La Sierra University will launch a significant new academic support program designed to help students achieve their academic and professional goals.

Called the Center for Student Academic Success (C-SAS), the new initiative focuses on assisting students with 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 LSU in the Fall 2007 term. The components of this new effort are an outgrowth of a successful pilot retention program that LSU operated last 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 held just before the start of fall quarter, 11 two-day summer orientation programs are being held on campus. Each 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 students, and learn how to be ready for university-level work. Participants may stay in LSU residence halls free of charge.

One enhancement to the program is the establishment of an academic coaching program. Seven academic coaches have been hired by C-SAS. 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, a required first-year class.

"These academic coaches will work with all first-year students, challenging honors students to actively pursue research interests while providing a safety net for students who might be struggling," says Jill Rasmussen, director of the 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. These twice-weekly meetings help students hold each other accountable for academic progress. Adult mentors and student peer mentors will lead each group. Communities are already planned for honors, chemistry, psychology and social work, as well as 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 www.lasierra.edu/future/orientation. For reservations for August and September summer orientations or additional information, call 951-785-2499.