The Tutor Program

What is the Tutor Program?...A Network for Success at DMS!

In adjusting to the rigors of medical school, some students- particularly incoming ones experience difficulty. Such difficulties, however, need not be an obstacle to success. In fact, they can provide an opportunity to develop superior academic and study skills. The Dartmouth Medical School (DMS) Tutor Program is designed to aid students in achieving these skills. Students in need of such assistance are matched with peers who have acquired study skills and techniques that they have applied successfully to courses already completed. Tutors are available for most DMS courses.

Who can participate in the program?

The program is intended primarily to help students who have difficulties with the academic requirements of the school. All DMS students who are having academic difficulty- as determined by the course faculty, the Advising Dean or by performance on course quizzes and examinations- are eligible to participate in the program. Tutor assignments will depend upon course, quiz or exam performance availability.

All information is kept strictly confidential and will not be made part of your office Dartmouth Medical school record.

How much does it cost?

Tutors are available at no cost to the students. Since the Tutor Program is not a work-study accredited program, the DMS Student Affairs Office pays 100% of the tutor stipends.

Who are the tutors?

Tutors are DMS second year and graduate students who, having successfully completed coursework, wish to help other students to do so. They are selected for their caring qualities and teaching abilities.

How do I make arrangements to have a tutor work with me?

Come to the Student Affairs Office to complete a Tutor Request Application. Generally, approval by the Course Director OR the Senior Advising Dean in Student Affairs must be obtained by the student prior to tutor assignments. We try to fill requests within 48 hours of the time application is made. Requests for tutors continue throughout the year.

How is tutoring done?

In some courses tutoring will be done in groups, but in most cases, tutoring will be one-on-one. The type of tutoring sessions(s) will depend on available resources and individual requirements. It is the responsibility of the student to set up appointments with the tutor.

Is there a limit to the number of hours a student can be tutored?

You may want regular help with a course or only a session or two, depending on your individual needs. (Sometimes students have had difficulty with a subject and want term-long help in keeping up with their work.) The average number of hours a student seeks is three per week. There are obligations of both the tutor and tutee to assure the success of the Academic Assistance Program.

Obligations of the tutee:

• Attend all sessions you arrange with your tutor.
• Be on time for all appointments.
• Bring all notes, papers, handouts and class syllabi with you to your session to review with your tutor.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions: your tutor is there to help you understand the subject.
• If you find after the first or second meeting, the sessions with your tutor are not effective please let us know. Generally arrangements can be made for you to work with another tutor better suited to your particular needs.

Obligations of the tutor:

• Attend the training session.
• Be on time for all appointments.
• Be willing and able to develop a rapport with your tutee.
• Make the tutee feel comfortable- be friendly!
• Ask questions that require explanations—not "yes" or "no" responses.
• Be very patient; you are assisting because you confronted the same materials and mastered them. Your goal is for the student to understand the material, but it may take time and a variety of approaches and explanations.
• Use concrete examples
draw it, show relationships.
• Keep accurate records of dates and times of appointments, including attendance of tutee.

All information is kept strictly confidential and will not be made part of your official Dartmouth Medical School record.

For additional information please contact Tina Wilcox, in the Student Affairs Office, Room 302, Remsen Building or call 650-650-1509.

Student Affairs Office Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday