INDIVIDUALIZED ACADEMIC SUPPORT FOR UA STUDENTS Role of the Learning Specialist Student Learning Services Team August Kick-Off 8/9/10

Overview  Students face many challenges as they transition and progress through college  Academic and Student Affairs professionals strive to meet students’ needs in academic, emotional, and personal realms  Student success is a result of complex interactions between variables and is unique for each student

Framing the Role Specialization is the common within organizations We have professionals with expertise in financial aid, career services, advising, leadership, wellness, residence life, and learning Learning Specialists have broad knowledge of the campus environment and specialist expertise in assessing and developing learning strategies

The Role of a Learning Specialist Develop rapport and ongoing relationships with students – (daily, weekly, monthly) Listen, observe non verbal cues, address inconsistent thoughts, actions, behaviors Reframe how students think about and approach learning in the university environment Emphasize study skills, time management, and model behaviors to reach personal and academic goals

Why Learning Specialists? Out of class experiences with the campus environment, faculty, staff, and peers greatly impact retention Learning specialists offer students another lens/ perspective on their UA experience Advisors have large caseloads and less opportunity for repeated contact The focus is often on course requirements for degree completion, registration, interpreting policies, etc

Learning Specialists as part of the Team Function to support the expertise of faculty, advising professionals, and other functional specialists around campus Emphasize metacognition – thinking about how you study, take notes, prepare for exams, write papers, and complete academic tasks Goal is to develop ownership for learning outcomes through time management, organization, and engagement with the learning process

The Think Tank Currently developing centralized learning specialist services for students on probation Offer academic skill workshops and learning resources/tools through web and trained peer mentors Ongoing educational planning services available on a limited basis and/or for a small fee

CATS Academics Student-Athletes Invested in Learning (SAIL) Program Assess student-athlete academic needs and develop strategies for success given their demanding schedules. Assign incoming student-athletes and selected others to 6-10 hours/week of objective-based study time. Teach and apply study skills to the practice of completing course requirements. Provide content tutoring, and structured math and writing services with trained staff. Monitor students’ academic progress daily.

SALT Center  Strategic Learning Specialists have a roster of students and maintain weekly contact  Use coaching and appreciative inquiry to build relationships with LD/ADHD students  Develop educational plans based on students’ unique strengths, weaknesses, & disability  Coordinate SALT services: tutoring, workshops, group reviews, assistive technology, writing/math labs

Summary  Communication and counseling skills are critical in this role as in advising  Educational plans are based on each students’ unique profile of strengths, weaknesses, background characteristics, and out of class expectations (work, family, athletic competition, personal challenges)  Engagement with learning is the goal for all of us  Thank You for the opportunity!  Questions??