Learning Support Services
The Learning Support Services Program at Schreiner University serves a limited number of students, usually 60-70 each year, who have been diagnosed with dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, or a specific learning disability in reading, mathematics or written expression. Students in the program attend regular college-level courses, are held to the same high standards, and complete the same curriculum requirements as all other degree candidates. In addition to the LSS staff, the Schreiner University faculty is dedicated to helping students realize their full potential. Students admitted to the Learning Support Services program must be highly motivated, have the intellectual potential for success in a rigorous academic program, and have the ability to meet the demands of college life.
While the LSS program is specifically designed to provide academic support to students with dyslexia, attention deficit disorder and/or specific learning disabilities, we can accept a limited number of students on the Autism spectrum who can participate in the program effectively and appropriately.
Students with traumatic brain injuries, intellectual disabilities, perceptual disorders, mobility impairments or psychological disorders seeking academic accommodations may, with appropriate documentation, qualify under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Accommodations under Section 504 are provided at no charge.
Expectations
Students in the LSS program take college level courses, with no modifications in course content. They take the same tests as other students, complete the same assignments and are graded on the same standards as all other students.
Flexibility
The program services are designed for flexibility to meet the individual needs of each student. Student use the services as much or as little as they want, making changes in their use of the services throughout the semester.
Freshman Fall Class Schedule
Class schedules for incoming freshmen are created by the Director with course selection determined by the student’s intended major. The minimum course load (12 credit hours) necessary for full time status is recommended for new freshmen. This allows them to successfully transition from attending high school while living at home to meeting the academic and social challenges of an independent college student.
IDST 1301-Freshman Seminar
All new LSS freshmen are scheduled into a special section of this orientation course required for all freshmen. The class is team taught by the LSS Director and the Tutor Coordinator which allows them to become better acquainted with students and to more effectively disseminate information about accessing program services. Course content is oriented to meet special needs of LSS students.
Tutoring
Regularly scheduled, individual tutoring, provided primarily by degreed adults with some peer tutoring, is available in most undergraduate courses except Engineering and Nursing. If no tutor is available for a particular course, every effort will be made to find one as soon as possible. Formal tutor registration takes place at the beginning of the semester, usually during the first week of classes.
Students are encouraged to register for two one-hour sessions of tutoring per subject, per week. Students can make changes to their tutoring schedules to meet their needs throughout the semester, increasing or decreasing time with tutors, adding or dropping tutors or changing from regularly scheduled tutoring to ‘as needed.’ After a student has been scheduled with a tutor, changes in that schedule can be made directly with the tutor.
Students who cannot attend a scheduled tutoring session are expected to notify the tutor at least one hour in advance. Such absences will be noted as ‘excused’ on tutor attendance records. If the student is a no-show or does not notify the tutor of a cancellation within the required timeframe, the absence will be noted as ‘unexcused.’ Students with repeated unexcused absences will be dropped from the tutor’s regular schedule and will be reinstated only after meeting with the Tutor Coordinator or Director.
Peer Notes
Copies of peer notes for lecture classes can be arranged at any time throughout the semester by completing the appropriate request form. Most requests will be filled within 7 business days after they are received. Note-takers are usually students already in the class who are paid for copies of notes. Note-takers are expected to bring notes to the LSS office within 24 hours of the class, make required copies, and place the copies in the appropriate bins for pickup by the LSS student. If students do not receive notes in a timely manner or if the notes are incomplete or illegible, the Notetaker Supervisor should be notified immediately.
Audio (Electronic) Textbooks
Electronic copies of textbooks and other required reading can be provided upon request. Most requests can be filled within two business days. They are obtained through the publisher or through an e-book library. A pdf of the text is given to the student, who can access it through the text-to-audio feature on their laptop or ipad or through free downloadable reading software. Students requesting an electronic book must provide a USB for downloading the material.
Testing Accommodations
Students in the LSS program are expected to take the same tests as other students. Modifications in the testing environment can be arranged for any test. They may include extended time (double time), testing in a reduced distraction environment, having a reader, using a computer or a scribe for essay questions, and assistance completing scan-tron answer forms.
Academic Advising
LSS Director and Tutor Coordinator advise all new students and assist with course selection for Spring semester of Freshman year.
Monitoring Progress
Faculty submit four-week and mid-term grades for all students. The grades are reviewed by LSS staff, with appropriate interventions implemented as necessary. Except for these reports, the LSS staff does not have access to students’ attendance or grade records in their classes.
