LCOM Peer Tutoring Program
The demands of medical school are very different from most undergraduate experiences. Not everyone can be at the top of his or her class, and adjusting to the volume and density of information presented in class often leaves students feeling unsure of their ability to learn and integrate this learning successfully. The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont offers a Peer Tutoring Program for medical school students enrolled at any level in our medical school curriculum. This service is available free-of-charge to students either in a group setting or on an individual basis.
Students
At some point in time, most of us can benefit from the assistance of someone who has more experience than we have in a particular area. When subject matter is new and different, it can be harder to make relevant connections. Tutors are medical students with an interest in helping fellow students. Working on a one-on-one basis, a tutor can facilitate adaptation to challenging coursework, enhance learning, help develop study-skill strategies, and build confidence.
Students who may benefit from tutorial services should complete a Tutor Request Form.The OMSE faculty and staff will work with you confidentially to accommodate your specific needs and learning styles. Assigning two students to work together with a single tutor often enhances the learning process; however, students who receive tutoring benefits must also show committment to the learning process. Please review the University of Vermont Tutoring Protocol(Medical Student Handbook Policy 710.10).
Peer tutors agree to keep all information regarding student sessions confidential. However, they are encouraged to contact the Office of Medical Education directly if they have concerns about a learner's personal and/or professional success; we also sincerely appreciate any feedback on how we might improve the program.
Tutors
Tutors learn twice; the experience of helping one of your peers to understand the rigor and dynamics of the curriculum can also help you strengthen your own skills in these content areas. Moreover, tutors are paid for the hours they work with students.
All peer tutors are students who have excellent academic standing and excel in the areas in which they tutor. If you are interested in becoming a peer tutor, please contact Dr. Timothy Moynihan, the Director of Academic Achievement.
Peer Tutor Paperwork (to complete after being accepted as a tutor for the program):
Peer tutors agree to keep all information regarding student sessions confidential. However, they are encouraged to contact the Office of Medical Education directly if they have concerns about a learner's personal and/or professional success. Please review, sign, and submit our confidentiality contract as soon as possible; we will not assign you to a student until we have your contract on file. If you have comments, questions, suggestions or complaints concerning this program, please contact the Office of Medical Education. We take feedback very seriously and will reply in a timely fashion.
In order to ensure payment for your services, please fill out the following forms and bring them personally into our office along with documents that establish your identity and authorization for employment.
Once your information is accepted and approved, we will send these documents to Human Resources to be processed. This may take up to a week after which we can connect you with a student. You are entrusted to contact the student and make the arrangements that will work best for you both. You should keep track of your hours using our peer tutoring time sheet and submit it to the Office of Medical Education (N-100 Given) for payment.
Thank you for your help!