Learning Services

Our Learning Consultation service is an essential part of the support we offer. It is designed to meet the specific academic and personal requirements of every student enrolled at Duke University School of Nursing.

These consultations are exclusively available to current students and provide a supportive framework for their academic journey:

• Emotional Well-being: Our program provides students with the tools to navigate the emotional landscape of academic life and maintain balance amidst a demanding curriculum.
• Academic Skill Enhancement: Through individualized consultations, we delve into understanding each student's learning style and academic needs. We provide strategies that bolster comprehension, retention, and application of course material, propelling students toward academic excellence.
• Stress Management: Our personalized strategies and practical tools help students effectively manage stress without impeding their academic and personal growth.
• Time Management: We equip students with efficient scheduling and prioritizing techniques aimed at maximizing productivity while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
• Interpersonal Challenges: Our consultations provide guidance on interpersonal challenges, constructive communication, and conflict resolution strategies in academic and group settings.

For Students Interested in Receiving Tutoring Services 

We are excited to introduce the Peer and Alumni Tutoring Program across DUSON degree pathways. This program is crafted to enhance your academic performance by providing tutoring services tailored to meet your needs. Here's what you can expect:

Services Offered:

Starting in the Summer 2024 term, tutors working with the Student Success Center will offer several different types of tutoring sessions: small group tutoring, large group test review, and 1:1 tutoring.

Small Group Tutoring Sessions

Small group tutoring sessions, of no more than 4 students per group, are offered for select courses across all DUSON degree programs on a weekly basis. Students can attend one hour-long session per week per course that they would like to receive tutoring in. You can sign up for small group tutoring sessions on Penji:

Small Group Tutoring Sesssions Sign Up - Penji

Large Group Tutoring Sessions

Students can participate in large group test review sessions for select classes. Groups will be no larger than 8 students, and sessions will run for about an hour and a half. Large group test reviews will happen no more than one week before an assessment. See your class Canvas page to see if these sessions are offered for your course.

1:1 Tutoring

To schedule 1:1 tutoring sessions, students must complete the following:

1. Attend at least 3 small group tutoring sessions for the course.
2. Schedule a learning consultation with the Senior Learning Specialist to formally make a request for 1:1 tutoring. You can request a learning consultation using this link.
3. Demonstrate need for 1:1 tutoring versus small group tutoring sessions.

Once these steps are completed, the Senior Learning Specialist will evaluate the request. Please note that 1:1 tutoring is not guaranteed. If a student is approved for 1:1 tutoring, they will work with their tutor to determine a schedule that works for all parties. Students should receive no more than 1 hour of 1:1 tutoring per week per course requested once approved.

Requests for 1:1 tutoring can be made beginning in the 4th week of classes.

Expectations

Clear expectations shared by the tutor and student will help define the tutoring relationship’s dimensions. It’s important for both parties to

• Clarify the best contact information
• Establish the tutoring schedule
• Communicate about any change of schedule

Students

• Do not expect your tutor to do your assignments. The tutor will assist with understanding concepts and in the problem-solving process.
• The tutor is a supplemental resource to your course and is not a substitute for attending class or visiting the course instructor during office hours.
• You should expect to work hard to improve your understanding and comfort level of course material.
• Come to each session prepared.
• Send the tutor discussion topics in advance to assist them in preparing for your sessions.

What the tutoring session can provide:

• Course content review
• Direction for problem-solving
• Study skills review
• Test preparation
• Assistance in identifying important concepts

What tutoring sessions cannot/should not provide:

• Individual remediation during group sessions
• Re-teaching an entire class or lecturing like a professor
• Reading straight from the textbook

Attendance

We understand that sometimes things come up unexpectedly. To ensure that everyone has the best possible experience, we have a no-show policy in place for tutoring. If a student misses three sessions within a 30-day period without canceling their appointment or notifying their tutor at least 24 hours in advance, they will need to wait 15 days before signing up for tutoring again.

This policy helps us promote open communication, accountability, and professionalism in the student-tutor relationship. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

Accessibility

The Peer and Alumni Tutoring Program is open to all students across various programs. All tutoring services are provided free of charge.

Looking to enhance your scholarly writing skills?
Look no further than our Student Editorial Advising and Scientific Writing Assistance services, led by Elena Turner.

Elena is a highly experienced lab scientist with a solid background in liberal arts. She specializes in writing and editing academic papers and grants and has extensive experience in primary authorship and co-authorship of academic papers, detailed copyediting, grant editing, working with ESL students, and reviewing graphics for clarity, legibility, and reproduction quality.

This personalized assistance is tailored to meet the needs of writers at any academic level, offering guidance to enhance your scientific writing abilities and support to help you succeed.

Getting Started:

1. Familiarize yourself with the service by reading the Frequently Asked Questions.
2. Review and sign the Student Agreement. This is accessed via DukeBox.
3. Schedule an appointment via Webmail calendar.

At your scheduled appointment time, please email an editable electronic file to Elena Turner along with a signed copy of the student agreement. For further information or inquiries, contact Elena Turner at elena.turner@duke.edu.

The Student Disability Access Office (SDAO) plays a pivotal role in promoting accessibility and inclusivity on campus. Learn more about SDAO’s mission and core functions.

Common accommodations include extended test-taking time, access to a private room or a reduced-distraction testing environment, and the ability to take breaks.

Your Accommodation Contacts:

• School of Nursing Liaison: Bernice Alston, the Duke University School of Nursing SDAO liaison, provides personal support to students throughout the accommodations process. You can schedule a meeting with Dr. Alston or another member of the Learning Services team at any stage of the accommodations request process.
• Graduate/Professional Student Accessibility Coordinator: Mary Lou Porch, from the SDAO coordinates accommodations services for graduate and professional students. Schedule a meeting with Mary Lou Porch for inquiries regarding accommodations.

Requesting Accommodations:

Accommodations are requested through Accommodate. Once your request is submitted, our office will contact you to arrange a meeting with an accessibility coordinator to finalize your accommodations.

For more information on the implementation process, review SDAO’s Process for Review & Implementation of Accommodation Requests.