Student Success Center (SSC)

Student Success Center (SSC) Peer Tutoring includes Subject-Area and Writing Center peer tutoring. 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 papers and assignments, create study materials, 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 if they are using the SSC peer tutoring services because it demonstrates effort and care for their class.

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 Writing Center schedule to view current hours and to make an appointment writing or reading peer tutor.
• 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?  Writing and reading peer tutors meet in the Writing Center, located in Jake’s Place near the mailroom. Subject-area peer tutors meet in the Peer Tutoring Studio, located in tunnel outside of Jake’s Place (colorful mosaic wall tunnel).

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

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

Shawn Barczynski, Success Coach

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.

Anne Coleman, Ph.D., Assistant Provost Dr. Anne Coleman joined the Albright community in February 2021. With a PhD in Neuroscience, Dr. Coleman spent 20+ years as a professor and academic advisor until she switched her full time focus to Academic Support three years ago. She believes education is a right and is committed to supporting students through their academic journeys. Hot coffee first thing in the morning is a must for Dr. C. She credits her addiction to her grandmother who gave her first cup of coffee (milk with a few drops of coffee and sugar in a Popeye mug) before the age of 5. She also enjoys science fiction in any format. Dr. C says the best part of her Albright day is the time she spends meeting with students. Make an appointment or stop by her office, her door is always open.

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!”.

Professor Kauffman, Success Coach Shelley Kauffman is a native Pennsylvanian who studied geology at Juniata College before heading south for graduate school at the University of Virginia where she obtained an M.S. and Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences. She has been teaching at Albright since 2004 and also became an academic coach in 2019. Through her work on outside grants, she has gained invaluable insight into science education and innovative teaching techniques. She is excited to work with students in the SSC to create a safe place to explore their academic and life journeys.

Rachel Liberatore, Co-Director of Academic Student Support Services and the Director of the Writing Center Rachel Liberatore has been working at Albright since 2009 as the Writing Center Director and as an instructor of ENG 101, ENG 102 and FYS, and she is excited about her newly expanded role also working with the Student Success Center. She has a BA in English and Education from Grinnell College, an MA in English from the University of New Mexico, and an MA in Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies (TESOL emphasis) from the University of New Mexico. In her work with tutoring centers, she has a particular interest in tutor staff development that helps students gain new creative/professional identities and leadership roles. Please stop by her office or request an appointment if you would like to talk about any aspect of tutoring on campus.

Rebecca Makowiecki, Co-Director Student Academic Support Services & Director of Subject Specific Tutoring Becky has been with Student Success Center (formally ALC) since 2011, assisting with supporting 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.

Maria McDonnell, Success Coach Maria began teaching English at Albright in 2006 and joined the Student Success Center in 2022. She is currently enrolled in the Master of Applied Psychology program in the Albright School of Professional Studies. Her three sons are all graduates of Albright College. Her interests include running, painting, and crossword puzzle tournaments. Maria values the opportunity to work with students one-on-one. Coaching allows her to help students through challenging situations as well as celebrate their successes. As an English instructor, she tried to see each student as a unique individual. Coaching gives her the space to deepen her focus on what each student needs from her, which she finds very rewarding.

Student Office Assistants

Hayley Grayo ‘24 Hayley is a business major with a track in Sports Management, she enjoys hanging out with her friends, going on adventures and journaling. She is involved in the promise scholars’ program and enjoys helping others. Hayley plans to continue her journey at grad school when she graduates in 2024.

Alanah Naylor ‘26

Nevaeha Racine ‘26 Nevaeha is a fashion merchandising major and creative writing minor and enjoys styling and illustrating designs. She is secretary of Club Vogue and PR chair for Skate Club and is involved in improv, agon, and AAS. Nevaeha does photography in her free time and loves to crotchet.

Siani Justice-Smith ‘24 Siani is a psychology and criminology co major with a minor in legal studies. She’s secretary of both of Sigma Kappa and Psi Chi. She’s an athlete who is also involved in many clubs and organizations. She enjoys meeting new people and making memories.

Tutor Managers

Taisha Charles ’24 Foreign Languages Taisha is a Mathematics and Psychology co-major and has been a tutor since Fall 2021. She tutors MAT125, MAT128, MAT131-132, FRE101-102, and PSY205 courses. Taisha is President of the Math Club and Albright College Dance Team and also works on campus as an RA and Admissions Ambassador. Taisha sees tutoring as an opportunity to help her fellow students and share study skills she’s gained through tough coursework.

Tara Huffman ‘24 Sciences Tara is a chemistry major with a minor in public policy and administration and has been a tutor since fall 2021. She tutors CHE105, CHE106, CHE107, CHE207-208, ECO105, FRE101-102, and ESS101. Tara is also a member of the Sigma Kappa sorority. She enjoys tutoring to help others succeed in reaching their academic goals.

Sarah Robinson ‘24 Math Sarah is a Computer Science major and has been a tutor since fall 2021. She tutors CSC141, CSC142, PSY100, MAT131, and ART265 courses. She is eager to tutor because she believes a student-to-student approach is very beneficial in the academic process.

Alyssa Zerbe ‘24 Social Sciences & Humanities Alyssa is a psychology and art major and has been a tutor since the fall 2022. She tutors PSY100, PSY200, PSY201, PSY206, and SOC101. Alyssa is also the vice president of Standards and Values of Sigma Kappa sorority, president of Psi Chi Honor Society, the advertising chair of Psi Chi Honor Society, the Psychology Department Assistant, and a PSY200 TA. She believes tutoring is a great tool to help students reach their academic goals.

Peer Tutors

Jordan Brown ‘24 Jordan is an English and secondary education co-major and has been a tutor since fall 2022. She tutors FRE101-102, MAT102, and PHY102 courses. Jordan is also president of Sigma Tau Delta. She is excited to be a peer tutor because she wants to help students and support them as they pursue their academic ambitions.

Lillian Carney ’24 Lillian is an early childhood education and psychology co-major and has been a tutor since fall 2021. She tutors PSY100 PSY 200, and PSY206 courses. Lillian is the secretary of the PSEA club and is also a writing tutor. She wanted to be a tutor to help others by providing a different viewpoint to the material.

Ben Egin ‘23 Ben Egin is a computer science and business administration major and has been a tutor since fall 2022. 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.

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.

Kate Griffin Kate is an Applied Psychology major and has been a tutor since Fall 2021. She tutors: BIO101, BIO152, BIO203, PSY200, PSY201, PSY205, LAT101-201. Her hometown is Point Pleasant Beach, NJ. She is currently working on her master’s degree at Albright. Kate enjoys tutoring to help her peers achieve success.

Stephanie Hegedus ‘24 Stephanie Hegedus is a fashion merchandising major with a focus in fashion journalism. She has been tutoring since fall of 2022 and tutors FAS208, FAS112, FAS210, FAS202, and ECO105 courses. Stephanie is also the PR Co-Chair & Social Media Manager of Albright’s fashion club, Club Vogue.

Olivia Lorah ‘24 Olivia is a secondary education and history co-major and has been a tutor since the fall of 2022. She tutors SPA101, MAT102, 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.

Clyde Ngwa ’24 Clyde is a biology major on a premed track with a minor in chemistry. He has been a tutor since Spring 2023 and tutors PSY100, PSY230, FRE 102-202, HIS153, CHE106 and CHE207. He also plays on Albright football team, participates in SAAC, and is a member of Pi-Kappa Phi. Clyde enjoys working with tutees and seeing what they learn and how peer tutoring can make a difference in their academic lives. He also enjoys helping tutees gain insight into concepts that might have intimidated them otherwise.

Hannah Phillips ‘24 Hannah is a math major with a minor in secondary education. She is a supplemental instruction (SI) leader for MAT131 and tutors MAT128, MAT129, MAT131-132, MAT110, MAT233, and MAT250. She is also the Vice President of the Math Club. Hannah enjoys tutoring because she loves to teach and instill a passion for learning in others.

Hannah Plowmaker ‘24 Hannah is a business administration major with a track in marketing and has been a tutor since fall 2022. She tutors BUS155, ACC101, and ECO105. She is the student government communications director, and an active member of the Dearden honors society, Business Accounting and Economics Club, and the Commuter Student Association. She wanted to be a tutor because she has seen first hand the difference that they can make in some people’s academic careers.

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.