UA Little Rock earns Level 1 tutor training certification
July 21-27, 2025
By Angelita Faller
UA Little Rock’s Learning Commons has earned certification as a Level 1 certified tutor training program by the internationally recognized College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA). This designation affirms the university’s commitment to providing high-quality tutoring services that meet rigorous international standards.
“This certification means that tutors who complete our training program become CRLA Level 1 certified tutors,” said Brandon Sollars, co-director of the Learning Commons. “It’s the culmination of two years of work and ensures that our tutors are trained according to best practices in tutoring and student support.”
CRLA has been a leader in academic support for more than 30 years, with nearly 1,300 members and over 2,000 certified training programs worldwide. Achieving this certification demonstrates that the Learning Commons meets CRLA’s high standards for tutor selection, training, direct service, and evaluation.
To achieve CRLA certification, Sollars attended the CRLA Summer Institute in St. Louis, where he worked alongside other tutoring programs of similar size. From there, he began the extensive application process, which involved documenting the entire training program, ensuring a required number of training hours, and aligning the program with CRLA standards.
JB Hill, dean of Ottenheimer Library, emphasized the importance of this achievement for the university’s academic support services.
“The CRLA accreditation supports the Learning Commons in its commitment to offer high-quality service and, just as importantly, provides the tutors with credentials that highlight their skill attainment,” said JB Hill, dean of Ottenheimer Library. “One of the great things about peer tutoring is that it is a win-win, as not only do the students receiving the tutoring gain benefits, but the tutors also gain skills as well. The tutors increase their understanding of the subjects and concepts while developing their skills in problem-solving, critical-thinking, communication, and teaching.”
The Learning Commons’ tutor training program consists of 15 one-hour sessions, with 10 hours of in-person training and five hours of asynchronous learning modules. To complete Level 1 certification, tutors must also log 25 hours of documented tutoring sessions. The Learning Commons plans to offer an accelerated training institute over the summer to expand certification opportunities for tutors. “For Trojan Tutoring, I have 14 tutors, and across all tutoring centers, we have about 50 tutors,” Sollars said. “We focus on subject-specific tutoring, primarily in introductory-level courses, though we do offer support for more advanced courses when tutors feel comfortable.”
Benefits of Tutoring at UA Little Rock
The Learning Commons, which opened in 2023, serves as a vital resource for students seeking academic support. In an average fall semester, the center records between 1,000 and 1,200 visits, assisting approximately 450 students.
“There’s a stigma that tutoring is only for students who are struggling,” Sollars said. “But even if you don’t think you need help, meeting with a tutor can reinforce your understanding, introduce new study strategies, and provide an opportunity to engage with peers about the content you’re learning.”
Matthew McElhanon, a senior chemistry major and Trojan Tutor, has seen firsthand how the training has helped him both as a tutor and a student.
“I wanted to improve my communication skills, and that was something tackled pretty quickly,” McElhanon said. “The training has also helped me streamline my own learning process. I intend to get my certification because I see the value in it.
The Learning Commons consists of Trojan Tutoring, the Communication Skills Center, Mathematics Assistance Center, and the University Writing Center. It offers tutoring in various subjects, primarily focusing on introductory-level courses. Walk-in sessions are welcome, but appointments are preferred and can be scheduled online at ualr.edu/learningcommons.
Sollars expressed his excitement for the Learning Commons’ future and gratitude for those who supported the certification process. With CRLA certification, the Learning Commons is poised to enhance academic success at UA Little Rock by providing well-trained tutors and a supportive learning environment for students seeking to reach their full potential.
“I’m so grateful to the library and to JB Hill for helping me pursue this,” Sollars said. “Having a standardized tutor training program means we can provide the best possible support to our students, and I’m excited to continue building on this achievement.”
Photo cutline:
Brandon Sollars, center, congratulates two UA Little Rock students, Muhammad Rayaan and Matthew Wyeth, who earned their tutoring certification during the spring 2025 semester.
