Tutoring at the Geisel School of Medicine
The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth makes free tutoring available for first-year students (and occasionally second-year students) as necessary. Whereas all first-year courses offer some type of periodic group support,* there are students who find that ongoing tutorial assistance—one-on-one or in a very small group (2 students most often)—is helpful too.
Usually, tutors are year-2 Geisel School students, but they may be year-4 Geisel School students, MD/PhD students, or graduate students from the various sciences, as well.
Requesting a Tutor
- Students who believe they need the assistance of a tutor should make a short appointment (10-15 minutes) with the Director of Learning Services. A brief form is filled out during that appointment. When Ms. Trietley is away, students may contact Dr. Virginia Lyons.
- Each student is subsequently matched with one of the pre-approved tutors, and notified by email. The tutor is also notified of the match.
- The tutee contacts the tutor to set up a meeting time.
- Most sessions take place weekly, although there may be some weeks in which the tutee or tutor is unavailable.
- Students may be tutored in more than one course in a week. Sometimes the same tutor can help with two courses; sometimes another tutor is assigned.
- Tutoring may continue for most of a term, or last only a few weeks, depending on the need.
- Students who use tutors are asked to evaluate their experiences at the end of every term.
Becoming a Tutor
- In the late spring of each year, Learning Services puts out a call for the next year's tutors.
- Tutors are expected to have performed at the mean or above in the classes they wish to tutor. (They must also be endorsed by the Course Director.)
- Once application forms have been returned to Learning Services, a list of prospective tutors is created and submitted to Course Directors for approval.
- Early in the subsequent fall term, a short training is provided for tutors. This session is mandatory. Payroll matters are also addressed at the same meeting.
- Additional tutors can sign up at the beginning the fall term, but preferably before the training session. They should see Ms. Trietley by the end of the first week of classes if possible. (Occasionally additional tutors are recruited later in the year.)
- Tutors are currently paid $10.00 per hour, with a small allowance for prep time.
- Typically tutors do not work more than 3 hours per week, plus prep time.
Tutors and tutees are expected to behave respectfully toward one another at all times. This includes showing up on time and well prepared for each session. Questions or problems should be addressed to Kalindi Trietley, Director of Learning Services.
* Students who are finding a particular course challenging are always encouraged to talk with the faculty of that department individually. The Geisel School of Medicine prides itself on approachable faculty members.
Return to Learning Services home page