Academic Success Center Welcomes Largest Group of Peer Tutors

Alvernia University's Academic Success Center has named 46 Peer Tutors and Study Group Leaders for the 2026-27 academic year, recognizing students who generously share their knowledge and experiences to help fellow Golden Wolves succeed in their academics.

The tutors play an important role in Alvernia's student success. During the 2025-26 academic year, the Academic Success Center's peer and professional tutors supported 774 individual students through 4,848 appointments for writing support, study groups, and academic coaching, serving students from undergraduate through Ph.D. levels. Students who worked with a subject or writing tutor had an overall mean GPA approximately 0.4 points higher than that of students who did not use an academic support service.

For many returning tutors, the opportunity to support fellow students is closely connected to their own academic journey.

"I tutor because I care about the future of the Alvernia nursing students while also continuing to build a relationship with former professors and reviewing past material," said Gianna Graczyk, a nursing major who has served as a Peer Tutor and study group leader for chemistry since January 2023.

Youyi Ma, another senior nursing major, leads the development of a weekly study group for the Nursing II: Birth and Childhood to Adulthood course.

"I returned as a tutor because I enjoy helping nursing students succeed in the difficult courses," Ma said.

To prepare them for their roles and earn Level 1 certification from the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA), peer tutors complete 10 hours of training and conduct at least 25 hours of tutoring. Training covers learning theories, communication skills, and academic integrity. Tutors are also observed while working with students and receive feedback to help strengthen their tutoring skills.

For students beginning their first semester as tutors, the experience represents both an opportunity to give back and a chance to grow.

"I wanted to be a tutor because I knew I could help others, like others have done for me. I look forward to pushing myself for something new," said Megan Stone, a Doctor of Physical Therapy student and first-time Peer Tutor.

Rachael Robinson, a BIO-PA major and a new Cooperative Learning Group Leader for Calculus, similarly looks forward to the expanded network of colleagues that comes with the role.

"I am excited to make new connections!" Robinson shared.

Through their work as tutors and study group leaders, these students are not only helping their classmates succeed academically but also contributing to a culture in which asking for help, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another are valued parts of the college experience.

To view these students click here: https://alvernia.meritpages.com/achievements/Academic-Success-Center-Welcomes-Largest-Group-of-Peer-Tutors/206159