The Academic Success Center is looking for students like you to help UMBC students claim their future. Several of our positions offer a micro-credential and internationally-recognized certifications which can be earned as a part of the job training.
If you are interested in joining the Academic Success Center team working as a Peer Educator in a paid position, click on the position below to learn more.
Peer tutors are students who have successfully taken the class(es) they want to support, have excellent communication skills, and a true passion for helping others. Candidates will need to obtain recommendation(s) from UMBC instructor(s) in the area(s) they want to tutor. If hired, peer tutors will receive paid certified training in tutoring techniques and how to help students become independent learners.
Please submit an application or contact tutoring@umbc.edu if you have questions.
Academic Success Center Tutors are eligible to earn a microcredential through UMBC
Peer Content Tutoring: Proficiency in Leadership and Student Support
The Peer Tutoring microcredential acknowledges and validates participants ability to lead effective, student-focused tutoring sessions that support learning and academic success. Through this credential, participants will develop and apply expertise in evidence-based tutoring methods, active listening, and thoughtful questioning techniques that encourage critical thinking and independent learning.
Peer tutors will develop skills in designing and conducting productive tutoring sessions catering to diverse student needs. They will learn different engaging approaches based on collaborative and active learning theories; they will also learn to adapt their tutoring styles to students different learning styles, backgrounds, and academic challenges. In addition, peer tutors will be trained in modeling and promoting effective study habits and problem-solving techniques to help students become stronger and more independent learners.
Beyond instructional skills, this microcredential highlights the importance of ethical responsibilities in peer tutoring. Peer tutors will apply best practices in line with FERPA regulations, Title IX compliance, and inclusive tutoring strategies to create a safe, supportive, and equitable learning environment. They will also complete different kinds of activities, both written and oral, many of which ask them to self-reflect or reflect on various tutoring scenarios; they will receive constructive feedback from peer mentors and staff and will refine their tutoring strategies to improve student engagement and success.
Students interested in becoming Writing Center tutors may submit materials to the Writing Center Director, Elaine MacDougall, by emailing her at efick1@umbc.edu. Interested candidates must include a letter of recommendation (preferably from a college professor) and a writing sample.
The Director will first contact students for an interview, then grant permission for students to take ENGL 321, a 4-credit course that teaches aspects of identity in writing, writing center theory and practice, and peer tutoring methods. While taking the course, students work as interns in the Writing Center. After successfully completing the course, students are hired by the ASC as paid writing tutors. Students may also take additional tutor training through the ASC’s nationally recognized CRLA Tutor Certification Program. All ASC tutors must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above. Please email efick1@umbc.edu to apply.
Writing Center Tutors are eligible to earn a microcredential through UMBC
Peer Writing Tutor
The Peer Writing Tutor Proficiency Microcredential recognizes undergraduate students who have demonstrated excellence in tutoring writing across disciplines. This credential validates their proficiency in writing pedagogy, communication, and student-centered support. Writing tutors engage students in collaborative, conversation-based sessions that prioritize long-term growth over short-term fixes. This microcredential affirms their ability to foster student ownership of writing, apply inclusive tutoring practices, and support the entire writing process—from brainstorming to final revision. It aligns with UMBC’s commitment to inclusive excellence, academic support, and the development of transferable professional skills.
Peer writing tutors focus on developing writing as a process by fostering critical thinking, rhetorical awareness, and academic confidence in a collaborative and inclusive environment. As a center, we care about empowering students as communicators, honoring diverse voices and languages, and promoting equity through access to meaningful writing support. To earn this microcredential, students must successfully complete all components of English 321: Internship in Tutoring Writing.
English 321 offers coursework and practical experience in peer tutoring college writing. Students learn about tutoring writing through class work that includes readings in tutoring and composition theory, social and linguistic justice, discussions, and written assignments, along with a tutoring practicum at the UMBC Writing Center. English 321 provides students with various writing center theories to consider while developing their own tutoring philosophy for working with students on their writing. Additionally, throughout this course and beyond, students analyze and improve their own writing process.
The Academic Peer Advocate (APA) Program pairs undergraduate students—both first-time, full-time students and transfer students— in their first and second years, with trained and compassionate peers dedicated to providing individualized support during their transition to college. APA’s mission is to empower their peers to take advantage of the appropriate campus resources and to confidently seek help when needed. APA’s connect students to a student’s Academic Advocate for coordinated care when there are complicated barriers to navigate.
Requirements:
- Must be a current undergraduate student who has completed at least two semesters at UMBC
- Must be in good judicial and academic standing (at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA)
- We are looking for a diverse group of students who possess the following:
-
- A desire and the ability to work with a diverse group of students, faculty, and staff
-
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
-
- Leadership potential and problem-solving skills
-
- Strong study skills and successful student habits and behaviors
-
- Willingness to share personal academic experiences with peers
Please fill out the interest form below or email AcademicPeerAdvocates@umbc.edu
Academic Peer Advocates Interest Form
Academic Peer Advocates are eligible to earn a microcredential through UMBC
Academic Peer Advocacy
Academic Peer Advocacy knowledge microcredential recognizes students who are selected as Academic Peer Advocates (APA). The Academic Peer Advocacy program pairs first-time, full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate students in their first and second year, with trained and compassionate peers dedicated to providing individualized support during their transition to college. APA's mission is to empower their peers to take advantage of the appropriate campus resources and to confidently seek help when needed. APAs connect students to the First and Second Year Academic Advocates in the Academic Success Center for coordinated care when there are complicated barriers to navigate.
Earners receive this microcredential upon completing one semester of being an Academic Peer Advocate. APAs must participate and engage in the APA program, which includes completing training on communication, academic skills, university resources, understanding students diverse needs; creating academic success plans; holding weekly office hours where students meet individually with APAs; attending monthly team meetings; completing monthly reflections; and aligning with the values of the APA program, the Academic Success Center, and UMBC.
The Academic Peer Advocate knowledge microcredential signifies the earner's impactful involvement in fostering students success and their commitment to the UMBC Academic Success Center's mission.