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In This Section
Student Academic Success Office
Everyone struggles academically from time to time, and the Student Academic Success Office is here to help. Our services are open to all students on campus. We match students with academic coaches who help students assess their strengths, recognize areas for improvement, and develop skills to reach their goals. Our coaches’ recommendations and encouragement help each student we serve feel confident about their progress.
Our office is also a great resource for other campus services. We are well-connected with the faculty as well as other departments that offer student support. Our welcoming office is a safe space and a home away from home for students who need it.
Check out what is happening in our Student Academic Success Newsletter.
Academic Support and Resources
Highlights
Tailored Improvement Plans
Coaches will evaluate your study skills and give you an individualized plan for success. Whether you have trouble taking notes or keeping track of your assignments, our coaches are here to help you implement a manageable plan.
Time Management Accountability
Our coaches will help you develop habits that will lead to productive time management. You will feel a sense of accomplishment knowing you are meeting your goals, while they hold you accountable to a schedule that works for you.
Monitoring Academic Progress
Our coaches will debrief with you about faculty feedback. They’ll help you track improvement by responding to academic alerts and assessing your progress after midterms. You’ll have someone on your side, helping you adjust your study habits to reach your goals.
Extra Enrichment
We offer engaging workshops and events that help you thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Our newsletter will keep you informed on special events like our honors recognition dinner, First Gen Week festivities, academic pop-ups, and educational field trips. From workshops on exploring career paths and building financial literacy to alumni networking and wellness events, we are dedicated to helping you make the most of your experience here.
Welcoming space that feels like home
Our office space is warm and welcoming, stocked with items like snacks, hygiene products, school supplies, and more. We understand that feeling cared for is closely linked to increased productivity and academic success.
Specialized Tutors
Our academic coaches are not the only ones who can help students achieve academic success. We partner with departments across campus to connect you with students who are experts in their field of study.
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Major-specific Tutors
Students recommended by faculty for their subject expertise are available for one-on-one tutoring sessions. -
Writing Center Consultants
Trained writing consultants will guide and support students of all writing abilities. -
Collaborative Learning Program
Knowledgeable upperclassmen exchange ideas with students who would like to gain a better understanding of course content in specific science and math courses.
Other Services
SSS TRIO and Act 101
SSS TRIO and ACT 101 are federally and state-funded college support programs that assist first-generation, low-income students in achieving academic success. While these grants provide additional resources for eligible students, our academic coaching services are open to all students and supported through various funding sources to ensure access.
Saint Vincent College is committed to providing an accessible learning environment for all students. Academic accommodations are provided on an individual basis in alignment with ADA and Section 504 guidelines. Our helpful team is here to implement plans that support learning.
We facilitate the Summer Bridge program for students who are conditionally admitted to Saint Vincent College. The three-week summer program gives students the opportunity to acclimate to college life with a variety of supports while earning 4 college credits. The Admission Office informs students of conditional admit status.
Resource to the Resources
When you come to our office, you will see bulletin boards with informative flyers, posters with calendars, and other resources that keep you in-the-know. Whether it is a schedule of networking events from the career center or reminders about deadlines from the financial aid office, we will keep you informed on the latest happenings on campus.
Academic Calendar: Key dates for the academic year, including start/end of terms, holidays, and exam periods.
Academic Support and Resources: A comprehensive list of student academic supports.
Business Office: Handles billing, tuition payments, and student accounts.
Career and Professional Development Center: Offers career guidance, job search help, and internship support.
Financial Aid: Provides information and assistance with scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study.
Health and Wellness: Supports student well-being through medical, mental health, and wellness services.
Registrar: Manages course registration, transcripts, and academic records.
Student Academic Success Team
Lisa Tatone
Director
lisa.tatone@stvincent.edu
After graduating from SVC, I began my career in corporate as an analyst. I then moved into education as a business, computer, and information technology teacher, followed by a role as a middle school professional school counselor. After 31+ years, I returned home to SVC in 2022 in my current role as the director of Student Academic Success. My husband and I have two wonderful daughters and sons-in-law (and two grand doggies: Bowie and Penny). I have enjoyed cantering at church, following collegiate sports, listening to live music (especially Flattop Matt), and spending time with my family and good friends.
Tayia Karpinski
Assistant Director of Student Academic Success
tayia.karpinski@stvincent.edu
I hold both a Master of Science in Criminology and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from Saint Vincent College. After spending time working in the criminology field, I felt called back to my alma mater, where I now serve as the assistant director of Student Academic Success. I also have the privilege of teaching as an adjunct instructor in the Criminology Department. I’m passionate about helping students discover their potential, build confidence, and make the most of their college experience at Saint Vincent.
Christina Andrae
Academic Coach
christina.andrae2@stvincent.edu
I love working as an academic coach in the Student Academic Success office and consider it a joy to guide students during their college years. I began this role in the fall of 2024, but have held various positions at the College, including my other current role as an adjunct in the music department. My time outside of SVC includes being an active freelance musician (flute is my primary instrument) and involvement in church and volunteer activities.
Terron Colson
Academic Coach
terron.colson@stvincent.edu
I have been an academic coach at SVC since December of 2024. Prior to joining the Student Academic Success office, I was a high school football coach and history teacher for the Miami-Dade County Public School District located in Miami, FL. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Secondary Education and a Master of Science in Higher Education in Student Affairs from Grand Canyon University.
Lea Delcoco-Fridley, PhD
Academic Accommodations Specialist; Instructor of English
lea.delcoco-fridley@stvincent.edu
I have spent my entire career teaching others in one capacity or another. My favorite area to teach is American literature and writing, with a particular focus on multiethnic studies. I have been teaching those subjects at Saint Vincent College for well over a decade. However, I am most proud of my role as a mom to four amazing sons! Beyond teaching, I love to read, shop, go on Disney vacations, and spend time watching my four boys play sports.
Nicole Kerr
Coordinator, Academic Accommodations
nicole.kerr@stvincent.edu
I am currently the coordinator of academic accommodations, but I previously worked in the Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations and for SVC Prevention Projects. My work experience has been in social services for the last 17 years, and I have worked throughout Westmoreland, Fayette, Washington, and Greene counties. My husband, daughter, and son are my whole world and the people I love spending my time with most. I also enjoy music, reading, anything true crime, hockey, baking, and I love my Kansas City Chiefs!
Drew Stano
Graduate Assistant
andrew.stano@stvincent.edu
My name is Drew Stano, and I am currently serving as the graduate assistant in the Student Academic Success Office. I also serve as a graduate assistant for the Criminology, Law, and Society Department at SVC. I played four years of varsity baseball at SVC as a pitcher, served on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and was also the vice president of the SVC Psychology Club.
Theresa Torisky
Academic Coach
theresa.torisky@stvincent.edu
I have been working at Saint Vincent for 22 years. I started out teaching freshman English part time for 4 years before moving into my current role. My husband, Gene, is a philosophy professor here, and my son, Justin, is a student here.
Ish Solomon
Academic Coach
ishmael.solomon2@stvincent.edu
As an alum of Saint Vincent College, Ish completed his undergraduate and graduate programs in 2015 and 2017. Ish is also a former Trio student who served as a work-study intern and graduate assistant for the former Opportunity program (now Student Academic Success, or SAS). He has served the Office of Student Affairs for many years and has returned to Student Academic Success to serve as an academic coach.
Contact Us
Student Academic Success Office
Phone: 724-805-2255
Email: studentacademicsuccess@stvincent.edu