Riverside, CA – La Sierra University is the first institution of higher learning in the United States to install and use the new College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) software, making CLEP available on the computer.

As of July 1, 2001, all 35 CLEP tests given at La Sierra University's Learning Support and Testing Center (LSTC) are computer-based. Candidates taking the test will walk away at the end of a 90-minute computer testing session with their scores in hand, eliminating the 3-week response time in awaiting scores.

Over 4 million students have used CLEP to get a college degree in record time. Taking a CLEP test helps one place out of a graduation requirement or an introductory course, get credit for what one already knows, shorten the time to a degree, and save tuition dollars. Developed by the College Board and Educational Testing Services (ETS) in conjunction with college faculty from across the United States, CLEP exams reflect the most rigorous and up-to-date education standards. La Sierra University presently accepts 27 of the tests as equivalent to its courses.

La Sierra University continues to be the only institution of higher learning in the Inland Empire to have an open policy of offering CLEP tests to students enrolled at other colleges, universities and high schools as well as to its own students. Students wishing to take a CLEP test should call the LSTC to make an appointment. Tests are given Mondays, Tuesday and Wednesdays at 10 am and 2 pm, Thursdays at 2 PM ,and Fridays at 9 am. (This schedule is in effect until August 13.) The cost per CLEP test is $76, including proctor and test fees.

The CLEP test is only one of the many services that the LSTC provides. Another program that the Learning Support and Testing Center offers is "Gateway to College." This five-week intensive summer program is designed for first-time freshmen students whose academic experience and placement test scores suggest they need additional preparation for their university experience. Students take classes to sharpen their reading, writing, math and study skills prior to beginning classes in the fall.

Gateway allows students to do more than just complete pre-college requirements early or obtain classroom hours. Because students are required to live in the residence halls during the full five weeks, they have the opportunity to make friends before school starts. Furthermore, tuition is significantly cheaper than if the students were to take these classes during the school year. (This year's Gateway runs August 13 through September 14.)

The LSTC also coordinates accommodations for students who have documented special needs. During spring quarter of 2001, sixteen students were hired to take formal notes for twenty different classes. Additionally, twenty-three texts were recorded on tape over a five week period by twenty different "disabilities readers." Approximately 147 hours per week were dedicated to reading texts on tape. These reading assignments represent the most books ever read on tape in one quarter at La Sierra University.

But does it really help? At least one pre-dentistry student certainly thinks so. "Because of the services (books on tape, formal note taker, extended time on tests) provided to me, I am no longer on academic probation. My G.P.A. is well above 2.00, and I hope to continue to improve. The Learning Support and Testing Center has given me my self-esteem and positive attitude toward school. I no longer feel hopeless or dumb. It's just going to take me a little longer than the average student to comprehend."

For further information on these programs or other services La Sierra University's Learning Support and Testing Center offers, call (909) 785-2452 between the hours of 8 am and 5 PM Current information can also be found at www.lasierra.edu/centers/lstc/