Student Success Center (SSC)

Student Success Center (SSC) Subject-Area Peer Tutoring is a free service provided to all Albright students. Our Peer Tutors are students who have successfully completed courses tutored and are recommended by their professors. Students work with a peer tutor to review course content, discuss questions, prepare for upcoming assignments, create study materials/study together, and more.

The philosophy of our Peer Tutoring Program is that tutoring peer to peer is a wonderful way for students to learn new skills and build confidence. Students helping students allows for a relatable learning environment!

It’s important to know that tutors are not responsible for your grades; instead they are responsible for assisting you with course preparation and study skills and course content. Tutoring is not a substitute for class attendance. Students are strongly encouraged to notify their professors when they are using the SSC peer tutoring services because it demonstrates effort and care for their class.

The Writing Center offers peer tutoring for all writing related assignments. Visit the Writing Center webpage for more information on getting assistance for writing, reading and presentation preparation for all courses.

How Tutoring Works and Making an Appointment

Students log in to alb.mywconline.com to view the peer tutoring schedules, Writing Center and Subject-Area Tutoring schedules. In-person and online sessions are available. Tutors and students are encouraged to meet weekly as it allows for the ability to maintain the learning partnership.

• Select the Subject-Area Tutoring Schedule, use the ‘Limit to Course’ drop down menu to the select the course you would like to meet with a subject-area tutor for. Please note Subject-Area Peer Tutoring is available for many 100-200 level courses (no guarantee for every 100-200 subject).

Where do students meet with their Peer Tutor? Subject-area peer tutors meet in the Peer Tutoring Studio and Writing Center, located in tunnel outside of Jake’s Place (colorful mosaic wall tunnel). 

Apply to Become a Tutor

The SSC is currently seeking new tutors for Albright’s Level 1 internationally certified Peer Tutoring Program. Peer tutors are viewed as academic leaders who are offered a unique opportunity to make a difference on campus. All peer tutors must meet the following minimum requirements: completion of at least one semester at Albright, a B+ or higher in the course(s) one will tutor, and good standing with the college.

• Application Process
• Faculty Recommendation Form

Program Support and Requirements

All students on academic probation for the first time, or those continuing on probation, are required to participate in an academic support program. Our probation program is designed to provide students with multiple valuable skills which are needed to be academically successful at Albright College. With additional support and structure from the SSC, our student success data shows that students who avail themselves of our program better position themselves to reach their academic goals.

Students on academic probation must complete the following requirements:

1. Successfully complete at least three classes.
2. Meet with an SSC staff member at least 6 times a semester
3. Meet with their faculty adviser at least three times throughout the semester which includes registration counseling and informing coaches, as appropriate.
4. Attend the mandatory probation kick off meeting and at least five academic skills workshops offered throughout the semester by the ALC.
5. Participate in regular tutoring sessions for their coursework, as appropriate.
6. Sign a probation agreement that outlines these requirements and paves a clear path for reaching the student’s goal of getting off academic probation.
7. Reach the required cumulative GPA at the end of the semester.

Tutoring

The SCC Peer Tutoring Program partners with faculty to provide additional academic support for many 100-200 general education courses. Through faculty recommendations, consultations, and collaboration, the SSC is able to hire and train tutors to best support classes. Please reach out to us with any questions!

Peer Tutors are available to meet starting the second week of classes through finals week. Individual tutoring is offered as a weekly commitment and on an as-needed basis. Individual tutoring is available for up to two hours a week per course. Weekly group tutor sessions held throughout the semester are arranged by request. If interested in a weekly group session for your course, please contact the center. Students with writing and reading related concerns are directed to contact the Writing Center.

Visit the Writing Center webpage for more information on getting assistance for writing, reading and presentation preparation for all courses.

New Tutors:

As part of our CRLA certification, all tutors must be recommended to tutor individual classes by their respective faculty member. If you have a stand-out student who you believe would be a great tutor, please tell us so we can reach out to them about applying. Please also fill out a Faculty Recommendation Form to confirm that the student is qualified to tutor your course.

Returning Tutors:

As our current tutors take new classes, we monitor their transcripts to determine if they may be able to tutor new courses. If a student earned at least a B+ in your class and you believe would be a good tutor, please fill out a Faculty Recommendation Form. Tutors must receive a faculty recommendation and earned at least a B+ in order to tutor the course.

Weekly Group Tutoring:

Weekly Group Tutoring is available upon request. The SSC Peer Tutoring Program is happy to run group tutoring sessions for courses where faculty find tutor-led group conversation and collaboration particularly helpful. Please contact us if you feel group tutoring would be a beneficial resource for your class. Weekly group sessions are run by tutors who have taken the course, earned at least a B+, and have received a recommendation from their professor.

Students are encouraged to consult with the director and success coaches in the SSC for any reason, at any time. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended. If you have a question, problem, comment, interest, concern or anything else that might require a little attention from someone who can help, please DO NOT hesitate to e-mail us at studentsuccesscenter@albright.edu or just drop by! Big or small we can try to solve any problem together.

Student Success Center Staff

Lisa Blount,Success Coach and Director of Alpha Program
Lisa joined Albright College as a Student Success Specialist in 2021. Previously her career path included being the Director of Multicultural Recruitment, Assistant Director of Enrollment Management, Assistant Director of Career Programs-Internships and, Long Term & Building Substitute Teacher. Lisa graduated from Immaculata University with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Certificate of Art in 1984. She also earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and a certificate in Career Coaching from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Lisa enjoys building relationships, empowering students, and helping towards their first-year college transition and academic success.

Wanda Copeland,Director of Student Academic Success
Wanda has over 20 plus years of higher education experience. She has been director of the following: Student Academic Success, Academic Recovery Programs, TRIO Student Support Services, Multicultural Engagement, Freshman Foundations, Act 101, Cross-Cultural Services, Academic Advancement. Also, FYS Instructor. Each capacity involved working closely with students to assist them with achieving academic excellence and personal growth. Also, served as a key resource and advocate for students, faculty, staff and the community to assist, facilitate, and guide with Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging programs and training. Wanda enjoys guiding students to gain a better insight of their academic journey and empowering them to do better though a process that involves self-awareness, curiosity, and accountability.

Jason Deitz, Director of First Year Experience
Jason’s 18-year history in higher education (4.5 years at Albright College) includes admissions, marketing and recruitment, student success retention efforts, and financial literacy, counseling, planning, and support. Jason graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Communications and went on to earn a Master’s of Business Administration from Alvernia University. His experience working in small private school settings has provided the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with students and parents, while providing a successful, quality environment promoting informed educational decisions. Jason looks forward to continuing his goal to help each student earn the degree of their choosing here at Albright College – his door is always open!”.

Rebecca Makowiecki, Co-Director of Student Academic Support Services & Director of Subject Specific Tutoring
Becky has been with Student Success Center (formally ALC) since 2011, assisting with a variety of supports for students, staff, faculty, and the campus community. She graduated from Albright with a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Behavior and Applied Psychology. She leads our subject-area peer tutoring program and co-directs our student academic support services. She takes pride in creating a welcoming space for students to learn together and discover new skills for their academic journey through our peer tutoring program. Her favorite part of her job is getting to know the students of Albright and working with such a dedicated peer tutoring staff.

Melissa Manzano, Director of Promise Scholars
Melissa is our Director of Promise Scholars, leading our ACT101 programing and providing success coaching. She earned her Masters of Science Human Services and has 15 plus years of experience in higher education. Melissa has experience as Coordinator of Minority Recruitment, Assistant Director of Multicultural Services, Adjunct Faculty, advisor of multicultural organizations, and academic coaching. She encourages students to meet with her often, her door is always open. Melissa strives for all students to feel welcome, comfortable, and know that she is approachable. She is here to guide students in being successful, assist with enhancing their academic skills, and develop self-growth.

Shawn Barczynski, Success Coach
Shawn, a Berks County Native, attended Albright for her undergraduate receiving a degree in Communications/Journalism Class of 2014. She was extremely involved on campus and was a member of the women’s basketball team for all 4 years, was a member of SACC, worked two jobs (Admissions Ambassador & Front Desk Attendant in the Schumo Center) and volunteered within the community and throughout campus. Shawn has worked within three different departments while here: Student Life (Project Coordinator for DOJ Grant, Assistant Director of Admissions) and now currently within Academic Affairs! Being able to mentor and guide the students is a key component she believes in. Shawn has her Masters in Strategic Leadership received from Rosemont College in 2016, focusing on leading by meeting the students where they are at to provide the resources they need to be successful along their college journey. Ms. Shawn need my healthy juices (ginger, turmeric & elderberry regularly), big sports & 90s music fan and will forever choose salty over sweet any day of the week. Stop in or email me to make an appointment, meeting with you and seeing your progress brings me so much joy, let’s do this together!

Student Office Assistants

Avianna Peterson ‘25

Alanah Naylor ‘26 Alanah is a psychology major and has been a Student Success Center student office assistant since fall 2023. She enjoys going to bible studies and hanging out with friends.

Tutor Managers

Rachel Etim ‘26 Rachel is business administration major with a track in economics. She tutors SPA101, ECO105, ECO207, BUS246, and ACC101 courses. She is also a player on the Albright Volleyball team. She decided to become to a tutor because she likes to help her peers succeed.

Olivia Lorah ‘24 Olivia is a secondary education and history co-major. She tutors SPA101, SPA102, MAT102, MAT110, ECO105, and POL101 courses. Olivia is also a member of SACC, PSEA, and a player on the Albright field hockey team. She decided to become a tutor because she loves sharing knowledge with others and helping people to succeed.

Peer Tutors

Ahmad Abdelkrim ‘25 Ahmad is a business administration and accounting major. He currently tutors ACC100 and ACC101 courses. Ahmad enjoys helping his peers excel academically by equipping them with necessary skills to be successful, because of his drive for helping others and education.

Tosin Ajayi ‘25 Tosin is a crime & justice and Spanish co-major. They tutor SPA101, SPA102, SPA201, SOC210 and SOC211 courses. Tosin is a member Alpha Phi Omega and Pride+. They have worked on an ACRE and are currently completing their Senior Honors Thesis. Tosin wanted to be a tutor because they wanted to help others understand and process the coursework better.

Elicia Aponte ‘27 Elicia is a biology major on a pre-med track. She tutors BIO151, BIO152, and SPA101-102 courses. She also is a member on the Albright tennis team. Elicia became a tutor because she enjoys helping others understand the topics that that are struggling with and helping them find ways of learning that works for them.

Evan Beyeler ’25 Evan is a game & simulation development major and has been a tutor since Fall 2023. He tutors CSC141-142, MAT131, PHY201, LAT101-102, DIG280, and ART265 courses. Evan is the captain of Super Smash Bros and treasurer of Gamer’s Guild and is the treasurer of Albright Christian Fellowship. Evan loves helping his peers learn and understand course material for themselves.

Casey Dennehey ‘26 Casey is a biopsychology co-major. She tutors SPA101 and ART265. Casey is also in the Sigma Kappa sorority and a member of the Gamers Guild E-board as a captain. She believes the best way to understand difficult concepts and struggles academically can be better solved with another peer to help.

Julie Duris ‘26 Julie is a fashion design major. She tutors SPA101-102, FAS112, and FAS200 courses. They are secretary of All Stitched Up, holds a position on the ADPi executive board, and is the LGBTQ+ Representative on SGA. She decided to become a tutor to help encourage other students to succeed in their classes.

Ben Egin ‘25 Ben Egin is a computer science and business administration major. Ben tutors German courses, is one of the captains of the golf team, and a member of the Dearden Honor Society. He sees tutoring German as a way of giving back and spreading knowledge about not only the German language, but also Germany itself.

Evan Fink ’26 Evan is a biochemistry major. He tutors CHE105, CHE106, CHE207, BIO151, and BIO203 courses. He is also the vice president of the Student Members of the American Chemical Society (SMACS). He became a tutor because he wants to help his fellow peers succeed.

Miney Garcia ’25 Miney is a child and family studies major. She tutors PSY100, PSY200, FRE101-102, and SOC261 courses. Miney is a member of the Sigma Kappa sorority, an RA, and an admission ambassador. She became a tutor to help her fellow peers.

Iz Kanet ‘26 Iz is a psychology, criminology, and Spanish co-major and has been a tutor since spring 2024. They tutor SPA101-SPA202, PSY100, PSY200, PSY201, PSY205, PSY206, PSY210, SOC101, and SOC251. Iz is a Lead Residential Assistant, Lab Assistant for psychology, Editor-in-Chief for The Cue, and the Psi Chi Secretary and Fundraising Chair. They are excited to be a peer tutor because they know sometimes the best way to learn something is to review it with another peer.

McKenna LeVan ‘25 McKenna is a psychology and theatre double major and has been a tutor since spring of 2024. She tutors PSY100, PSY200, PSY201, and PSY205 courses. She is a member of Psi Chi and a member of the Albright Women’s Soccer Team. She finds that tutoring can be extremely helpful to everyone and has personally seen how simply a half hour meeting with a peer can make a difference in a person’s confidence in themself and their work. She loves the being able to help instill in them the same confidence and love for learning that other peer tutors have done for her.

Stella Longer ‘26 Stella is a biochemistry major. She tutors BIO151, BIO203, MAT132, CHE105-106, and CHE207 courses. She is also the president of SMACS, vice-president of the Honors Club, and works on campus as an RA and in the library. Stella is a tutor to help her peers work through their academic worries and succeed.

Jocelyn McLaughlin ‘26 Jocelyn is a biopsychology major and an evolutionary studies minor and has been a tutor since spring 2024. She tutors BIO151 and PSY205 courses. She is also involved in theater, Women’s Lacrosse, and works on campus as an Admissions Ambassador.

Ameerah Sackoor ‘25 Ameerah is a Biochemistry major on a premed track with a minor in Public Health. She tutors CHE105. She is vice president of the Commuter’s Student Association and the Middle Eastern & North African Student Association (MENA). She became a tutor because she wants to help her peers be successful.

Alexis Solt ‘26 Alexis is an accounting, economics, and finance (AEF) major with a track in accounting and a minor in criminology. She has been a tutor since spring 2024 and tutors ACC101, ECO105, and SPA101-102 courses. She is also a player on the Albright Women’s Soccer Team. She decided to become a tutor because she wholeheartedly understands the struggles of balancing the course load that comes with being a college student and she wants to create an environment where people aren’t afraid to ask for help.

Hannah Tudge ‘26 Hannah is a Psychology and Spanish Co-major. She is supplemental instructor (SI) for SPA 101. Hannah likes tutoring because she can help her peers reach their full academic potential.

Eren Tighe ‘25 Eren is a tutor at Albright college. She is going into her second year of college. She majors in family studies and is tutoring in SOC101, SOC210, and SOC211. She is in the honors program and is the secretary for the Albright Christian Fellowship. She also participated in Albright’s track and cross-country team.

JJ Van Winkle ‘25 JJ Van Winkle is a Music Industry Studies major and a Spanish minor. She’s been a tutor since Fall 2023 and tutors SPA101, SPA102, MUS111, MUS211, and MUS212. She excited to be a tutor because she loves brig able to help her peers.

Mission
The Student Success Center’s mission is to provide a variety of academic support and opportunities to enhance academic achievement for all students. The Center works collaboratively with faculty, academic departments, and student services to provide a comprehensive set of support programs tailored to meet each individual student’s needs. The Center offers a College Reading and Learning Association-certified peer tutoring program, academic workshop series, academic probation recovery program, and individualized academic coaching sessions to help students develop into scholars and leaders while supporting retention goals.
Goals

1. Oversee and maintain peer tutoring program, which provides both individual and group tutoring for 100 and 200 level General Education courses.
2. Provide academic coaching, specifically to freshman, sophomore and at-risk students, and manage the Academic Probation Recovery Program.
3. Support faculty and their courses.
4. Provide meaningful academic leadership and experiential learning opportunities for students through the CRLA-certified peer tutoring program.