Re: Extra-curricular consulting

[Lee Hammer <lhammer@culver.edu>]

Lynnell:

I know what you are talking about.  We have a general tutorial center and
residence hall tutors.  All 15 tutors serve some time in the center and
then the 12 who are designated r-h tutors post hours for their respective
halls.  While we consider this arrangement successful, I couldn't say that
any of the tutors are ever overwhelmed with clients.

Where the problem of off-duty overwork has come is with one or two tutors
who have gained a reputation on campus for being particularly good--mainly
with writing matters.  In one case this was compounded by the tutor being a
resident in one of our Greek houses.  He complained that he could not go
home at night--had to do his own studying in his car or in the greasy spoon
downtown--because he was so descended-upon during off-duty hours.  I have
since talked with tutors at staff meetings about how to say no, but I
suspect saying no to peers, especially to Greek brothers or sisters, can be
quite difficult.  I have tried to get resident assistants involved in
helping protect off-duty tutors, but I am not sure how effective they can
be.  I always tell tutors to have insistent clients call me if they think
"no" or "come to the center tomorrow" is unreasonable.  The off-duty
problem does not appear to be severe at present, but I continue to monitor
the situation.


Dr. Lee Hammer
Associate Professor of English
Culver-Stockton College
#1 College Hill
Canton, MO  63435

217-231-6350
lhammer@culver.edu