Tutoring Policy
College of Pharmacy – Hawler Medical University
- Policy Name
Student Tutoring and Academic Support Policy
- Vision
To provide an accessible, effective, and inclusive tutoring system that supports pharmacy students in achieving academic success, developing independent learning skills, and reaching their full academic potential.
- Mission
The Tutoring Program of the College of Pharmacy is committed to providing structured academic support to students through individual and group tutoring, peer-assisted learning, academic guidance, and subject-specific support.
The program shall promote student learning, academic achievement, confidence, and retention while complementing the formal teaching provided by the College.
- Objectives
The main objectives of the Tutoring Program are to:
- Provide academic support to students who need additional assistance with pharmacy courses.
- Identify students who may benefit from tutoring through academic performance, faculty recommendations, or student self-referral.
- Improve students' understanding of difficult subjects, concepts, and practical skills.
- Support students at risk of academic difficulties and provide timely intervention.
- Develop effective study and learning skills, including time management, examination preparation, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
- Provide peer tutoring opportunities that encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing among students.
- Ensure equitable access to tutoring services for all eligible pharmacy students without discrimination.
- Support students with different learning needs through appropriate academic assistance and referral where necessary.
- Coordinate tutoring activities with academic departments and faculty members to ensure that support is consistent with the College's curriculum and learning outcomes.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of tutoring services and use student feedback to continuously improve the program.
- Types of Tutoring Services
The College may provide or coordinate the following tutoring services:
- Individual tutoring.
- Small-group tutoring.
- Peer tutoring.
- Subject-specific tutoring.
- Practical and laboratory academic support.
- Examination preparation sessions.
- Study skills and time-management sessions.
- Online or digital tutoring where appropriate.
- Academic mentoring and learning guidance.
- Eligibility and Access
Tutoring services shall be available to undergraduate students of the College of Pharmacy.
Students may access tutoring through:
- Self-referral.
- Faculty or academic advisor recommendation.
- Department referral.
- Academic performance monitoring.
- Student support services.
Priority may be given to students who demonstrate significant academic difficulties or who are at risk of failing or discontinuing their studies, subject to available tutoring resources.
- Tutor Selection and Qualifications
Tutors should be selected according to clear and approved criteria.
Tutors may include:
- Qualified academic staff.
- Teaching assistants.
- Postgraduate students, where appropriate.
- High-performing senior pharmacy students serving as peer tutors.
- Other appropriately qualified individuals approved by the College.
Peer tutors should demonstrate appropriate academic performance, communication skills, professionalism, responsibility, and respect for confidentiality.
- Responsibilities of Tutors
Tutors shall:
- Provide accurate and appropriate academic guidance.
- Support students without completing their assignments or examinations for them.
- Encourage independent learning and critical thinking.
- Respect students and maintain professional boundaries.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding student academic performance and personal information.
- Follow the College's academic and professional regulations.
- Communicate any significant academic concerns to the appropriate academic coordinator when necessary.
- Responsibilities of Students
Students receiving tutoring are expected to:
- Attend scheduled tutoring sessions regularly.
- Participate actively in learning activities.
- Prepare questions and learning materials before sessions where possible.
- Respect tutors and other students.
- Complete their own academic work.
- Provide constructive feedback about tutoring services.
- Follow College regulations and academic integrity requirements.
- Financial Support
The College should provide appropriate resources to maintain the tutoring program.
Financial support may come from:
- Hawler Medical University and College of Pharmacy budgets.
- Student academic support programs.
- Educational grants.
- Approved external funding.
- Donations or sponsorships.
- Other university-approved sources.
Where appropriate, tutors may receive approved compensation, training support, or recognition according to university regulations and available resources.
Tutoring services provided through approved College programs should be free or available at minimal cost to students whenever possible.
- Tutoring Coordination
The College may establish a Tutoring and Academic Support Committee or appoint a Tutoring Program Coordinator to oversee the program.
The coordinator or committee may be responsible for:
- Developing the tutoring schedule.
- Recruiting and selecting tutors.
- Matching students with appropriate tutors.
- Coordinating with academic departments.
- Monitoring attendance and participation.
- Providing tutor training.
- Collecting student feedback.
- Evaluating program effectiveness.
- Academic Integrity
Tutoring shall support learning and academic development and shall not facilitate academic misconduct.
Tutors and students must comply with the College's academic integrity policies regarding:
- Plagiarism.
- Cheating.
- Unauthorized assistance.
- Examination misconduct.
- Misrepresentation of academic work.
Tutors must not complete assignments, examinations, laboratory reports, or other assessed work on behalf of students.
- Monitoring and Evaluation
The Tutoring Program shall be evaluated periodically using indicators such as:
- Number of students using tutoring services.
- Number of tutoring sessions provided.
- Student attendance and participation.
- Student satisfaction.
- Improvement in academic performance.
- Course failure and repetition rates.
- Feedback from tutors and academic staff.
- Retention and progression of participating students.
Evaluation results shall be used to improve the quality and accessibility of tutoring services.
- Expected Outcomes
The policy is expected to:
- Improve students' academic performance.
- Increase understanding of pharmacy subjects.
- Reduce course failure and repetition.
- Support students at academic risk.
- Improve study and examination skills.
- Encourage peer learning and collaboration.
- Increase student confidence and independence.
- Improve student retention and progression.
- Promote an inclusive and supportive academic environment.
- Policy Statement
The College of Pharmacy at Hawler Medical University is committed to providing equitable, accessible, and effective tutoring and academic support services that help students achieve their educational goals. The Tutoring Program shall provide individual, group, peer, and subject-specific academic support in a structured and professional manner. All tutoring activities shall complement formal teaching, promote independent learning and academic integrity, and be implemented in accordance with university regulations and available resources.
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