The University of Cincinnati Clermont College Learning Commons, which offers tutoring and academic support services for students, was recently awarded the Frank L. Christ Outstanding Learning Center Award for two-year colleges.
The UC Clermont Learning Commons team received the award during the International College Learning Center Association conference Sept. 25 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
"What sets UC Clermont's tutoring and support services apart is our personalized approach," said Susan Riley, assistant dean of academic initiatives for the college.
Riley added that the Learning Commons' services are designed to be comprehensive and accessible, from one-on-one tutoring sessions, group study and first-year student support to supplemental instruction and specialized workshops.
"We meet students wherever they are - on campus or online - and by partnering with faculty, advisers and other UC Clermont support services, we've built a strong network that boosts student learning and success," Riley said.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of students utilizing tutoring services through the UC Clermont Learning Commons has increased dramatically - in 2023-24, more than 6,400 visits were made by more than 1,000 unique students. In math and science in particular, usage increased from an average of 400 visits per month in fall 2020 to 2,500 visits per month in spring 2024.
Students study in the UC Clermont Learning Commons new space on the second floor of the Frederick A. Marcotte Library. Photo/Danny Kidd
And increased visits equal results - UC Clermont Learning Commons' data shows that students who regularly attend tutoring attain higher grade point averages than those who do not.
UC Clermont Learning Commons Assistant Director Valentine Johns attributes the usage increase in part to the college's expansion into online tutoring. As more classes moved online, students didn't just expect virtual tutoring - their schedules demanded it.
In addition, UC Clermont began offering online appointments on evenings and weekends. Today, 83% of online tutoring in math and science takes place after traditional business hours. The UC Clermont Learning Commons also moved to a more prominent location on campus to improve access to in-person tutoring, collaborating with the Frederick A. Marcotte Library to provide services on its second floor.
"The model has changed," said Johns. "Everyone is now more comfortable online and open to it. At the same time, we realized that some of our students work full time or juggle a few jobs and can only attend sessions on evenings and weekends. Tutoring has changed completely since COVID; we had to reimagine it."
UC Clermont pre-business major Jenna Hoelmer is one student who has benefitted from more tutoring options. She works full time and after earning her associate degree, plans to transition to UC's Lindner College of Business to pursue a finance degree. This summer, she received help for her calculus class by utilizing online evening appointments through the UC Clermont Learning Commons.
"My tutor didn't just tell me the answers but walked through every single step to make sure I knew what I was doing," said Hoelmer. "I did better on my quizzes, homework and tests after tutoring. It kept me ahead of the game with extra practice. The tutors care about helping you learn and not just earning the credit."
Beyond offering flexible appointments, the next frontier for tutoring includes the use of artificial intelligence. Johns has helped make UC Clermont Learning Commons a leader in this new arena, conducting a pilot program this summer for students in a UC Clermont algebra course. He plans to expand the pilot to another math course this fall. AI essentially makes tutoring available to students anytime, anywhere, with generated results edited and guided by UC Clermont Learning Commons staff so that students are learning the same methods being taught by their instructors.
As the first college at UC to dive into AI tutoring, Johns presented the pioneering technology at UC's AI Symposium in February; he also shared the approach and findings at the ICLCA conference in September.
"We have to meet students where they're at - we can cater to that student with an on-demand tutor," Johns said. "Long term, we hope to be able to support every asynchronous math class we offer through AI tutoring."
These efforts helped make the UC Clermont Learning Commons a frontrunner for the ICLCA award, which recognizes work done by learning centers to foster their future growth and development.
"We have expanded services and staffing to meet the growing demand for academic support," said Riley. "Receiving this award reinforces our commitment to enhancing every student's academic experience and inspires us to keep fostering a supportive environment where all students can thrive."
Learn more about the UC Clermont Learning Commons.
Featured image at top: The UC Clermont Learning Commons team receives the Frank L. Christ Outstanding Learning Center Award for two-year colleges at the International College Learning Center Association conference Sept. 25 in Salt Lake City, Utah. From left: Cheyenne Riley, Julie Eagen, Don Peteroy, Valentine Johns and Bethany Brown. Not pictured: Susan Riley. Photo/ICLCA
