TC3 Tutoring Center Receives National Certification

The Baker Center for Learning at Tompkins Cortland Community College has received the highest level of certification by the internationally recognized College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA). 

This certification recognizes the Baker Center for Learning (BCL) for developing a tutoring program that meets the CRLA Level 3 standards for tutor selection, training, service, and evaluation. The certification also includes the successful completion of the International Tutor Training Program Certification (ITTPC) peer review process. 

“This validates that we have a high-quality tutoring program and staff at the Baker Center for Learning,” said Coordinator of Tutoring and Accommodation Services Scott Bennett. “The CRLA has high standards for Level 3 certification, and this acknowledgement is a testament to what we’re doing.”

The CRLA offers certification for training programs in three levels. TC3 had been certified at Levels 1 and 2 prior to the latest review this fall. Level 3 recognition is reached by a small percentage of all tutoring centers and is reserved for programs that have demonstrated excellence in developing, designing, and implementing strong tutor-training procedures.

The BCL employs about 40 tutors each semester, making tutoring services available for nearly all TC3 courses. In the Fall 2024 semester, more than 450 TC3 students utilized the BCL for in-person tutoring and more than 125 used online tutoring. 

The CRLA has been a leader in learning assistance, reading, and academic support programs for more than 30 years, with over 2,000 certified training programs worldwide. Its core value is to help tutor-training administrators develop and deliver exemplary training, helping programs meet the needs of their institution and the students they serve.