Academic Success Center Welcomes 36 Peer Tutors

Students recognized for hosting over 3700 appointments for over 730 unqiue students last year

The Alvernia University Academic Success Center (ASC) named the peer tutors for the 2025-2026 academic year. Peer tutors offer a wide range of support, including in-person and online as well as individual or group sessions, supplemental instruction for challenging courses, study groups, and extended test review sessions.

"The newly commissioned tutors are the most versatile cohort we've ever had in the ASC," said Director of Academic Support Services, Carla Mannix. "We have sixteen different majors. Almost every tutor can support courses outside of their major. At least ten of the tutors are bilingual and eight have double majors or a minor. Some tutors are even hosting in-person study groups for fully online courses to promote peer connections and social learning."

In the 2024-25 academic year, the ASC Peer and Professional Tutors supported 738 unique students, conducting 3765 appointments, including writing support, study groups, and academic coaching from undergrad to Ph.D. Students who worked with a subject or writing tutor earned an overall mean GPA of .4 points higher than students who did not use any academic support service.

"Being a peer tutor allows me to provide a helping hand to students during difficult academic challenges," said Mya Francis, first year tutor. "Not only do I get to share the power of knowledge, but I also get to witness the extreme boost of confidence, determination, and motivation to succeed. These components all together make what I do such a rewarding and overall meaningful experience. Not to mention the bright beautiful smiles on our students' faces when they are able to master their material."

To earn Level 1 certification, tutors complete at least 10 hours of training and conduct at least 25 hours of tutoring. Training topics include learning theories, communication skills, and academic integrity. They are observed and receive feedback on their performance. Peer Tutors are taking the lead on integrating academic coaching with their content support. They offer both subject knowledge and advanced learning strategies to help their peers adjust to college-level learning. In addition, they collaborate with faculty and each other to coordinate care and stay in tune with current issues. Peer tutors gain mastery in core subjects, which in turn enhances their own understanding in upper-level courses.