La Sierra University launched the Center for Student Academic Success last July with a goal of providing students a comprehensive program to help them achieve their academic and professional goals. Follow-up research shows encouraging signs that the new program will have a significant positive impact on the academic achievements and re-enrollment rates of La Sierra's first-year students.

"Through two quarters, the retention rate for first-year students who began in the fall of 2007 is 87.9 percent compared to 80.2 percent for the previous year— a significant 7.7 percent improvement," says Warren Trenchard, provost. "In the winter quarter this year, 26 percent of first year students had a grade point average of 3.5 or better, compared to 20 percent last year. Likewise, this year 22 percent earned a GPA between 3.0 and 3.5, compared to 15 percent last year. C-SAS is certainly fulfilling the university's expectations."

"C-SAS works collaboratively with many departments on campus, and our students' success would not be possible without these relationships," says Jill Rasmussen, director of the C-SAS initiative. "For example, there are currently seven learning communities on campus (business, chemistry, physics, psychology, social work, and two in the residence halls open to students living in that residence hall). The English and math departments now require labs for additional learning for their pre-foundational students, and many departments have participated in providing workshops for our first-year students on topics that enrich the academic experience.

"Also, our faculty have been very responsive to the new early alert system that identifies and allows early intervention for those students who are struggling in a particular class," Rasmussen adds.

A major component to the LSU first-year experience has been the establishment of an academic coaching program. A team of eight academic coaches provides weekly guidance to incoming first-year students, creating a smooth transition from high school to university life.

"We're part of a bridge for new La Sierra students moving from high school to college," says Keren Arteaga, one of the eight academic coaches. "Along with academic help, we incorporate life experiences into our program so students will have a better chance for success."

In the program's first two quarters, the coaches are able to point to many successful outcomes. "We were able to set up a shadowing opportunity with Loma Linda Medical Center for several of my students," says coach Emmanuel Nelson. "One student was able to speak with a few of the doctors regarding what was required for admittance to the MD program, and have face time with one of the members of the acceptance committee. This student was already a phenomenal academic achiever, but the experience seemed to ignite a deeper sense of academic excellence."

A website with complete information and checklists for first-year and transfer students who plan to begin in the fall has been established at www.lasierra.edu/future/orientation. First-year students are required to attend a two-day summer orientation session. These are scheduled weekly during July, August and September on campus. Transfer students are encouraged, but not required, to attend an orientation. For additional information, visit the website or call 951-785-2452.