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Academic and Student Services

Academic Support and Enrichment

We support student success by assisting with a broad array of student needs and concerns. We aim to provide the most accurate information and the most relevant resources to guide and address student needs throughout their academic career. Review our webpage to learn more about academic advising, peer tutoring, academic enhancement, boards preparation and the clinical advising program.
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Academic Consultation

We support student success by assisting with a broad array of student needs and concerns. These include:

  • the acclimation to increased academic demand
  • the integration of knowledge and skills
  • the navigation of institutional policies and requirements
  • the strategic planning for future career paths
  • the exploration of new strategies to excel academically

We aim to provide the most accurate information and the most relevant resources to guide and address student needs throughout their academic career.

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What can I expect in an academic consultation?
Each session is uniquely crafted for the individual student with confidentiality strongly upheld, excluding legal obligation. The adaptability of a session plays a critical role in its effectiveness, along with four other key components: identifying the question or area of concern, collaborative discussion to flush out the impacting variables, defining action steps for future progress, and planning for accountability.
When should I consider advising?
A consultation can be beneficial for all students. Students may utilize consulting sessions to discuss academic resources, board exam preparation, tutoring, academic planning and scheduling, leaves of absences, learning strategies, time management, specialty exploration, peer conflict, and more.
How do I schedule?
Academic Support and Enrichment utilizes WcOnline for scheduling requests. This service allows our team to easily manage appointments, send reminders and follow ups, and provides an online platform for webcam appointments. Once a student has registered for an account through WcOnline and provided their MCW credentials and information, they have quick access to our services.

Use the following instructions for registration and scheduling assistance:

WcOnline – How to Register for an Account (PDF)
WcOnline – How to Schedule an Appointment (PDF)

Schedule an appointment

Academic Enhancement Program

MCW’s Academic Enhancement is an outstanding supplemental instruction program provided throughout Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the MCWfusion Curriculum. Tutors are MCW medical students who work closely with Academic Support and Enrichment and Course Directors and Coordinators to provide accurate, up-to-date information to be delivered in line with the course syllabus. All supplemental instruction provided through the Academic Enhancement program is delivered in an online format. Academic Enhancement material is made available to students in the Academic Enhancement Brightspace course of their year.

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Phase 1 Academic Enhancement

Recorded sessions are delivered in two formats throughout the M1 year, a two-hour comprehensive lecture review and a one-hour Q&A review. These sessions are provided on a weekly basis throughout the school year. Students are encouraged to attend live sessions when scheduled. Academic Support and Enrichment offers supplemental instruction for the following Phase 1 courses:

  • Foundations of Medicine
  • Hematology-Immunology
  • Musculoskeletal-Skin
  • Gastrointestinal-Nutrition
  • Cardiovascular
  • Respiratory
  • Renal
  • Endocrine-Reproduction
  • Neuroscience
  • Behavioral Medicine
Phase 2 Academic Enhancement

Supplemental instruction material for clerkship reviews is made available to students throughout the year within the Academic Enhancement Brightspace course. Students are encouraged to attend live sessions when scheduled and to utilize uploaded review material and recordings for clerkship success. Academic Support and Enrichment offers supplemental instruction for the following disciplines:

  • Internal Medicine
  • Pediatrics
  • Surgery
  • OB/Gyn
  • Family Medicine
  • Psychiatry

Peer Tutoring Program

MCW’s tutor team is available to assist students with the medical school and pharmacy school curriculum, as well as the homogenous pieces of the graduate school curriculum. This team expands to the regional campuses and provides online appointments for quick accessibility. Our tutors work closely with MCW Course Directors, faculty, and staff to provide exceptional academic support and meet the needs of a diverse student body.

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When should I consider tutoring?
Whether your goal is to pass or honors a course, tutoring is appropriate for any student who wishes to improve their current study approach and academic standing. Our tutors are equipped with the experience and mastery to assist you in navigating your course material to best understand and retain the most high-yield information. We strongly encourage students to utilize tutoring in a proactive manner. Our office is happy to make referrals depending on your goals and needs.
When does tutoring occur?
Each tutor has a different schedule, and their availability is consistently updated. This allows students to pick the tutor, day, and time that works best for them. There is no central location for tutoring. The tutor you choose will have a designated location for you to meet. You will receive the location information via email.
Is it free?
Yes, all one-on-one tutoring services are free for students.
How do I schedule?
Academic Support and Enrichment utilizes WcOnline for scheduling requests. This service allows our team to easily manage appointments, send reminders and follow ups, and provides an online platform for webcam appointments. Once a student has registered for an account through WcOnline and provided their MCW credentials and information, they have quick access to our services.

Use the following instructions for registration and scheduling assistance:

WcOnline – How to Register for an Account (PDF)
WcOnline – How to Schedule an Appointment (PDF)

Register now

Boards Preparation

Resources are available to prepare and guide students as they study for the USMLE Step 1 and USMLE Step 2 CK Exams.

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USMLE Step 1

Step 1 Preparation Program
The Step 1 Preparation Program prepares and guides Phase 1 students as they integrate their coursework with Step 1 studying and resources. Small groups provide Phase 1 students with the opportunity to meet monthly with volunteer Phase 2 mentors who guide them through Step 1 content and questions. Large group presentations conducted by tutors and learning specialists provide Phase 1 students with the opportunity to review Step 1 topics, such as how to dissect questions, effective study strategies, how to create a schedule, and high-yield subject specific material. A communication campaign is prepared by the Step 1 Preparation Program team to deliver well-balanced, thoughtful information and to initiate a healthy conversation about studying, resources, and wellness related to Step 1 preparation.

Resources
Students are provided with access to the AMBOSS 12-month question bank subscription and a 6-month UWorld question bank subscription that includes two UWorld self-assessments. A Step 1 Preparation Program module within the Academic Enhancement Brightspace course contains study schedules, banks of resources, the newsletter series, and more.

USMLE Step 2

Consultation on Strategy & Resources
Academic Support and Enrichment is readily available for Phase 2 and Phase 3 students to discuss Step 2 preparation, strategy, and best resources. Each student will be approaching the exams from a different lens depending on their specialty aspirations, academic background and needs. It’s important to assess goals and resources prior to scheduling. Students may schedule an academic consultation through WcOnline.

Student Accessibility

MCW’s Office of Student Accessibility partners with students to ensure access and remove barriers in the academic environment. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities, health conditions, or temporary needs. The Office of Student Accessibility works closely with students, faculty, and staff to support an accessible learning experience.

Current Students
Visit MCWconnect and access the Office of Student Accessibility card for more information and resources.

Prospective Students
Individuals who are considering MCW and would like to learn more about the accommodations process may schedule an informal conversation through the Bookings page for MCW’s Accommodations Manager. Please click on “General Meeting” to view available times.

Meet MCW’s Accommodations Manager

Jason P. Anderson supports students with disabilities, health conditions, or temporary needs. From coordinating accommodations to helping students prepare for national board exams, he is the first point of contact for all student accessibility questions at MCW.

Jason P. Anderson
Accommodations Manager
jaanderson@mcw.edu

Note: The Office of Student Accessibility is separate from the Office of Academic Support and Enrichment. Rather, this content is located here to ensure easy access to information for learners across all programs.

Meet Our Team

We are available to assist with student academic needs and concerns, discuss learning and study strategies, test anxiety, time management and to connect students with available academic support resources. In addition to these services, we oversee the successful creation and management of all Academic Support and Enrichment programs and offerings.

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Molly A. Falk-Steinmetz, MS, Ed

Program Manager

msteinmetz@mcw.edu

(414) 955-8731

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Sara Vondrachek, MEd

Education Program Coordinator

svondrachek@mcw.edu

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Teddy Williams, MA

Education Coordinator II

thwilliams@mcw.edu

(414) 955-8583

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