We considered the "stigma" issue a few years ago as we were moving to a new location and considering a name change. We use the department name of Academic Tutoring which puts us at or near the top of any alphabetical listings, as well as implied a stronger connection to academics. Then we decided to do our best to remove the stigma that can be associated with tutoring. We have worked on many levels to send the message that tutoring is for "everyone." We are careful to use marketing messages that are not just aimed at the "struggling" student. With permission from NADE, we use their motto in our marketing materials. It seems that some of the stigma comes from the fact that when you are in high school, you only use tutoring when you are doing poorly in school. So when we are addressing groups of incoming high school students or new freshmen we explain that in college "tutoring is for everyone." Kathryn Van Wagoner Math Lab Manager Utah Valley State College 801-863-8411 ad-van-tage n. A factor conducive to success. >>> "Laurie Hazard" <[log in to unmask]> 10/31/2006 12:02 PM >>> We have also put that stigma behind us for the most part. Admittedly though, it took a lot of PR and work (and unfortunately, it can come creeping back in sometimes). Seven years ago we changed our name from the Learning Center (I thought it brought to mind places like Sylvan and Kaplan) to the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE). Students here view tutoring as a way to get the competitive edge, achieve academic excellence, and ACE their courses :-). -----Original Message----- From: Open Forum for Learning Assistance Professionals [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of [log in to unmask] Sent: Tuesday, October 31, 2006 1:36 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Tutor Name Change Mary, It is interesting that your population views tutoring as a stigma. Our students look at it as a "luxury" and a savvy, smart way to get ahead and stay ahead. I wonder how other students feel, and what leads them to their impressions? Roberta Schotka NADE'08 conference co-chair Head, Peer Tutoring Northeastern University Libraries, 242 SL (617) 373-2150 voice (617) 373-2529 fax [log in to unmask] Mary Wills <MaryWills@BOISES TATE.EDU> To Sent by: Open [log in to unmask] Forum for cc Learning Assistance Subject Professionals Tutor Name Change <[log in to unmask] UFL.EDU> 10/31/2006 01:20 PM Please respond to Open Forum for Learning Assistance Professionals <[log in to unmask] UFL.EDU> Hello, We are looking for alternative names to call our tutors. With the stigma attached to the word "tutoring," we are trying to come up with something different to call them. Any ideas? Have a great day! ~M. *************** Mary Wills Coordinator of Tutorial Services Academic Support E-mail: [log in to unmask] Tel: 426-5436 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ To access the LRNASST-L archives or User Guide, or to change your subscription options (including subscribe/unsubscribe), point your web browser to http://www.lists.ufl.edu/archives/lrnasst-l.html To contact the LRNASST-L owner, email [log in to unmask] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ To access the LRNASST-L archives or User Guide, or to change your subscription options (including subscribe/unsubscribe), point your web browser to http://www.lists.ufl.edu/archives/lrnasst-l.html To contact the LRNASST-L owner, email [log in to unmask] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ To access the LRNASST-L archives or User Guide, or to change your subscription options (including subscribe/unsubscribe), point your web browser to http://www.lists.ufl.edu/archives/lrnasst-l.html To contact the LRNASST-L owner, email [log in to unmask] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ To access the LRNASST-L archives or User Guide, or to change your subscription options (including subscribe/unsubscribe), point your web browser to http://www.lists.ufl.edu/archives/lrnasst-l.html To contact the LRNASST-L owner, email [log in to unmask]