PhD Peer Tutoring Program

Philosophy

  • The goal of instruction is to promote independent, self-directed learning that continues across the life span.
  • Students are active, constructive learners, not passive recipients of information.
  • Learning with understanding is a generative process in which students reformulate information to achieve deeper meaning.
  • Instruction in efficient cognitive processing strategies and self regulatory skills can be effective in increasing students' control of their learning.

Description

Tutoring is offered at the discretion of the program director and based on availability.

Tutorial sessions through this program are available for students enrolled in the participating programs listed below. Tutorial services will be provided by graduate students who have successfully completed courses in the desired subject area. Students seeking assistance will be expected to come to sessions prepared to study, to discuss course material, and to actively participate in the learning process.

Sessions will be offered on a per semester basis. The schedule will be adjusted to meet the needs of students and tutors. The peer tutoring sessions are designed for groups, but individual sessions can be arranged at the discretion of the tutors.

Tutoring is provided at no cost to the student.

Professional assistance in test taking and study skills is available through University Counseling Services as part of their Academic Study Skills Programs.

Eligibility

  • PhD students enrolled in their 1st or 2nd year of training from one of the following programs:
    • Anatomy & Cell Biology
    • Biochemistry
    • Biosciences Program
    • Free Radical & Radiation Biology
    • Genetics
    • Immunology
    • Microbiology
    • Molecular & Cellular Biology
    • Molecular Physiology and Biophysics
    • Neuroscience
    • Pharmacology

Requirements

  • Before a tutor can be obtained the students needs to meet with the course director to discuss any challenges the student may be encountering.  If after meeting the course director they believe there is an identified need for assistance that can not be met through either the course director or TA for the course then the course director needs to send an email to biosciences@uiowa.edu confirming a demonstrated need for a tutor.
  • A completed online application form
  • Tutoring session(s) must take place on campus or agreed upon public spaces.

Accommodations

The University of Iowa is committed to equality of educational opportunity for all students. The Office of Student Disability Services (SDS) facilitates academic accommodations and services for students with disabilities so that these students have equal access to University programs and activities, and can participate fully in all aspects of University life.

Any student with pre-existing physical or learning differences/disabilities should contact their course director if he or she would like to receive special accommodations from the UI.

Please see the UI's Disability Protection Policy for further information.

Nondiscrimination Statement

The University of Iowa prohibits discrimination in employment, educational programs, and activities on the basis of race, national origin, color, creed, religion, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preference. The University also affirms its commitment to providing equal opportunities and equal access to University facilities. For additional information, contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, (319) 335-0705.

Biosciences Program
The University of Iowa
1178 Medical Laboratories
Iowa City, IA 52242-1181

Phone: 1-800-551-6787 or 319-335-8305
Fax: 319-335-7656
E-mail: biosciences@uiowa.edu
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