MSU’s Center for Academic Excellence receives internationally recognized certification for tutor-training efforts
Contact: Carl Smith
STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State’s Center for Academic Excellence is now a Level 1-certified tutor-training program as recognized by the international College Reading and Learning Association.
The certification, which runs through July 2027, reflects the CAE’s commitment to developing a tutor-training program that meets rigorous CRLA standards for tutor selection, training, direct service and evaluation. Completion of the International Tutor Training Program Certification peer-review process is also a component.
Approximately 30 student tutors work with MSU undergraduates each semester, and each tutor completes training in areas including learning skills, leadership and time management during their first months of service.
Last year, more than 6,000 Bulldogs received CAE support through its various outreach initiatives.
“The CRLA sets the standard for peer-training programs, and this certification speaks to how our tutors have been trained to meet those high standards,” said Zoë Holifield, CAE tutoring coordinator. “These tutors’ willingness to take the extra steps to complete the program speaks a lot about their desire to help students. It is exciting to see their initiative and what they bring to these discussions, and watch them use their skills to help others.”
The CAE supports Bulldogs with improving academic performance through a variety of efforts, including academic support and coaching initiatives, workshops and tutoring. Specific programs include Freshman Year Navigators, which guides new students through their first-year experiences at MSU, and Supplemental Instruction, an academic-mentoring effort featuring student tutors assisting others through historically difficult courses. The Supplemental Instruction program has been accredited by The International Center for Supplemental Instruction since 2018—the only program of its kind in the Magnolia State receiving the organization’s prestigious distinction.
For more than 30 years, the College Reading and Learning Association has been a leader in learning assistance, reading and academic support programs with almost 1,300 members and more than 2,000 certified training programs worldwide. Visit www.crla.net to learn more about the organization.
Housed within the MSU Division of Academic Affairs, the Center for Academic Excellence is available online at www.cae.msstate.edu.
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