July 20, 2007

La Sierra University will launch a significant new academic support effort designed to provide students a university-wide program aimed at helping them achieve their academic and professional goals.

Called the Center for Student Academic Success (C-SAS), the new initiative focuses on assisting students making a successful transition to University life and academic success. A key part of the newly launched program is a comprehensive First Year Experience for all students planning to enter La Sierra University in the Fall 2007 term. The components of this new effort are an outgrowth of a successful Pilot Retention Program that La Sierra University operated last school year, with enhancements developed through a study of the best practices of similar programs at institutions like the University of Redlands, Chapman University, and UCLA.

First-year students entering LSU this fall will participate in a two-part orientation process. Along with the traditional Freshman Orientation session held just before the start of fall quarter, 11 two-day summer orientation programs are being held on campus. Each entering first-year student needs to attend one of these sessions, which have been designed to offer more personal service to smaller groups. Activities include time for math and English placement tests; individual visits with academic coaches for advising, resolution of any registration barriers, and registering for fall classes. Participants also meet LSU administrators, faculty and staff, finalize their financial plans, begin developing peer relationships with other incoming LSU first-year students, and learn how to be ready for university-level work. Participants may stay in LSU residence halls free of charge.

A second enhancement to the LSU First-Year Experience is the establishment of an academic coaching program. Seven academic coaches have been hired by the Center for Student Academic Success. Each coach will meet with 40 individual students on a weekly basis throughout the academic year. Coaching sessions will focus on setting and meeting academic goals, and time management issues the student might be facing. The academic coaches will also join forces with a faculty member to team teach two quarters of University Studies 101, LSU’s required first-year seminar class.

“These academic coaches will work with all first-year students, challenging honor’s students to actively pursue research interests while providing a safety net for students who might be struggling,” says Jill Rasmussen, director of the new C-SAS initiative. When a student appears to be having academic challenges, they will be directed to a wide range of campus resources to help them get their challenges resolved.

Additional components being developed by the C-SAS initiative include:

• Workshops in time management, test anxiety, study strategies, and other relevant topics.
• Development of Learning Communities, twice-weekly meetings scheduled for students to hold each other accountable for academic progress. Adult mentors and student peer mentors will lead each group. Communities are already planned in the areas of Honors, Chemistry, Psychology, Social Work, and residence hall based groups in Angwin Hall and Sierra Towers. Additional communities will be formed in response to students needs.
• Supplemental instruction, sessions designed to provide additional help to students enrolled in classes that are particularly demanding.
• Partnering with Parents, featuring special Parent Orientation Sessions throughout the summer, many in conjunction with the student programs, and a quarterly parents’ newsletter.

A website with complete information and checklists for first-year students has been established at http://www.lasierra.edu/future/orientation/. For reservations to August and September summer orientations or additional information, call 951-785-2499.

Contact: Larry Becker
Executive Director of University Relations
La Sierra University
Riverside, California
951.785.2460 (voice)