Miami’s Rinella Learning Center recently earned the Learning Center of Excellence Certification through the National College Learning Center Association (NCLCA). Miami is one of only six universities in the country to be recognized at this highest level of certification.

“This achievement is a reflection of the good work and innovation happening within Rinella,” said Christina Carruba-Whetstine, director of the Rinella Learning Center. “It speaks to partnerships, collaborations, and efforts towards academic support throughout the Division of Student Life and the greater university community.”

The certification process takes into account programs and services, organizational framework, academic integrity and learning environment, funding, resources, and design, staff and professional development, promotion and public relations, and assessment and evaluation. 

Rinella earned high marks across the board, with perfect scores in both programs and services and organizational framework. 

Gary Ritz (left) received the Lifetime Learning
Center Leadership Certification.“Our interdisciplinary approach and expansive definition of learning support played a key role in the success of our application,” said Carruba-Whetstine.

The certification award was presented at the NCLCA conference in October, held in Louisville, Kentucky, and extends through 2022.

Gary Ritz, associate director of the Rinella Learning Center, was also recognized at the conference. He was presented with NCLCA’s Level 4 Lifetime Learning Center Leadership Certification. The certification provides validation of individuals' expertise in the field of learning assistance through external and objective review. Level 4 is the highest possible level.

“It was a great honor to receive this lifetime recognition by NCLCA,” said Ritz. “I credit this recognition to the great mentors I have had over the many years in higher education who pushed me to contribute and give back to the field of academic assistance.”