"Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning." — Maya Angelou

College asks you to do more than just read; you’ll be expected to make sense of complex ideas, think critically and clearly communicate what you know. In Academic Literacies, we help you build your reading, writing and critical thinking skills together, so you feel more confident and prepared for your college courses. Our classes are designed to support you where you are and help you grow, with flexible course times and locations to fit your schedule. We’re excited to work with you and support you on your path to college success!


Offerings

5 equated credit hours.

Explore and critically evaluate a variety of academic texts. Identify, discuss and write about abstract ideas from a variety of complex academic texts. Expand and connect readings to other meaningful texts, to the world and to the lived experiences of the students. Develop an understanding of the writing process in order to produce authentic academic writing, thus preparing students for success in college-level reading and writing.


Faculty and Staff

Antione D. Tomlin, Ph.D., PCC, associate professor, academic chair and program coordinator
LBRY 119
410-777-2587
adtomlin@aacc.edu 

Forrest Caskey, professor (on sabbatical)
LBRY 113
410-777-2158
dcaskey@aacc.edu

Antione D. Tomlin, Ph.D., PCC, associate professor, academic chair, and program coordinator
LBRY 119
410-777-2587
adtomlin@aacc.edu 

Christine Zabala-Eisshofer, Ph.D., assistant professor and director of academic literacies lab
LBRY 113
410-777-2543
cmzabalaeisshof@aacc.edu 


Upcoming Events

Below is a list of upcoming Academic Literacies events, workshops and student showcases facilitated by Academic Literacies faculty. These events reflect our department’s commitment to student success, inclusive learning and meaningful engagement across the college community. If you have questions about any of these events, feel free to reach out to a member of the Academic Literacies faculty.

Join us for a powerful, student-centered panel where Black students share what daily life on campus truly feels like: the joys, the challenges, the moments of invisibility and the moments that make them feel seen. Through honest conversation, storytelling and reflection, students will discuss classroom experiences, campus culture, belonging, support networks and the realities of navigating AACC as Black students. This event invites our campus community to listen deeply, learn intentionally and gain insight into how we can continue to create a campus where all students feel valued, affirmed and empowered.

Date: Feb. 2
Time: 2-3:30 p.m.
Location: Careers Center 129 and ZOOM

Email Antione D. Tomlin, Ph.D., (adtomlin@aacc.edu) for Zoom information. 

Join us for a powerful Black History Month professional development workshop featuring a panel of Black higher-education professionals who will share their lived experiences, journeys and strategies for thriving in academic spaces. This open-to-all conversation will explore identity, equity, mentorship and the realities of Black professionals navigating institutions while creating meaningful impact. Participants will gain insights, inspiration and actionable takeaways to support Black colleagues across campus.

Date: Feb. 11 
Time: 3-4:30 p.m.
Location: Careers Center 129 and ZOOM

Email Antione D. Tomlin, Ph.D., (adtomlin@aacc.edu) for Zoom information. 

The Belonging, Academic Success and Community (BAC) Scholars are back and rolling with ENG-102, and we are excited to share a save-the-date for the upcoming student event hosted by our BAC ENG-102 cohort.

Title: Power, Privilege and the College Experience: BAC Cohort Student Voices in Conversation

Date: Feb. 16
Time: 12:30-1:45 p.m.
Location: SUN 100

This event offers students the opportunity to discuss and share how they see power and privilege influencing and impacting higher education. Through conversation, student-created work and reflection, students will explore how these dynamics shape access, belonging and educational experiences.

This event will be a chance to:

  • Engage with student perspectives and lived experiences.
  • See critical thinking and reflection in action.
  • Support the meaningful work emerging from the BAC cohort model.

Join us to listen, learn and support our scholars. You do not need to stay for the entire event.

Join us for an open, community-centered discussion about the lived experiences of Black employees at AACC. Through storytelling and shared insight, we will illuminate both the challenges and the opportunities that shape daily life for Black professionals on campus. Together, we will reflect, learn and imagine stronger pathways toward an inclusive and affirming college culture. All are welcome.

Date: Feb. 25
Time: 3-4:30 p.m.
Location: Careers Center 129 and ZOOM

Email Antione D. Tomlin, Ph.D., (adtomlin@aacc.edu) for Zoom information.


Resources for Students

Academic Literacies Lab

The Academic Literacies Lab, located in Andrew G. Truxal Library Room 108, is designed to promote academic growth and excellence. We want to make sure you are approaching college-level learning with confidence. Visiting the lab can help you strengthen academic skills, develop general learning and study strategies, and improve academic success. Our tutors are committed to meeting you where you are and helping you accomplish your educational goals.

Spring 2026 Hours

In person (Truxal Library Room 108, Arnold)

  • Monday and Wednesday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Tuesday and Thursday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Virtual/online (ZOOM)

  • Monday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-8 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.
  • Tuesday and Thursday: 1-5 p.m.

Get customized tutoring in these academic fields:

  • Art
  • Business
  • English
  • History
  • Physical sciences
  • Psychology
  • Reading
  • Sociology

Tutors can help you with:

  • Strengthening reading habits
  • Improving reading comprehension
  • Note-taking, organization and study skills
  • Brainstorming assignments
  • Writing assignments
  • Research
  • Test preparation
  • College application essays

About our tutors:

  • They have advanced degrees and teaching experience.
  • Some are experienced with ESL students, military/veterans and students with accommodations.
  • They have experience with both credit and noncredit students.

Did you know that the Academic Literacies Lab is available online? Schedule your virtual tutoring session!

Follow the instructions below on how to enroll in the online Academic Literacies Lab and request a virtual tutoring session.

  1. On the left-hand navigation bar in any course, find the Enroll in Online Academic Literacies Lab and click on that tab
  2. Click on Go To Course.
  3. Either scroll through this page and look at the tutoring schedule OR click on Zoom in the left-hand navigation bar.
  4. The first meeting link you see will take you to a live tutor. Please click on Join and a tutor will let you into their Zoom room.

Questions?

Email Assistant Professor and Director Christine Zabala-Eisshofer, Ph.D, at cmzabalaeisshof@aacc.edu if you have questions regarding the Academic Literacies Lab.

 

Questions?

We’re here to help.

School of Liberal Arts
Academic Literacies

Antione D. Tomlin, PhD

410-777-2587

Send Email

Wayne Kobylinski, Ph.D.
Assistant dean

Hours

Monday-Thursday
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
(Virtual only)

See hours for other student services.

 

More Tutoring

The Academic Literacies Lab isn’t the only tutoring available at AACC. Visit the Tutoring page to learn more.