Vickery Hall Recognized By CRLA

Sept. 1, 2004

Clemson University Associate Athletic Director for Student Development Phil Grayson announced today that the Student-Athlete Enrichment Programs received recertification of both its tutoring and mentoring programs by the College Reading and Learning Association.

CRLA, a nationally recognized body which certifies over 700 college and university tutorial programs in the United States and Canada, has awarded recertification at all three levels to both the athletic tutoring and mentoring programs, making Vickery Hall (SAEP) one of only two athletic tutoring programs in the nation to have received such certification. Boston College, soon to be a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference, is the only other athletic tutoring program to hold this unique honor. SAEP stands alone as the only certified athletic mentoring program in the CRLA organization.

The purpose of gaining certification is twofold. First, it provides recognition and positive reinforcement for successful tutor and mentor work from an international organization, CRLA. Second, the certification process sets a standard of skills, training, and evaluation for tutors and mentors. Many academic support programs and student development departments have active tutor and mentor programs. However, these programs have often been implemented without clear standards for training and evaluation.

“I cannot say in words how proud I am personally of the recertification of Vickery Hall’s tutor and mentor programs, “said Bill D’Andrea, Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs and previous director of Vickery Hall. The tutoring program has been certified since 1998 and this recertification is good through June 2009.

“This is one of best examples of the IPTAY donor contributions making a significant impact on Clemson student-athletes. If it were not for the vision of IPTAY and the commitment of resources some 16 years ago, we would never be in such an enviable position. Thanks should go to the entire Vickery Hall staff with special commendations going to Bobby Douglas, Director of Academic Services and Priscilla Kanet, Tutor Coordinator. There is nothing to be more proud of than when our peers contact us to gain information about Vickery Hall because they want to be the best. Our goal at Clemson is to have the Total Model Sports Program and we have achieved a good part of that in Vickery Hall.”