Our Story
Since the founding in 1997, Academic Support has grown from a small office focused on testing services into Auburn University's comprehensive learning center. Through innovative programs, nationally recognized certifications, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to student success, Academic Support has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of Auburn students. Explore the milestones that have shaped our history and the impact of our work over the years.
1970s
The tutoring program, Study Partners, was the first, stand-alone academic support program running as early as the 1970s. Formerly located in the basement of Haley Center, Study Partners was highly popular among students seeking course assistance on a drop-in basis. However, as the program continued, it expanded into other disciplines that would benefit students.
1996
Supplemental Instruction (SI) at Auburn University began in 1996 and quickly joined the Academic Support office. The SI program at AU is informed by the SI international program model. SI Leaders facilitate free and optional, reoccurring weekly, active-review sessions for targeted classes at AU with high percentage of student withdrawals and earned grades of D or F. The ability to participate in active-review sessions with peers and a SI Leader has been invaluable to many Auburn students. Auburn’s SI program has been CRLA certified Level 1 since 2023 and in 2025, achieved accreditation from the International Center for Supplemental Instruction.
1997
Academic Support was formed under the leadership of Dr. Kathryn Jarvis. Primarily functioning as the home of undergraduate and graduate entrance exams, Academic Support was very different from what it is today.
1997
Another uniquely designed program, Study Smart, is available to students out of the Academic Support. Focused on developing successful study habits, Study Smart has benefited countless students since 1997. It also provided the foundation for Academic Coaching. What began as small group coaching to help students with academic issues, has grown to be an individualized, proactive service designed to empower participants to achieve their academic goals.
2000s
A destructive fire in the basement of Haley Center left the Study Partners program without an office, initiating the relocation to the 0176 RBD Suite. Because of the generosity of the Provost, RBD Library, and several donors, Academic Support began operating on the ground floor of RBD Library. Study Partners transitioned tutoring services to the Learning Commons on the 2nd floor and Supplemental Instruction (SI) administration was moved to the Haley Building 2238.
2016
In collaboration with the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Academic Support launched Plainsmen’s Prep in 2016 under the direction of the former director, Dana Jablonski. The Plainsmen’s Prep program provides qualified incoming first-year students the chance to review mathematics concepts in preparation for a math placement exam. By completing the program, students had an opportunity to increase their math course placement for the fall semester.
2018
The Academic Coaching program earned College Reading & Learning Association (CRLA) International Peer Educator Training Program Certification (IPTPC) Level I in 2018 and all three certification levels in 2020. The certification acknowledges a rigorous and comprehensive training model to prepare Academic Coaches for their work with AU students.
2018
The office organized an accessibility audit of physical and digital spaces in partnership with the Office of Accessibility, resulting in changes throughout unit to build more accessible learning spaces.
2018
New partnerships were formalized by the Academic Coaching program in 2018 to include the Tiger Excellence Scholars program (formerly the Provost Leadership Undergraduate Studies scholars program), Office of Involvement, and Student Financial Services.
2019
In spring 2019, the office completed a program audit informed in CAS Standards for Learning Centers as a result of a Student Affairs program review expectation. The audit resulted in multiple ideas on how to improve programs and services for students.
That same semester, two staff in Academic Support, Drs. Miller and Carr, became certified in the International Center for Supplemental Instruction SI Supervisor Training.
2019
In May 2019, the office was awarded second place for the 2019 National College Learning Center Association Website Excellence Award (national award) and the Campus Partner Award in Student Affairs for partnership with the Registrar’s Office (campus award).
2020
In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced Academic Support services to remote delivery platforms, primarily Zoom. Academic Support staff worked to adjust all in-person offerings to remote within two business days, resulting in no delays of service to students the Monday after spring break. While this move to remote services was particularly stressful, the staff immediately sought to identify ways to delivery high-quality experiences via remote platforms to inform future programming.
2020
In December 2020, Academic Support staff moved from the RBD Library to the Haley Center after a refurbishment of office space. This move supported goals to be more visible for students, signal helpful behaviors and practices to students walking by, and allow for all professional and graduate staff to be in the same office (which was not possible with the RBD Library and 2238 Haley spaces).
2020
In December 2020, the Study Partners Peer Tutoring program earned the College Reading Learning Association (CRLA) Level I Certified Tutor designation to honor that the foundational concepts and curriculum for peer tutor training and preparation were built into the program.
Want to learn more about Academic Support?
Visit the Reports & Research page to learn more about Academic Support programs and services.
