen Bulls community
Stay up to date on new events and resources on campus
Make a difference and positively impact a first-year student’s UB experience!
$ 500 stipend to be paid each semester (fall/spring) or $500 campus cash to be paid each semester (fall/spring) this is dependent on whether you hold other campus jobs and or have workstudy
How to apply?
Please submit to your completed application to firstgeneration@buffalo.edu by February 26, 2021
Letter of interest
Resume
Contact information for 2 professional references
Success workshops are for all undergraduate students needing an academic boost, extra study tips and help staying motivated.
“I Can’t Learn Online!”
Wednesday, Feb. 17 6:00pm
Zoom: https://buffalo.zoom.us/j/96463092383?pwd=bXBEZVRVOEk5dWYvK3drZzJLaXRXZz09
Description: How to learn online, get motivated and stay motivated.
Presented by TASS Lead Tutor- Alivia
“Surviving STEM Classes”
Thursday, March 4 6:00pm
Zoom: https://buffalo.zoom.us/j/93257027109?pwd=aENYK0tSdDJTZS93L3FtSWF3UTBoZz09
Description: Get tips and helpful hints on how to learn and improve in your STEM classes.
Presented by TASS Lead Tutors- Shreya and Thomas
“Midterm Lifesaver”
Thursday, March 18 4-6pm
Zoom: https://buffalo.zoom.us/j/94272737826?pwd=dW9PQ21NQmpkVVZjVjdhcmtZaUY0UT09
Description: Getting crazy, feeling overwhelmed, having a hard time juggling. Visit with a TASS coach and get some strategies on how to keep your head above water.
“It’s the Final Count Down”
Date: Friday, April 2 4:00pm
Zoom: https://buffalo.zoom.us/j/97129500743?pwd=dVlOMU1PNFNDUFA3WUZsOFpEV1psZz09
Description: Tips and strategies on how to finish the semester strong.
Presented by TASS Lead Tutor and Staff
At this time TASS is looking for tutors for the spring semester, specifically in engineering, computer science, chemistry and math but not limited to. We are starting the reviewing process so if you have any students interested they can go directly to our website below, which gives you some information about TASS and the application.
We are beginning a tutoring program with high school students from Buffalo Public Schools, and as such, we are seeking undergraduate-level tutors, particularly those in math and science.
Tutoring will be held Monday-Thursday between 2-5 p.m. We are asking that those who are interested commit to at least two afternoons per week.
Ideally, we are looking for tutors who could qualify for a Work Study program; that would allow them to be paid for their time. Otherwise, the tutors would need to work on a volunteer basis.
You can apply on Handshake and can certainly reach out to me directly with any questions.
Thank you for your consideration and help with this matter!
Tutoring and Academic Support Services (TASS) is looking for a few good tutors. Please encourage any talented students who are at least Sophomore standing to look into this opportunity. Our center is CRLA certified which means we can certify our tutors after they complete all certification requirements: https://www.crla.net/index.php/certifications/about-crla-certifications. The application can be found at: https://www.buffalo.edu/studentsuccess/tutoring/apply.html
Tutoring and Academic Coaching will resume September 14, 2020
Remote Center Hours:
Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Remote Tutoring and Coaching Hours:
Monday-Friday 10am-10pm
Sunday 4pm-10pm
HOW TO CONNECT WITH US:
BY EMAIL:
asktutoring@buffalo.edu
BY PHONE:
716-645-6693
Distance Learning –What you should know and do!
Expectations for the Course: Review and check the syllabus. Was it revised? What do you need to do? Make a list of required assignments, projects, homework and tests. If something is confusing you, ask your instructor for clarification.
Technical: Where will you be connecting? Where is the best Wi-Fi? Will you need a camera, microphone, etc.? Check with the libraries and other areas for support. Check UBIT website for technical updates. http://www.buffalo.edu/ubit.html. Notify your instructor if you are experiencing technical issues.
Dedicated Space: Designate a space where you can work uninterrupted. Make sure that it is an area where you can stay focused and not easily distracted. Check to make sure that your Wi-Fi connection is good. Make sure you’ve designated a space with a good academic atmosphere.
*We realize that some of you might not have a space you can identify in your homes that is conducive to academics, do the best you can. If a library is an option perhaps going there for a few hours a day to get some uninterrupted work done.
Make a Study Plan: Create a plan to succeed. Schedule your time for class and a time to study. Make “to do lists” and set time limits to work. Take large projects or assignments and break them down into small sections with your own due dates. Keep to a schedule by following the routine of your old schedule when classes were in person this allow you dedicated times for class. Remember to use the study success formula which states that for every one hour of class you need two hours of study outside of the classroom.
*Even though we are working remotely. We can help you create study plans and schedules to help keep you on track. Contact asktutoring@buffalo.edu
Check your Email and UBLearns: It is imperative that you check all communications modes often. You should be checking your email at least two times or more a day. Every day you should be logging onto UBLearns or whatever platform your course is using. You need to stay on top of your work so you are aware of any updates or changes.
*Yes! email has gotten overwhelming. Carve out time every day to review what you are sent, you don’t want to miss an important message or opportunity.
Ask for Help When Needed: If you are confused or unsure about your class, ASK FOR HELP!See your professor or TA during office hours. These hours could be virtual or in person. Create a group chat with other classmates in order to share questions and answers. Try academic support services such as tutoring or study groups. See the Tutoring & Academic Support Services website for our schedule or to make an appointment. https://advising.buffalo.edu/tutoring/index.php
Stay Motivated: It might be hard to stay motivated especially when your courses are all online. Keep a schedule, talk with other classmates and check in with your advisor. Review your academic goals and your life goals. Remember why you are in college.
Check out this great resource to help keep you on track: https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/career-resource-center/student-success-online-college/
Student Support Services serves undergraduate students who are first-generation, students from low-income backgrounds and students with a documented disability as they work toward earning their college degree at UB.
They offer:
See how SSS can enhance enhance your time at UB. Join today!
VISIT CPMC.BUFFALO.EDU/SSS
APPLYING IS FREE AND OPEN YEAR-ROUND.
STUDENTS WITH U.S. CITIZENSHIP OR PERMANENT
RESIDENCY MAY APPLY.
EMAIL: SSSINFO@BUFFALO.EDU
