Topic: Administrative

April 12, 2007

Ball State's Learning Center recently received international recertification from the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA).

The center was recertified for three years in recognition of its three-level tutor education, which includes regular, advanced and master training. Tutors are required to have 10 hours of basic training, 25 hours of individual meetings with clients, plus online training, videos, performance evaluations and several in-service programs. Additional specialized tutor training is done in the areas of core curriculum, writing, math and study strategies.

University College's Learning Center is designed to enhance the academic success of Ball State students by providing free peer tutoring, supplemental instruction and workshops covering a variety of academic issues. During the 2005-06 academic year, the Learning Center served more than 4,000 students, said Gary Ritz, mathematics and technologies coordinator for the center.

CRLA is an international education association that recognizes training programs across the country for higher education tutoring. It is a voluntary association of 1,200 postsecondary learning assistance colleagues, including tutor trainers, faculty in various fields, learning center administrators and other professionals who work primarily in North America.

Ball State's Learning Center was recognized in the past as a national leader in the field of learning assistance. It was the first center in the nation to receive certification for its tutoring program from the National Association of Developmental Education (NADE).

"We're really proud of our tutors," Ritz said. "It's good for the faculty to know that our tutors go through the training program so they can recommend the Learning Center to their students. All of our tutors have consistent training across the board."

The Learning Center also is one of the largest employers of students on campus, employing 175 tutors, supplemental instruction leaders and student assistants.

By Kim Jackson