OU's Academic Success Center earns gold standard affirmation in recertification

The College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) recently approved an application from the Oakland University Academic Success Center (ASC) for 3-year recertification. The approval affirms that the ASC continues to offer an academic tutor training program that meets the CRLA’s internationally recognized gold standard in program quality.

“We are very proud of the tutor training program that we offer to our tutors,” said ASC Interim Director Clarisee Mikami. “The skills they gain by participating in training and professional development in ASC lead to the excellent tutoring services they provide to our students and success in their own academic and career goals.”

Formerly known as the Tutoring Center, the ASC strives to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where students learn with and from trained peers through a variety of free academic services. Among these are tutoring, study groups, supplemental instruction and academic support appointments.

The center also offers easily accessible learning resources that can help students tackle learning obstacles tied to studying, test taking, time management, note taking, virtual learning and more. Using all of the resources available, ASC staff can create academic support plans tailored specifically to the needs and preferences of each student.

ASC Interim Director Clarisse Mikami explained that students who benefit from ASC services show amazing determination to learn and showcase the reasons why the center’s staff work so hard. One student who had been out of school for 8 years, for example, was thrilled that tutors were able to relate to him so well and help him overcome the learning challenges he was facing.

Part of the ASC’s formula for success is employing academically successful students – those with expertise demonstrated with an A- or better in the courses in which they wish to provide academic support – to work as supplemental instruction leaders, study group leaders and peer tutors. Students can also work as office assistants.

The center also welcomes interaction with faculty, particularly in the form of recommending outstanding students as ASC employees, planning class visits to the center and including information about the center in their course syllabi.

“Our hiring process relies on recommendations from OU faculty members, and their expertise and support are central to student success and the quality of our programs,” Mikami explained.

For more information about the ASC, the services it offers and opportunities for involvement, visit the center’s web section.