Upgrading and University Preparation
www.ufv.ca/uup

Literacy Tutor certificate

Note: This program is not available in 2011/12.

This 160-hour part-time certificate program is designed for volunteers or professionals who want to develop or advance their ability to tutor literacy-level learners in post-secondary or community settings. Although the program’s main focus is on the adult literacy learner, many of the instructional techniques and theories of literacy acquisition taught within the program are also relevant to children and adolescents. Basic literacy, English as a second language, and learning disabilities are explored as areas of concentration within the general field of literacy practice. In addition, students are introduced to tutoring numeracy and to the role of computers in literacy instruction.

Entrance requirements

1. B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent, or post-secondary training in a relevant field.

2. Good oral and written communication skills, as evidenced by letter, interview, and transcripts.

3. Evidence of personal suitability for tutoring, including previous work or volunteer experience which demonstrates good interpersonal skills.

When to apply

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the year. Qualified applicants are considered for the next intake in which there is space. See Continuous application process for more information.

How to apply

1. Attend an interview with program personnel, or attend an interactive small group information session. Contact the UUP department head at 604-504-7441 or 604-792-0025, local 2439 at either number, to determine dates of information sessions.

2. Complete a UFV application for admission form and a Literacy Tutor certificate program application form. (Available at time of interview or information session.)

3. During interview or group information session, handwrite a brief letter of application, outlining your interest in becoming a literacy tutor, and the skills and abilities you will bring to your work as a tutor. Be sure to mention your involvement in any previous work or volunteer experience related to tutoring.

4. Mail or hand deliver application forms and transcripts documenting B.C. secondary school graduation completion or equivalent to designated program personnel.

Basis for admission decision

Admission will be granted on a first-come basis to applicants who meet admissions criteria. If the number of applicants exceeds the number of spaces available in any given course, preference will be given to those willing to volunteer as tutors in UFV literacy programs.

Fees and additional costs

TUTR 110 is tuition-free; however, students are required to pay ancillary fees. Fees charged for all other Literacy Tutor Certificate courses are the same as those charged for other credit courses.

See the Fees and Other Costs section for details.

Dates and locations

Courses within the Literacy Tutor certificate program are offered during the evening and some Saturday mornings. TUTR 110 is usually offered in the fall semester with other courses following in numerical sequence. It may be possible to complete the program in a year and a half. Courses are offered at the Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and Mission campuses on an alternating basis.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Applicants to the Literacy Tutor certificate program may request assessment of prior learning to obtain up to six credits applicable to the certificate. For more information, please refer to the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition section of the calendar.

Transfer credit

Applicants may request transfer credit to obtain up to six credits to be applied to certificate requirements. Individual courses within the Literacy Tutor program may be applied as general electives in some UFV programs. For more information, please refer to the Transfer Credit section of the calendar.

Completion of the certificate program will provide 12 block transfer credits towards UFV’s Bachelor of Arts in Adult Education program.

Program outline

Note: Students may enroll in TUTR 120, 130, or 140 after completing TUTR 110. Students must complete TUTR 140 before enrolling in TUTR 145.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section or this section of the UUP website.