About

Message from the Director

Welcome to the Student Academic Resource Center (SARC), where your academic success is our top priority!

As part of the Division of Student Success and Well-Being, SARC proudly supports UCF’s strategic plan by offering a comprehensive range of essential co-curricular learning experiences, aligning our efforts to bolster the success of every undergraduate student.

At SARC, we understand that the journey through higher education can be both exciting and challenging. That’s why we are here to offer you a variety of services and resources designed to support your academic endeavors. Whether you’re seeking support through peer tutoring, Supplemental Instruction, academic coaching, admissions exam preparation, or participating in our enriching academic success workshops, we are here to guide and assist you every step of the way. Best of all, all these services are provided free of charge.

Our team of dedicated and highly trained peer tutors is ready to collaborate with you in a group setting or a one-on-one basis, providing targeted support in a wide array of subjects. From science to languages, business to engineering, and admissions exam preparation, our tutors cover it all. Additionally, our Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions offer collaborative learning environments for selected challenging courses, fostering peer-led group study sessions that can significantly enhance your understanding of course material. Through collaborative learning experiences, we aim to foster a supportive environment where questions are welcomed, challenges are addressed, and victories are celebrated.

For those seeking personalized guidance on time management, goal setting, and effective study habits, our peer academic coaching services are tailored to meet your individual needs. Whether you would benefit from a single session or need an accountability partner to check in with throughout the semester, our peer coaches are here to empower you to reach your academic potential and develop the skills necessary for success in and beyond the classroom.

But wait…. there’s more! SARC also hosts a series of dynamic academic success workshops throughout the year. These workshops cover a variety of topics, including exam preparation, motivation and persistence, and stress management. They are designed to provide you with practical tools and insights to excel academically.

Whether you prefer in-person assistance, the flexibility of online support, or a combination of both through our hybrid options, SARC is here to meet you where you are.

Feel free to reach out to us, ask questions, and share your goals. Stay connected with us on social media via Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Your aspirations drive our commitment to excellence. Here’s to a successful academic journey with SARC, where your success in our priority!

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.