Educational Model

With small class sizes, these highly-selective courses are very competitive with limited slots available. Each program has three to six staff members who remain with the students throughout the entire course. This staff team is composed of an instructor, academic/residential assistants, and in some cases, a full administrative staff. Many of our instructors hold PhDs or advanced degrees in the coursework they instruct and may be professors or doctoral students from leading universities, while some instructors are exceptional teachers from schools across the country. The unique opportunities for students, small classes, and academic enthusiasm of the staff combine to make each program an exceptional learning experience.

Academics

Duke TIP Field Studies and Institutes are much more than regular academic programs. Each program is an authentic experience, and, while students enjoy exciting adventures and visit unique locations, academic work takes priority. Students selected to participate in one of these courses will receive a detailed syllabus from the instructional staff in June. This syllabus may include a preliminary assignment to be completed before the beginning of the course. During the program, students will participate in a variety of activities such as discussions, research projects, fieldwork, and/or presentations. Each instructor's personal combination of methods has been developed to maximize student achievement. Grades are not assigned to eliminate student competition for grades and promote intellectual risk-taking. The lack of grades encourages each student to work collaboratively and take academic risks that might otherwise not be taken. Students will receive a rubric assessment and narrative from the instructor detailing each student's individual performance throughout the program. While it is very likely that any motivated student will succeed in these courses, they have been developed specifically for academically gifted students.

Behavioral Expectations and Supervision

As a Duke TIP participant, students are part of the Duke University community and are expected to adhere to high standards of conduct. Students must maintain honesty, truthfulness, fairness, civility, and concern for others inside and outside the classroom. They are expected to adhere to the Duke TIP Community Standard, which has been developed to ensure that each student understands the high level of behavior expected of all participants.

The Duke TIP Community Standard

• I will take full advantage of the academic and social opportunities provided by Duke TIP. I will apply myself to the best of my ability in my studies and participate fully in social activities and Duke TIP community life.
• I will not lie, cheat, steal, or plagiarize (as per the Parent/Student Guide) in my academic and social endeavors, nor will I support the actions of those who do.
• I understand that Duke TIP policies have been developed to promote the safety and enjoyment of the program for all participants. I will adhere to these policies and follow the direction of Duke TIP staff members.
• I will be honest, responsible, and fair in all my activities as a Duke TIP participant. I will conduct myself in a manner that is respectful of other students, Duke TIP staff, and the staff and property of the host site. I understand that harassment, intimidation, and bullying will not be tolerated.
• I will share in the responsibility of maintaining an environment where individual actions do not violate the integrity of the community. I will accept responsibility for my own actions and accept the consequences of those actions.
• I will view Duke TIP as a community and will recognize the commonalities and respect the differences that make each student unique. I will abide by Duke University's nondiscrimination policy regarding race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, and gender.