Writing Center Receives Recognition

Woodbury University’s Writing Center has been awarded Level 1 International Tutor Training Program Certification (ITTPC) by the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA). This achievement signifies that the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ tutor training program complies with internationally recognized best practices in higher education tutorial services. This recognition means that the Writing Center has met CRLA’s high standards for tutor selection, training, direct service, and evaluation. 

Much of this achievement can be credited to Professor Laurel DiGangi, Coordinator of Tutoring Services. Since Fall 2021, Professor DiGangi has worked hard to develop a training program that meets CRLA’s rigorous standards. She has assembled and mentored a stellar group of students who participated in the training program, completing 25 hours of one-on-one tutoring.

Training topics included best practices, classic and alternative writing center pedagogy, verbal and non-verbal communication skills, and ethics. Sessions often included mock sessions, in which students role played various tutoring scenarios. Tutors were also required to record actual sessions (with students’ permission) and assess their performance based on various criteria, such as the Gibbs model of supportive communication.  

Guest speaker Laila Dahan, ESL specialist, trained tutors in intercultural communication. In addition to the Writing Center, Professor DiGangi also coordinates the Math, Science, & Subject Tutoring Center, which supports students in many subject areas, as well as software knowledge. 

“We’ve always had excellent tutors,” says DiGangi. “CRLA certification finally formalizes and recognizes their contributions to our students’ success.” 

Last Updated on February 16, 2023.