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
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