Tutoring rates at Saddleback jump by 106 percent

Michael Horrell, 26, civil engineering major helps his friend Peter Laurente, 26, kinesiology major prepare for his Algebra exam in the LRC at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo.
Photo by: Matt Corkill

Learning Resource Center tutoring reported a dramatic increase in students serviced and students enrolled in the tutoring program over the last year in a presentation given to the Board of Trustees April 28 at Saddleback College.

“Tutoring is vital to students for a few reasons,” said Christina Hinkle, a faculty tutorial specialist with the LRC Tutoring Program. “It really prepares the students and allows them to interact with the faculty in a relaxed setting.”

From fall 2012 to fall 2013, students enrolled in the LRC’s tutoring class increased from 2,292 to 3,243, an increase of 41 percent. Student hours served also increased from 25,067 hours served in fall 2012 to 51, 879 hours in fall 2013, an increase of 106 percent.

“It’s an immense program and it’s growing,” Hinkle said.

Along with the increase in student hours, the tutoring program has also increased the amount of faculty available.

“We now have a faculty member available during every hour of tutoring,” she said.

The inclusion of more faculty members has allowed for new classes such as Crunch Time, a special tutoring session designed to get students ready for finals and important exams. Increased faculty participation also helped spur new ideas and creative thinking within the program.

“The faculty bring with them these new ideas. I’ve been here 28 years and these last two years I’ve been amazed,” said Patty Weekes, director of LRC Tutoring. “Usually during crunch time we’re all freaking out. It’s so amazing to walk in during crunch time and see all the students and faculty working together.”

While normal students are a priority, student athletes are also assisted through their own unique program. The Program Assisting Student-Athlete Success (PASS) was created not only to have open study and tutoring hours for all athletes, but to improve their self-confidence and preparation.

“We’re fighting on two fronts,” said Hinkle. “I’ve seen a dramatic change in our students. Not only are they not prepared, they also lack the confidence.”

Since the creation of the PASS program, 40 percent of all student athletes made the honor roll in fall 2013, the highest in any year of Saddleback’s history. Hinkle credits it to how a community has formed around the tutoring program.

“It’s really turned into an authentic learning community,” Hinkle said.

The Board of Trustees reacted favorably to the presentation and the results, with Trustee Timothy Jemal stating that he’s “a big believer in tutoring.”

However, for the program to succeed, funding is essential. Hinkle reiterated that point in the meeting.

“Money. Money to expand the supplemental instruction in science, math and basic English programs,” she said. “Online tutoring as well.”

Enrollment in the Tu300 class is required to receive tutoring from the LRC, and students can enroll at any time during the school year. For more information about the program, visit the LRC Website.

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