In September 2023, the UMBC Academic Success Center (ASC) gained a Learning Center of Excellence designation from the International College Learning Center Association (ICLCA). There are only six other institutions in the world with an active designation of excellence from ICLCA, shares Amanda Knapp, associate vice provost and assistant dean for undergraduate academic affairs.
“It’s remarkable what has been achieved since establishing our one-stop shop learning center model in 2019,” says Knapp. “We can now say with full evidence that our ASC is among the best in the world!”
It was no small feat. ASC staff—in addition to their role providing centralized support services to all undergraduate students at UMBC—completed a rigorous application and peer review process, meeting many standards along the way.
The Learning Center of Excellence designation came at the same time that ASC’s Tutoring Program met the College Reading and Learning Association rigorous standards and successfully completed the International Tutor Training Program Certification peer review process. SI PASS—ASC’s peer-assisted study sessions—gained programmatic accreditation through the International Center for Supplemental Instruction.
In spring 2024, the ASC will have a grand opening of the newly renovated, expanded, and highly visible first floor location in the Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery.