The primary goal of the program is to help create an academic community for studying science, replacing the competitiveness that so often drives students away from the sciences. The Study Group Program does not replace other resources such as lectures, textbooks, professors, office hours, TA's, etc. The program is free to all students. Groups meet on a regular basis each week . Groups review material, discuss course work, and prepare for exams.
Facilitators are undergraduates who have successfully completed the course.
The role of the facilitator is, as the word's root denotes, to make easy and smooth the team learning process of each group. A rigorous selection process, extensive training, and ongoing support ensure that facilitators are effective in their roles. Students join the Study Group Program for a variety of reasons. Most importantly, students want to be a part of a group which is committed to working and learning together, supporting each other, and making the often complex and confusing process of science enjoyable. Research shows that the process of explaining material to others can be more educationally beneficial than simply being taught.