About
Welcome from the Director
Welcome to the Student Academic Resource Center (SARC)! Our mission is to strengthen comprehensive learning, enhance retention, and promote student success by providing academic support services to the University of Central Florida (UCF) students.
We offer free programs and services to UCF students such as peer tutoring, Supplemental Instruction (SI), workshops and seminars, learning skills consultations, and first-year transition programs. Many of our services are offered across campus, and peer tutoring is conveniently located at two facilities: Trevor Colbourn Hall and the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Our services are delivered in a variety of formats, including peer-led group tutoring and study sessions, workshops, and individual consultations. Additionally, SARC Online is available on demand to offer a variety of tools, resources, and materials designed to help students be successful, whether they are taking online classes or simply seeking online academic support.
Additionally, SARC is proud to be part of the Knights Academic Resource Services (KARS) coalition. KARS provides a virtual one-stop shop to connect students with up-to-date information about resources and helpful academic services available at the University of Central Florida.
We invite you to explore our website for information and resources and take advantage of the many programs and services offered through SARC!
Mission Statement
The Student Academic Resource Center mission is to strengthen comprehensive learning, enhance retention and promote student success by providing academic support services to UCF students. This is accomplished through campus outreach, tutoring, supplemental instruction, learning assistance, and first-year transition programs.
Vision Statement
The Student Academic Resource Center is committed to maintaining its status as a nationally recognized learning center with model academic support programs that promote undergraduate students’ academic preparation, transition, and progress toward graduation. Through collaboration and partnerships with internal and external constituencies, the center will remain cutting-edge in facilitating service to students by providing opportunities for a smooth, seamless, and successful transition to UCF and progress toward graduation.
Goals
- To develop and implement quality academic support services and academic advising programs for UCF students.
- Establish partnerships and provide outreach programming that will contribute to the academic success and persistence of UCF students.
- Enhance learning in and outside of the classroom.
- Enhance learning for UCF students with comprehensive and innovative learning initiatives.
- Provide excellent customer service to UCF students who use SARC services and programs.
History
The Student Academic Resource Center at the University of Central Florida is known as SARC, and it can be found by its iconic Red Door.
Dr. Mary Helen Callarman was the founding Director of SARC. When she opened the department in 1988, it was in one of many identical gray portable classrooms on campus. At risk of clashing with University officials, she spent a weekend painting the portable’s front door red. The bright color in the sea of gray drew students’ eyes and attention to SARC services.
When SARC was established 30 years ago, it was with a student-oriented philosophy, to create and facilitate innovative academic support programs and services. Initially, SARC offered two services: peer tutoring and the College Achievement Program. Over time, peer tutoring continued while SARC added numerous other programs to support students academically, notably Supplemental Instruction, academic coaching, the Access summer bridge program, academic success workshops, and online learning support. Since its founding, SARC has served students over one million times.
In 2001, SARC left the portable and moved to Howard Phillips Hall, a central location on campus. In 2018, it moved to the newest building at UCF, Trevor Colbourn Hall. Both moves provided increased visibility and the opportunity to serve more students. In every location, the original Red Door is hung with a plaque honoring Dr. Callarman and the work that she began, and which continues, at SARC.
Accessibility Statement
The Student Academic Resource Center strives to make all of its web resources accessible. If you have a problem accessing the content on this website, please contact us. We will work to make the resource or feature accessible or to provide the information in a format that is accessible.