Seton Hall Tutoring Staff Engages in Professional Development at CRLA PA/NJ Regional Conference
Tutoring staff at Princeton University.
On March 14, 2025, a group of 26 Seton Hall tutors, Supplemental Instructors (SIs)
and peer academic success coaches traveled to Princeton University to attend the PA/NJ
regional conference of the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA). This event,
entitled Empowering Growth: Non-Traditional Pathways in Traditional Learning Spaces,
brought together learning support professionals and student leaders from across the
region to engage in a day of professional development, collaboration and networking.
The conference began with an address from Margie A. Kerbel, President of the PA/NJ
region of CRLA and a faculty member at Reading Area Community College. Kerbel emphasized
the importance of learning support services in higher education, highlighting the
evolving role of tutors, SI leaders and academic coaches in fostering student success.
She encouraged attendees to embrace innovative strategies, adapt to emerging educational
technologies and prioritize holistic support for students navigating the challenges
of college life.
Throughout the day, Seton Hall students attended various engaging sessions tailored
to their roles as academic support providers. Workshops covered crucial topics such
as working with students with disabilities, implementing academic coaching strategies
for holistic student development, managing tutor compassion fatigue and leveraging
AI to bridge educational gaps for non-traditional students. These sessions provided
valuable insights and practical tools that the attendees could bring back to Seton
Hall’s Academic Resource Center (ARC) and other learning support programs on campus
including the office of Academic Support for Student-Athletes, EOP, The Math Learning Lab, and Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental.
One of the highlights of the conference was a presentation by Peer Academic Coach
Coordinator Lauren Cinquino and Program Coordinator Ted McCulloch, both representing
Seton Hall’s Academic Resource Center. Their session, titled “Fostering Intrinsic
Motivation Through Self-Exploration in Academic Coaching,” delved into the ways academic
coaches can help students develop self-awareness and take ownership of their learning
journeys. By integrating reflective practices and personalized goal setting, the presenters
demonstrated how academic coaches can empower students to become more engaged and
self-motivated learners. The session was well-received, sparking meaningful discussions
among attendees about best practices in academic coaching.
The conference also provided an excellent opportunity for networking, allowing Seton
Hall’s student leaders to connect with professional staff and peers from other institutions.
Engaging in conversations with tutors and academic coaches from diverse educational
backgrounds, they exchanged ideas, shared experiences and discussed common challenges
faced in their respective institutions. These interactions reinforced the collaborative
spirit of the conference and provided inspiration for new initiatives to enhance academic
support at Seton Hall.
The event concluded with a compelling keynote address delivered by Cara McClintock
from Princeton University’s McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning. McClintock spoke
about the Community College Engagement program (PCCE) which plays a pivotal role in
managing academic partnerships with New Jersey’s community colleges. She discussed
how PCCE enhances educational opportunities for non-traditional students, supports
community college faculty through an exchange program, and promotes social mobility
by accepting and retaining community college students.
By the end of the day, the Seton Hall tutors, SIs and academic coaches left the conference
feeling energized and equipped with new strategies to enhance their work. Their participation
in the CRLA regional conference reinforced Seton Hall’s commitment to academic excellence
and student success, ensuring that the university remains at the forefront of innovative
learning support initiatives.
Learn more about PA/NJ CRLA.
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