Stephen F. Austin State University

The Academic Assistance and Resource Center at Stephen F. Austin State University is one of eight finalists for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's Star Award, which recognizes exemplary contributions in addressing the state's higher education challenges.

The center offers free services for students who want to improve their chances of academic success by providing peer tutoring and supplemental instruction for many courses. It is the only learning center in the nation to achieve advanced certification from the National Association for Developmental Education, according to Robin Wright, director.

"We are currently being reviewed for Distinguished Certification, which would place us at the top level and well ahead of any other learning center," Wright said.

The learning center, located in the Steen Library at SFA, offers assistance through one-on-one tutoring and small study groups, as well as through supplemental instruction groups. Supplemental instruction offers students in traditionally difficult courses the opportunity to work with a student leader who has previously taken that course.

"Tutors and supplemental instruction leaders are students at SFA who have been selected based on their desire to help, their high degree of academic success in their tutoring field, faculty recommendations and their overall demeanor," Wright said. "Our tutors and supplemental instruction leaders are trained to help their clients develop study and problem-solving skills that will ensure their success at SFA."

The other finalists for the Star Award are Austin Community College, for its College Connection program; Amarillo College, for its Disability Services Program; Tarrant County College District, for its SureStart Program; the University of Texas at Brownsville/Texas Southmost College, for the Office of Pre-Medical Education Programs; the University of Texas at El Paso, for the Chemistry Peer Leader Program; the University of North Texas, for its Computer Science and Engineering Recruiting and Retention Program; and YES College Preparatory Schools.

Higher Education Commissioner Raymund Paredes said each program furthers the goals of the state's higher education plan, Closing the Gaps by 2015. The plan seeks to narrow the gap in educational achievement between Texas and other large states, as well as the gap in Texas between minority students and white students.

Award winners will be announced at a Nov. 6 ceremony in Austin.