Study Skills Program

Goal

The goal of the Study Skills Program is to prepare students for professional careers in spite of an unconventional academic background. Students who do not meet the normal admission criteria, but appear to have the potential to successfully complete a program of study, are accepted to Concordia through the Study Skills Program. They receive special assistance during their first year at Concordia.

Structure

Study Skills students are limited to 13 semester hours of coursework until they show consistent academic progress. They are required to enroll in, attend, and successfully complete "Strategies for Academic Success," which is taught by the Director of Learning Assistance. The "Success" course carries 1 semester hour of elective credit. The remaining 12 semester hours are selected based upon test scores and academic program requirements.

Transfer students may be accepted into the Study Skills Program requiring only mentoring and credit hour restrictions if they are awarded transfer credit for an equivalent study skills course.

Experience has revealed that most Study Skills students need assistance and monitoring to succeed. These pro-active counseling strategies are provided by the Director of Learning Assistance and other staff. Study Skills students must attend pre-arranged counseling appointments during the first year, or as long as they remain Study Skills students. They are also free to drop in at any time. A strong commitment to the program requirements is needed for a Study Skills student to be successful.

Any degree-seeking student may voluntarily participate in any service offered by the Learning Assistance Center. In addition, students who find themselves in academic difficulty will be contacted and urged to take advantage of the course, the mentoring program or any of the Study Skills workshops that are periodically provided.