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Academic Learning Center

The Academic Learning Center's Mission is to provide academic support to Marist students, both undergraduate and graduate, and to support faculty in their work with students. This is accomplished through our courses, tutoring programs, and academic counseling. The overall goal of these activities is the success and retention of our students.

Academic Support Programs and Services

• FOCUS PROGRAM: This is a year-long academically based freshman program. FOCUS provides resources and information for first year students to assist them in making a successful transition from high school to college, and in making informed choices about their course of study and future career options. (3 Credits in the Fall and 1 Credit in the Spring)
• FRESHMAN FORUM: This course addresses the needs of freshmen who have not declared a major. Topics include: transition issues, information on schools, majors and minors, the Core, time management, study skills and stress management. (1 credit)
• SPRING SEMINARS: This course addresses issues facing freshman students. Topics may include but are not restricted to: social responsibility, relationships, physical and mental health, money management, multiculturalism. (1 credit)
• NEW STUDENT ACADEMIC SEMINARS: Seminars offered to new and transfer students at the beginning of the spring semester. Critical academic information is presented as well as information on programs and activities at Marist. (non-credit)
• PRIVATE TUTORING: The Academic Learning Center trains and assigns peer tutors for students in need of individualized help. (minimal fee involved)
• ACADEMIC REVIEW and DROP-IN SESSIONS: The Academic Learning Center sponsors review and drop-in sessions in various subjects for students in need of help.  (free service)
• PROOFREADING: (Drop-In or Online via iLearn) Trained writing tutors will review student papers both as a drop-in service or on-line. (free service)
• MAJORS FAIR: This annual fall event brings together representatives from all majors offered at Marist College. Students are given the opportunity to speak with Deans, faculty and upperclassmen in their major areas of interest. MAJOR/MINOR Booklet

Academic Learning Center Courses

• CRITICAL READING & THINKING: This course is designed to develop the critical and inferential reading skills required in all college work. Using college-level reading materials in various genres and disciplines, the student will practice principles of analysis as well as comprehension of content. (1 credit)
• INTRODUCTION TO COLLEGE WRITING: This course is specifically designed to prepare the student to do well in College Writing I and II. Activities will consist of exercises in mechanics of writing as well as basic organization. Reading skills will also be a part of the instruction. Students are recommended for this course based on writing and reading scores on standard college entrance examinations. (no college credit is given for this course; however, three equivalent credits are earned)
• SELF-MANAGEMENT: THEORY and APPLICATION: Exposes students to a practical self-management model that enables them to increase academic and personal achievement in a college environment. (3 credit CORE)
• CAREER PLANNING AND DECISION MAKING: This course helps students identify and discover career-related skills, interests, personality styles and possible career paths related to majors at Marist in order to help the student focus on career plans. (1 credit)

Academic Learning Center Staff

• Jane Fiore, Director of the Academic Learning Center

• Kathryn DiCorcia, Coordinator of Linguistic Skills

• Richard Cusano, Coordinator of Tutoring

• Pat Laffin, Academic Learning Center Assistant