In the tutorial every entering student explores in some depth a topic of interest to the student and the instructor, in a small group and an informal setting. The objectives of tutorial work are to illuminate methods of inquiry rather than to master disciplinary material, to give special attention to writing and to critical analysis of texts, to provide the student with the opportunity to practice oral presentations, and to provide initial preparation in techniques of research. By promoting a close working relationship between the instructor and the student and by combining the roles of instructor and academic adviser, the college provides every student with an academic adviser who knows the student's needs and abilities.

A tutorial (4 credits) is required of all students who enter Grinnell as first-year students and of all transfer students below third-year student standing whose previous work does not qualify them for an exemption. Tutorials are offered in the first semester as one of the three or four courses normally taken each semester.