OWLS (Oberlin Workshop and Learning Sessions):
OWLS are peer-led sessions based on the Supplemental Instruction model, where leaders retake the course and guide students through both the content and effective learning strategies.
These sessions focus on active, collaborative, and enjoyable learning experiences that enhance understanding and skill development across multiple courses.
HOOTs (Hybrid of OWLS and Tutoring):
HOOTs offer drop-in support for specific courses, blending the collaborative approach of OWLS with the individualized assistance of tutoring.
Led by students who have successfully completed the course, HOOTs work closely with faculty and CLEAR staff to provide tailored support without creating additional course material.
QUAILs (Quantitative Undergraduate Assistants for In-class Learning):
QUAILs are designed to support courses with extensive in-class collaborative work, such as flipped classrooms and problem-based learning environments.
They assist small groups during class sessions and can also provide extra help through support sessions outside of class time.
The process outlined below are the steps for students interested in applying to become a CLEAR mentor. From nomination to selection, our goal is to create an equitable and transparent hiring process.
Solicitation of Mentor Nominations:
Before applications open, CLEAR solicits mentor nominations from the campus community.
Assessment of Course Needs:
Mid-semester, CLEAR contacts faculty to determine course needs for the upcoming semester.
Invitation for Applications:
CLEAR invites all students to apply, ensuring they have previously taken the course they wish to support.
Screening and Teaching Demos:
All screened applicants participate in a 3-minute teaching demonstration.
Selection and Feedback:
CLEAR makes selections, seeks faculty approval, shares feedback with all applicants, and provides additional support to unmatched students.
CLEAR will email STEM faculty mid-semester to ask if you would like mentor support for the courses you will be teaching in the upcoming semester. Our goal is to offer broad, quality support across all STEM disciplines. However, funding for CLEAR mentors is limited. When we are unable to meet the full demand, we will prioritize courses with demonstrated need. Attendance records from past semesters may factor into our decision, however, we will always work closely with departments and faculty in finalizing decisions regarding course support.
OWLs will typically work approximately 8-10 hours in a week and receive $1,600 per semester.
QUAILs will typically work approximately 6-8 hours per week and receive $1,050 per semester.
HOOTs will typically work 4-6 hours per week and receive $900 per semester.
Requirements vary by mentor type but include team meetings, session hosting, reflections, parliamentary sessions, observations, and cohort meetings. CLEAR requirements for each mentor category are outlined in your CLEAR mentor agreements. CLEAR mentors receive regular reminders from CLEAR leadership about requirements throughout the semester and you can check your status in the activity tracker that is managed by the CLEAR student coordinators.
CLEAR submits stipend requests twice per semester. We submit the first stipend request after mentors have hosted their first sessions. This is to ensure that mentors are set up and committed to the role prior to submitting the first payment. The request for payment goes to the controller's office and it can take up to 10 days to process. The second payment is initiated near the end of the semester. Assuming all requirements are met, you will receive your second stipend payment no later than 10 days after the end of the semester. International students will have to complete tax forms before they will receive stipend payments.
You will receive communication about a Sprintax form you need to complete from Ann Stricklen or from an automated email address. For tax purposes, you must complete this form before your stipend payment will be processed.
If you need to change your room for a single session, please reserve a room for yourself in Oberview via EMS. Email clear@oberlin.edu and Veronica Mahoney to let us know that you have moved your session. Please include your regular session day/time and room number (so we can cancel the reservation) and your new reservation (so we can update records online).
If you need to permanently change your session times, please add the new request as a comment to the room scheduling spreadsheet and tag Veronica Mahoney so that she can release your current room and schedule a new space.
Please reach out to your cohort leader or the CLEAR leadership team. We are here to support you and to help troubleshoot any issues that might arise over the course of the semester!
Please stick around for your session in case someone shows up mid-session for help. If you do not have CLEAR-related tasks to attend to (making new worksheets, advertising future sessions, etc.) you can use this time to complete your own HW.
Session attendance can be tricky! Talk to your professors about how to schedule your sessions so that they align meaningfully with the syllabus and course structure. Make sure the students in your class know who you are and know what to expect at your sessions. Try hosting sessions on specific topics/themes and make regular announcements about your sessions.
CLEAR is considering other attendance incentives like punch cards and raffle tickets. If you are interested in pursuing this option, please be in touch!
When you are applying to jobs after Oberlin, employers sometimes request employment verification. CLEAR cannot provide employment verification; these forms must go to human resources. Please send your employment verification request directly to Human Resources.
Oberlin Human Resources
Room 205
173 W. Lorain St.
Oberlin, OH 44074
CLEAR Leadership is happy to provide letters of recommendation for CLEAR mentors. Please provide at least two week's notice. Begin by emailing the leadership team to request a letter and then submit this LoR request form so that we can provide a detailed letter. The more information you can provide in this form, the better the letter we will be able to provide.