By Mike Greife,
June 8, 2017
WARRENSBURG, MO – The University of Central Missouri’s Tutoring Services program,
administered through the Department of Academic Enrichment, has received Level One
international tutor training program certification by the College Reading and Learning
Association, the most recognized organization in the tutoring field.
With this recognition, UCM joins more than 1,000 colleges and universities in the
United States and around the world with ITTPC-certified programs. The UCM Tutoring
Service program received the Level One certification for a one year period, with the
opportunity to apply for a three-year renewal, with five-year certifications to follow.
In addition to the renewal process, the program may apply to become Level Two advanced
and Level Three master certified programs.
UCM’s Tutoring Services program, located in the Learning Commons on the third floor
of the James C. Kirkpatrick Library, offers free peer tutoring and assistance for
more than 70 academic courses in variety of majors and minors.
The program provided more than 4,400 hours of tutoring in more than 2,900 visits during
the 2016-17 academic year. Tutors are undergraduate students who are recommended by
faculty for having outstanding academic and interpersonal skills. Successful CRLA-certified
programs require peer tutors to receive at least 10 hours of training in a minimum
of eight of 15 topics, including assertiveness, goal-setting, study skills, diversity,
varied learning disabilities, referral skills, learning styles and active listening.
Tutors must complete a minimum of 25 hours of active one-on-one tutoring and complete
regular evaluations.
“Increased use of the center this academic year is a clear indicator that our tutor
training is working, and students are able to access the academic support they need,”
said Kimberly Courtwright, coordinator of the Tutoring Services program. She added
that participation by faculty is the key to increased student participation.
“When faculty share tutoring schedules and details, students are more likely to take
that first step to becoming self-initiated learners by utilizing the free tutoring
resources available at UCM,” she said.
For more information about UCM’s Tutoring Services program, visit ucmo.edu/learningcommons,
or call 660-543-8310.
