In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the University of Miami had two fundamentally different tutoring programs emerging. The College of Arts and Science began considering the need for tutoring as departmental professors complained that students were having difficulty meeting the demands of the science courses. This program was called the Master Tutor Program and was started by Dr. Mallory.
Initially, students were only allowed tutoring when referred by a professor or if failing a course. Tutoring was extended to other subject matters to equally service all majors within Arts and Sciences. Another tutoring program was also starting in the School of Education through the Developmental Studies Department headed by Scott Baldwin. This program, located in the Merrick building, emerged from the need to support students struggling with the Basic English requirements.
Students were able to take remedial courses such as TAL 191, which is still offered today, to help acquire the fundamental skills needed to be successful in college. The program out of the School of Education was critical for the “at risk” student and later evolved into the Reading and Study Skills Center. These two programs began out of separate needs from two different departments.
In 1989, Developmental Studies relocated to the University Center, Room N201 in order to combine several resources. These services were housed in one unit called the Academic Development Center. The center included Disability Services because of new legislation and the increasing need to support students with disabilities.
