Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
How to get a student ID and a Muscovite card? Which special course to choose and which teacher to go to study it with? RUDN tutors receive many questions from students every day, especially first-year students.
We spoke to a few tutors to find out about the specifics of their work, the most memorable times they've helped students, and asked them for advice for those who want to mentor other students.
Patience and a broad outlook
Polina Bortnikova is a graduate of the RUDN University Institute of Comparative Educational Policy. The knowledge she gained helps her understand the specifics of the educational process and implement best practices in her work. But, of course, the main thing for a tutor is to be able to work with people. After all, students constantly come to them with their problems and wishes.
"To effectively solve the first and implement the second, I attend training courses in English and Spanish, specialized courses of the Russian Ministry of Education and our university. If we talk about a typical day of a tutor, then mine looks something like this. First, I review the plans for the day. Then I check email and messages from students, hold individual meetings. I devote a lot of time to administrative work aimed at adapting students to the university, informing them about upcoming events and opportunities for student life," says Polina Bortnikova, tutor for educational work at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of RUDN University.
According to the girl, she is most often approached on such issues as obtaining a student ID, bank card, Muscovite card, characteristics, as well as the question of how to transfer to a budget. In addition, first-year students often get confused about their schedule for the week, and are very happy if they find out that instead of a seminar they just have a lecture on the subject today.
"In addition to helping students with various questions, I actively participate in organizing events for them. One of the most memorable was the International Relations Specialty Day in 2024. This was my first experience organizing such a large-scale event. We held a casting, filmed videos, rehearsed a lot, so that later we could organize a concert that would be remembered by everyone: both participants and guests. In an hour and a half, we managed to show all the diversity of cultures and traditions of the students of our faculty," Polina Bortnikova.
The tutor notes that the most enjoyable thing about her job is to see how students grow and develop throughout their studies. At the graduation party, when the most active and talented students receive the "Best Graduate" plaques, the rector's gratitude, certificates of honor, and certificates of social activity, Polina understands that everything was not in vain. And, the girl adds, working as a tutor helped her broaden her horizons and taught her patience.
"Every first-year student is a representative of a new generation who come with their own new ideas, worldviews, and opportunities. For example, now you shouldn't be surprised by a meeting with a student that begins with the words: "ChatGPT told me that you can…". Perhaps five years ago this would have sounded strange, but now I try to understand how technology affects their learning and perception of information. In addition, such conversations allow us to discuss with students the ethical aspects of using AI and the ability to critically evaluate information," Polina Bortnikova.
Delicious tea and pleasant music for stress
Polina’s colleague, Irina Lukyanova, says that the understanding of the word “education” has probably begun to acquire a deeper meaning for her since 2020.
"Nowadays, more and more attention is paid to patriotic education, political culture, national traditions and customs. The educational process has become an integral part of the educational process. Today, for me, the essence of the work is to promote the formation of a comprehensively developed personality, with a strong and strong-willed character, with a broad soul and culture," – Irina Lukyanova, tutor for educational work at the RUDN Medical Institute.
Irina is a very experienced tutor, and she has had to resolve conflict situations more than once.
"For example, such a story happened to one of the class monitors at my institute. The student is positive, doing well in all subjects, active, and coped well with the duties of a class monitor. However, she could not find common ground with one teacher, which threatened to prevent her from taking the exam and subsequently being expelled. The girl approached me with this problem. Resolving such situations is not my direct responsibility, since they relate to the educational process, but I helped the student. I talked to her and the teacher, found out the essence of the conflict. I advised the student on how to properly conduct a dialogue when communicating with the teacher, explained what other work she needed to pass. This helped her get admission to the exam and pass it successfully, and she calmly continued her studies at our university," Irina Lukyanova.
The tutor also helps with problems that arise with classmates. For example, a first-year student once turned to Irina. She had a quarrel with a classmate, and the latter broke her glasses.
"I invited both girls to a conversation, calmly listened to each side, tried to help them control their emotions in order to reduce tension and find the right solution to the conflict situation. And we succeeded! We ended the conversation on a positive note. After some time, these students came to me to tell me that they had now become good friends," – Irina Lukyanova.
These examples show how important the work of tutors is. And how calm and wise they learn to be. The secret to relaxation and stress relief is different for everyone.
"To avoid professional burnout, I help myself with pleasant relaxing music, watching videos of beautiful nature and cities. If during work I feel tension that is difficult to contain, I try to switch to calm thinking, take a break, make delicious tea and relax my thoughts," – Irina Lukyanova.
Like to your own children
In addition to tutors for educational work, RUDN has those who help students with their studies. For example, with choosing elective courses, retaking exams, and arranging academic leaves.
"In my opinion, an academic tutor should have the following key professional qualities: friendliness, responsibility, flexibility and patience. He should be able to adequately assess the emotional state of the student, find an individual approach to each student, explain complex topics in an accessible and understandable way, identify emerging difficulties and effectively help in overcoming them," – Gulsher Kalandorshoev, an academic tutor at the RUDN University Faculty of Economics.
According to Gulsher, if students have difficulties mastering a specific subject, the faculty has a system of academic support. Specialized study groups are formed, where senior comrades help junior students improve their knowledge and understand incomprehensible topics. Gulsher's colleague, Svetlana Sadovskaya, emphasizes that the tutor treats students almost like her own children. And she is always ready to provide psychological support and give advice if a student has failed an exam and lost faith in himself.
"I always try to find out the reasons that led to troubles in studies. I offer solutions depending on the complexity of the problems, discuss with teachers how students can work through the missed material, gain additional points. I am very happy when my advice and help help the guys become more confident, study better. My main advice is to submit all assignments on time, and if something does not work out the first time – do not despair," – Svetlana Sadovskaya, tutor for academic work at the Institute of World Economy and Business RUDN.
What questions can I ask my academic tutor?
Schedule of classes; Choice of elective courses and interdisciplinary courses; Academic performance in electronic grade books; Expulsion, transfer, reinstatement and registration of academic leave; Midterm and final assessments, retakes; Other issues related to education.
What questions can I ask a tutor for educational work?
Scholarships and financial assistance; Accommodation in RUDN University dormitories; Organization of concerts, competitions, festivals, exhibitions, excursions; Assistance in solving problems and conflict situations.
Where and how to find a tutor?
The work schedule of tutors can be found in the dean's office/directorate of the faculty, institute, academy, or higher school.
Most tutors work from 09:00 to 18:00 with a lunch break from 13:00 to 14:00. Evening tutors usually work from 18:00 to 22:30.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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