Indigenous Tutorial Assistance and Retention (ITAR) program
As an Indigenous student you can receive supplementary academic tutoring, either one-to-one or in small groups, in subject-specific areas from a qualified tutor.
The ITAR program is managed by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit (ATSISU) in conjunction with UQ's 6 faculties.
Getting involved
Students
The ITAR program is very popular, we encourage you to complete an application prior to the start of the semester.
If it's your first time applying for the program, we ask that you make an appointment with our Student Success team to discuss your specific needs.
Tutors
If you'd like to become a tutor, complete an tutoring application. If you're suitable for the needs of one of our students you'll be contacted for an interview. Please be aware that our need for tutors is dependent on the courses our students are studying.
Getting a tutor and arranging your first tutorial
When you're matched with a suitable tutor you'll receive a notification and be able to access your tutor’s online profile. Your tutor will contact you to arrange your first tutorial.
What to expect
In your first tutorial, you'll work with your tutor to develop a Work Program. This document helps you and your tutor determine what to work on each week and ensures that you're both aware of any periods where exams or major assignments are due.
You're generally eligible for up to 1.5 hours of tutoring per course, for each week of the semester and study period. These hours cannot be accumulated and used in future weeks, so ensure you make the most of your time each week. Note that we also welcome online tutoring.
Making the most of your tutorials
Attending regular weekly tutorials will help you stay on track. However, ITAR is flexible and in some instances you may only wish to meet your tutor for guidance around assignments or exam preparation. Let your tutor know if you would like to meet weekly or on an ‘as-needed’ basis.
Your tutorials are most effective when you come prepared and advise the tutor what you would like to work on. For example:
- Have a challenging question from a workshop? Email them the question ahead of your tutorial for the best explanation.
- Want to look over the draft of an assignment? Email your tutor a draft ahead of your tutorial so they can offer more in-depth feedback.
Your tutors want to know how they can best help you. Have an open and honest chat with them about what helps you learn. You can even ask them to prepare a few questions to test your understanding.
Issues
Despite everyone’s best efforts, sometimes difficulties can arise. These can include:
- difficulty contacting your tutor
- difficulties with other students in your group
- a difference in teaching and learning style between you and your tutor.
If you feel you're not getting the most out of your tutorials, please get in touch with our Student Success team, we can help you resolve difficulties.
Funding
ITAR is an academic initiative, funded by the Commonwealth Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, which aims to improve educational outcomes for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students.