CAS tutor training programs earns certification

April 21, 2026-The Center for Academic Support at Missouri Western State University has been awarded certification as a tutor training program by the internationally recognized College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA).

"The CAS has worked hard to develop a tutor training program that meets CRLA's rigorous standards and has successfully completed the International Tutor Training Program Certification (ITTPC) peer review process" said Susan Garrison, CAS director. "Achieving certification means that the CAS team has met CRLA's high standards for tutor selection, training, direct service and evaluation as an integral part of their overall tutoring program."

CAS was certified at Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. For each level, CAS tutors participate in a minimum of 10 hours of training and work directly with students for 25 hours. This applied learning work experience supports Priority 1 of MoWest's Strategic Plan, enhancing student-centered transformational learning experiences, Garrison said.

For more than thirty years CRLA has been a leader in learning assistance, reading, and academic support programs with almost 1,300 members and over 2,000 certified training programs worldwide.

The CAS team at MoWest includes Garrison; Alyssa Striplin, writing coordinator; Taylor Wagers, content tutor and PASS coordinator; and Steven Saffell, math coordinator. The CAS offers support for more than 90 courses. Through the first week of April, the CAS has had 3,555 visits this academic year with 536 students for 3,164 hours.

Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. MoWest is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit missouriwestern.edu.