Niagara University Learning Center’s peer tutoring program is certified by the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA), “an international organization of student-oriented professionals active in the fields of reading, learning assistance, developmental education, and tutorial services at the college level.  Its members promote the implementation of innovative strategies to enhance student learning” (www.crla.net).

Our tutoring program is one of over 1,000 college and university tutorial programs in the United States and Canada that have received CRLA tutor training certification.  Certification provides “positive reinforcement for tutors’ successful work and sets a standard of skills and training for tutors” (www.crla.net).

There are three levels of certification: regular, advanced, and master.  Each level requires an additional ten hours of training and 25 hours of experience.  Paid tutor training begins with a tutor watching a two-hour video series and completing a packet of follow-up worksheets.  This training is required of all tutors prior to beginning tutoring.  Once this training has been completed, the tutor participates in regularly scheduled paid training throughout the semester.  Training is conducted via group workshops, video series, computer assisted training, conferences with the Tutor Coordinator, and special projects.

Since Fall 2005, 20 peer tutors have been certified as Level I tutors, 8 tutors have been certified as Level II-Advanced tutors, and 2 tutors have achieved Level III – Master tutor status.