St. John’s Tutoring Program Offers Students Valuable Academic Assistance

Two students at a desk for tutoring
April 19, 2022

Charles C. Pizzo ’96CBA, ’99MBA, ’06PD, ’10Ed.D., Director of the University Learning Commons (ULC) and Associate Director of the University Freshman Center, likens St. John’s University tutors to Sherpas who guide adventurers on their climb up Mount Everest. However, instead of mountaineers, tutors help students achieve new academic heights.

“Our tutors serve as guides; their job is to assist the students who seek help,” Dr. Pizzo says. “We provide an opportunity for students at all levels to attend a major metropolitan University like St. John’s and have access to a supportive program that will help them succeed. It’s not just a quick fix; students have to put in the effort.”

Dr. Pizzo has been involved with the tutoring program for the past two decades. Four years ago, he assumed the leadership position, and in March, he received personal certification from the National Tutoring Association (NTA)—the first step, he says, in bringing the entire St. John’s program under the NTA umbrella. Established in 1992, the NTA is the oldest and largest professional organization dedicated exclusively to tutoring.  

“Accreditation is not a certification that the NTA awards lightly as we look at every aspect of the program: evaluation, training, and administration,” says Lucy Lapekas, Ph.D., NTA’s Executive Director. “It requires much work and commitment on the part of the institution and the program director.”

Dr. Pizzo’s certification means he can now mentor fellow tutors through NTA training, with the goal of having all tutors earn the coveted certification. As more students gain NTA certification, they can train others and expand the program.

“That’s the next step,” Dr. Pizzo explained. “Once certified, students can use their credentials after leaving St. John’s to continue assisting others.”

“When I meet with parents, these are the things they want to know: Are their kids being instructed by qualified faculty? Are their kids in good hands?” Dr. Pizzo continued. “The certification is like the Good Housekeeping seal of approval of tutoring.”

Instruction is offered in all STEM-related subjects, but help is also available in other disciplines, including philosophy, economics, and theology. Tutors are available during the day and six evenings a week from 6 to 10 p.m., except for Saturdays. Virtual sessions are available beginning at 6 p.m., except for Saturdays.

To secure a paid tutor position, students must have an A grade in the subject.

Andrea Hincapie-Bendick works as a tutor 13 hours a week or more. Having received instruction herself, she was eager to help others. She will graduate from St. John’s in May and attend West Virginia University School of Medicine in the fall. 

“The very first time I ever came to the ULC, it was for help in chemistry,” she recalled. “My tutor was amazing, so I really wanted to give back for what I experienced myself.”   

Sadie Olson, a first-year student in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, also needed a tutor to help her with the nuances of chemistry. She is now a much more confident student.

“At least with chemistry, I find that the tutors have a great grasp of it, and they know where your brain is,” Sadie said. “They have to be like mini-professors that way. They have a good idea of the stumbling blocks students might face.”   

Students book appointments online by subject. Most appointments last an hour. In addition to conventional desks, the ULC has quiet areas for intensive study and communal areas for group work.

Tutor Anthony Lynch, an accounting student in The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, who will graduate in 2023, said he gets satisfaction when an idea registers in the mind of a student he is helping.

“I get excited about accounting, as well as other subjects,” Anthony said. “I’m happy to share what I know with other people.”

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