Frequently Asked Questions
Prospective Tutors
How do I find out if I've been awarded federal workstudy funds?
Virginia Tech students may check their financial aid award by visiting HokieSpa. After logging in using your Hokie PID and password, click on Hokie Spa, then Financial Aid Information. Now click on My Award Information, then Financial Aid Awards. Select the current year and then continue to the next page. Federal Workstudy should be listed in Section 1.
I've been awarded federal workstudy, what does that mean?
As defined by VT's Financial Aid Office website, Federal Workstudy (FWS) is a program that provides part-time employment opportunities to students enrolled full-time with financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Students must file the FAFSA by the March 11th deadline. Based on the results of the FAFSA, eligible students are awarded an allotment, which may be earned through part time employment in FWS approved positions either on or off campus. Students are responsible for their own job placement and should obtain a position as soon as possible.
Working with VTCLC sounds great, how and when do I interview?
To schedule an interview with VTCLC, email literacy@vt.edu with your name, student ID number, as well as two days/times you are available to interview. Please check the interview schedule before making your requests. Interviews are normally held the first two weeks of the semester in the VTCLC's office, 200-X, in Student Services. Please visit the Prospective Tutors page for more detailed information about the specific dates and times for next set of interviews.
Who makes my schedule?
You do! At the beginning of the semester, tutors submit scheduling requests indicating where and when they would like to work. VTCLC Coordinators and Site Leaders then match those requests with requests we've received from teacers around the area and create schedules. All of the tutoring takes place Monday-Friday, and most of the offered hours are during a typical school day (9-3:30). However, we also work at a few after school programs that run until between 4:30-5:30. You choose where, when, and how much you want to work - who can ask for a better schedule?!
What other documents will I need to be hired by VTCLC?
If this will be your first job at VT, you will need to bring either a current passport OR two alternate forms of identification (driver's license, state ID card, social security card, or birth certificate). Also, if you are not a US citizen, you will also need to bring your Alien Registration Card or Unexpired Employment Authorization Card. These documents are required for your employment and you cannot be paid until these documents are on file with VTCLC.
Current Tutors
What are timesheets, when are they due, and when do I get paid?
Timesheets are our way of tracking how many hours you work each day and what you are doing during those hours. You may find an example timesheet here. Timesheets are due approximately every two weeks and paychecks are issued two weeks thereafter. If you have any questions about timesheets, please ask the coordinators before the last day of the pay period.
What is direct deposit? How do I set up direct deposit?
Direct Deposit eliminates the physical check from your paycheck. Instead of picking up your paycheck on payday, Virginia Tech wires the funds directly in your bank account. To set up direct deposit, stop by the Student Services building and to the right of the Bursar's windows, you will find the required forms. You will need a blank check or your bank representative's signature to process the forms. Please remember that it will take at least two pay periods before your direct deposit will be processed and active.
Why do I have to go to training?
Training is a required aspect of being a VTCLC tutor so that you have the knowledge and confidence to help any student who needs assistance. Through training, you will learn about reading development, instructional techniques, learning and emotional disabilities – just to name a few. Training is also used as a time to get to know others who work at your site and a chance to talk with the coordinators or site leaders face to face. We welcome guest speakers at our training sessions so if you have a great idea for a presenter or you would like to present, send us an email, we’d love to hear from you!
I need to talk to my site leader, how do I contact him/her?
Go to the Sites & Directions page and click on the site in question. Scroll down the page and you will find information about the Site Leader, including their email address. If you have a pressing issue and the Site Leader is unavailable, please contact the coordinators.
Where's the VT Community Literacy Corps office?
The VTCLC Office is located on the second floor of the Student Services Building inside the Financial Aid Suite. Upon entering the suite, we are the first office on the left.
Educators
I want a VTCLC tutor in my classroom, who do I talk to?
If VTCLC already has a partnership with your school, please contact the current site leader of that school to inquire about additional tutoring requests. Site Leader contact information may be found by navigating to Sites & Directions, clicking on the name of your school, and scrolling down to the bottom of the page. Additional tutor requests are welcome at any time throughout the academic year.
If your school is new to working with VTCLC, please contact the coordinators at literacy@vt.edu to inquire about the possibility of creating a partnership and sending tutors to your school. We will do our best to work with you and meet your tutoring needs. Please remember, however, that our resources are limited and despite our best efforts, we might not be able to accomodate all requests. New tutor requests are also welcome at any time thorughout the academic year.
My tutor doesn't show up to work frequently and never calls to let me know, what should I do?
You should contact the Site Leader at your school and let them know about the situation. The Site Leader will work with the tutor and the coordinators to make sure the problem is resolved. If the problem continues to happen for an extended period of time, the tutor in question may be dismissed from the program, in which case VTCLC will do its best to have another tutor work with your classroom.
How do I get my classroom involved in Handwriting Magazine/Pen Pals?
To get your classroom involved in Handwriting Magazine, simply fill out the form located under Join Handwriting Network and email it back. The Managing Editor of Handwriting Magazine will get in contact with you shortly thereafter with additional information and to answer any additional questions you may have.