The University of the Virgin Islands’ Center for Student Success Writing Center has been awarded certification by the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA). The CRLA provides national guidelines for the training and certification of tutors, tutoring services and student support.
The Writing Center, located on UVI's Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix, provides students with tutoring and mentoring in writing to enhance their success in academic classes. Students are tutored in most cases by student peers.
Dr. Valerie Combie, associate professor of English and STX Writing Center Director, was instrumental in gathering data and submitting the proposal for certification. “The best thing about the certification is it shows we are aligned with writing centers internationally. Also our tutors see that their work is recognized,” Combie said.
Two of the Writing Center’s five tutors are now officially certified in the field, Combie said. “They can now go anywhere in the country and be hired based on this credential. It’s something major they can put on their resume.”
Accreditation from CRLA provides UVI’s Writing Center with the opportunity to improve, and expand tutor and mentor training for campus programs. “The opportunity to become certified will draw more students who want to become tutors because they can add a professional line on their resume,” said Dr. Stephen Moore, executive director of Student Success and Honor Program.
UVI’s certification runs from December 2014 – January 31, 2016.
Since 1989, more than 1,000 college tutor training programs around the globe have received CRLA certification at one or more levels. These programs have recognized thousands as Certified Tutors, Certified Advanced Tutors, or Certified Master Tutors.
The Writing Center on UVI's Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix invites students to visit the center, which is located in Modular Building Room MB 104. The center is open on Mondays 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. On Tuesdays to Fridays, the hours are 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. On Saturdays, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and on Sundays, 2:00 p.m. to. 4:00 p.m.
Combie said, “We encourage students to come and see us. We want to help them understand their writing problems and make their success at UVI possible.”
For more information contact Center for Student Success’s Writing Centers at (340) 778-1620 extension 4218 on the Sheen Campus or (340) 693-1196 on the St. Thomas Campus.