Academic Support Services

The Student Academic Success Program at the Whiddon College of Medicine is committed to supporting student achievement through academic counseling and professional development.

We do this by offering one-on-one sessions, small group training sessions, and other collaborative events throughout the year.

Quickly access and request academic support through the Learning Services Support Form.
 

 
Learning Support

• Assess academic progress and developing strategies for improvement
• Design specific study plans based on individual needs
• Develop specific, targeted study skills
• Improve test-taking skills & build test confidence
• Boost time management plans
• Make the most of our instructional technology
• Coordinate study sessions
   

 
Peer Academic Leadership Program

Peer Academic Leaders – 2024-2025
M2-M4 Students

Overview: 

Motivated and academically successful M2 – M4 medical students will serve as peer academic leaders (PALs). PALs will provide academic support and guidance to their fellow medical students and assist with the development and implementation of academic programming.

Responsibilities:

• Provide one-on-one and group tutoring to fellow medical students 
• Attend and actively participate in professional development sessions designed to improve teaching and tutoring skills, such as effective communication and collaborative learning techniques.
• Attend and actively participate in professional development sessions with academic staff and fellow peer academic leaders to discuss best practices for academic programming and peer support 
• Assist with the development and implementation of academic programming, including workshops, study groups, and peer-led review sessions.
• Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment for all medical students by providing support and guidance that is sensitive to cultural and individual differences.
• Maintain professionalism in all interactions with fellow medical students and academic staff.
• Participate in any other activities that may be developed and be appropriate for peer leaders.

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled as M1 – M3 students and in good academic standing.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to provide clear and effective instruction to others.
• A passion for teaching and helping others succeed academically.
• Experience in tutoring or teaching, preferably in a peer-to-peer setting (preferred, not required).
• A commitment to professional development and continuous learning.
• The ability to work effectively both independently and in a team setting.
• A record of successfully completing coursework across the curriculum; Academic standing will be verified through the Division of Medical Education.  PALs are generally expected to have performed at or above the mean for modules/clerkships that they may serve as a support leader.

Policies

• Leave of Absence Policy

PALs who take a Leave of Absence (LOA) for any reason will not be permitted to continue as a PAL for the duration of their LOA.  They can be reconsidered for this appointment once they re-enter the curriculum.  However, they will not automatically be reinstated as a leader upon their return to the curriculum. LOAs will not be granted for professional development sessions as they will be generally scheduled around module and clerkship schedules. 

• Selection Policy

Students who would like to apply to be a PAL should apply in the Spring of the academic year prior to when service as a PAL is scheduled to begin.  Applications will be reviewed, and the number of students appointed will be determined by need and availability.

• Dismissal of Peer Academic Leader

The Office of Academic Success reserves the right to dismiss PALs at any time. Reasons for dismissal include but are not limited to: Change in academic standing, professionalism concerns (including concerns outside of PALS sessions), FERPA violations, and frequent and/or sustained unavailability for sessions for the subject(s) which the PALS applied and are eligible for.

Hours will vary based on the needs of the program and the availability of peer academic leaders. Compensation will be provided in accordance with institutional policies and procedures.

To be considered, applications must be submitted by May 31, 2024. 

Apply Now
 

 
Contact Information

For more information on academic support services contact Angie O'Neal.

Angie O'Neal, M.Ed.
Director, Learning Support Services
Office of Academic Success
aoneal@southalabama.edu
Phone: 251-341-3927