Western Carolina University

The WaLC’s tutor training program has been certified by the College Reading and Learning Association’s International Tutor Training Program Certification (ITTPC).

New tutors are trained via COUN 230 (Intro to Peer Tutoring), and tutors become eligible for Tutor Certification following their successful completion of COUN 230 and 25 hours of actual tutoring time. Certified tutors are recognized each spring during the WaLC's Tutor Certification and Awards Reception.

Topics covered in COUN 230 include: assertive communication, andragogy/pedagogy, critical thinking and Socratic questioning skills, active learning, working with students with disabilities, and tutoring ethics.

The purpose and objectives of COUN 230 are

• To promote the status of student peer tutors at Western by qualifying WaLC tutors for certification through the College Reading and Learning Association
• To assist the learning and success of all WCU students by developing a competent, quality base of academic assistance
• To assist faculty by preparing peer tutors to offer quality academic support outside of the classroom
• To provide opportunities for tutors to develop their leadership abilities, to improve their understanding of content in tutored courses, and to formulate goals for their personal learning and development

Tutors who have earned certification from the WaLC include: