The First-Year at Landmark College
We are committed to supporting new students through a welcoming community and supportive academic environment. College students, especially those who learn differently, benefit from an intentional approach to education that acknowledges the differing needs and strengths of developing learners. Through curricular offerings, academic advising, and our network of support, we provide an intellectual framework that introduces students to the cognitive, physical, and affective dimensions of learning. Best practices and current research guide our approach to providing an exceptional collegiate environment.
Guiding Principles
- Assignments are relevant and meaningful.
- Course objectives and purpose of assignments are clearly explained.
- Feedback on assignments is frequent and guiding.
- Academic policies, course work, and expectations are explicit.
- Student progress in course objectives is assessed using a variety of methods.
- Study skills and learning strategies are integral to classroom instruction, assignments, and assessment.
- Self-reflection and metacognition are encouraged at every level of the curriculum.
- A network of support services are considered integral to success at Landmark College. These services are introduced in First-Year courses and as part of Academic Advising.
Academic Advisors are also able to provide executive function coaching support for students who are ready to work in a focused way on developing their executive function and problem-solving skills in an academic setting. Coaching helps students gain greater control over their academic performance as students develop understanding of how they work. Through a process of experimentation and practice, students develop skills and strategies that enable them to become increasingly independent and effective in creating satisfying lives at college. Landmark College specializes in supporting students who have executive function challenges. Advisors will work with students who want to try this approach to define goals in self-management related skills including the following:
- Planning and prioritizing
- Remembering to do intended tasks
- Getting started
- Sustaining motivation
- Managing long term assignments
- Following through
- Balancing academics and social life
Academic Advising
http://catalog.landmark.edu/content.php?catoid=7&navoid=161#educational-technology-services
Landmark College’s Academic Advisors support students to become self-reflective, strategic learners. At the Associate level, Academic Advisors provide instruction and support in areas of organization, study skills, personal and academic development, course registration and paths to graduation, and self-advocacy. Committed to supporting students in the transition to college, either directly from high school, or as transfer students, the core advising curriculum is especially designed to support students in developing their understanding of their learning strengths and challenges, and examining their approach to academics. A hallmark of the advising program is a focus on metacognition and self-advocacy.
Bachelor degree students in their junior and senior years work with Baccalaureate Advisors who are teaching faculty with credentials in the specific disciplines of interest to the student. Baccalaureate Advisors collaborate with Core Advisors to gain information and insights that will support students’ smooth transition to a model that emphasizes increased student independence, expectations for intellectual engagement, and the application and integration of foundational skills learned in the core advising curriculum. The primary focus of Baccalaureate Advising is to guide students in scholarship and intellectual inquiry in specific disciplines as well as working with students to connect them with our office of Career Connections for internships and future career goals. All advisors support students in identifying appropriate resources, registering for courses, and understanding academic policies.
Student Responsibilities in Advising
We offer a program designed to help students achieve their goals. In order to receive the full benefit of Landmark’s advising program, students need to:
- Regularly attend meetings;
- Actively engage in meetings;
- Honestly communicate with their advisors about any academic, adjustment, or related concerns which may be interfering with academic progress;
- Consistently arrive prepared for advising sessions, and ready to report progress on established goals
Family Contact
Family support is a very important part of the complete communication network that helps students to succeed. We encourage families to consider their students as their primary source of information for how things are going at Landmark College. We also encourage students to regularly communicate progress and concerns to their parents or guardians. We also understand that achieving complete reliance on the student for information is a process.
Core Advisors at the Associate level serve as the primary source of contact for the families of students in our educational program. Parents or guardians who have been included on a student’s approved contact list, will be provided with contact information for advisors at the beginning of each semester. Parents or guardians can contact advisors with questions regarding their student’s academic program and progress.
At the Baccalaureate level, it is expected that students are communicating their progress and goals to their parents directly. If families have concerns, they are encouraged to contact the Dean of the School that houses the student’s Bachelor degree program.
In accordance with the Family Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, it is the policy of Landmark College to provide students with the right to limit the dissemination of their educational records. If a student has not signed a FERPA release, Landmark College cannot release any educational records for the student. Contact registrar@landmark.edu if you are unsure about FERPA status.
Landmark College provides a variety of support services. The overarching idea is to help students work with their strengths and challenges to become more aware of themselves as learners. Academic Advisors serve as guides through the Landmark College program, working with students to coordinate non-academic and academic resources to meet their goals. Advisors can help students develop a success plan that includes accessing specific resources to meet their goals. Progress throughout the semester is monitored using the campus communication tool “Student Central”. Members of the support network can post notes and recommendations that students and advisors can access to guide progress throughout the semester.
The Academic Intervention Team is a cross-divisional administrative team focused on supporting struggling students. The team routinely monitors students’ progress, paying attention to class attendance, course grades, and work completion. The team’s approach is designed to be proactive with the intent of identifying students in academic jeopardy quickly enough to help facilitate positive change.
The team meets regularly to review student progress, to communicate with and respond to faculty and staff concerns about student progress, to review student warnings, and to determine next steps for intervention. Faculty make use of the notification and commenting features in Self-Service, and Canvas, our learning management system, to document student progress, and faculty can also request a student to be reviewed by the intervention team.
Team members will often meet with students to discuss strategies for success. Students who are scheduled to meet with team members receive a formal appointment. Plans are documented and communicated to the student and the student’s advisor and residential dean. Families who have FERPA release are also sent the student’s plan.
Upper division students (juniors and seniors) who are advised by baccalaureate advisors in their major are also reviewed by the academic intervention team. If a student is struggling, the academic intervention team refers the student concern to the dean with oversight for the major. The dean consults with program coordinators and faculty and determines next steps for intervention. Any formal meetings are documented and communicated to the student and the student’s advisor, program coordinator, and families of students who have granted FERPA release.
Drake Center for Academic Support
The Drake Center for Academic Support is located in the East Academic Building (EAB). The Drake Center offers individualized academic support to students on a daily basis. Designed to provide services and resources that assist students in their coursework, trained faculty and staff work with students in writing, reading, study skills, technology, and time management. In addition to the one-on-one sessions with Drake Center faculty, students are also welcome to work independently in the center to complete course assignments.
Students often find using support, whether it be training in using Kurzweil, or sessions to organize their papers, helpful in meeting deadlines and completing course assignments. The Drake Center is dedicated to helping students develop skills and strategies so that they become more confident, active, and independent learners.
The Drake Center for Academic Support at Landmark College provides a variety of support options, each is facilitated by Landmark College faculty and staff, and some provide supplemental peer support from experienced students. Brief descriptions of some of our services are provided below. If you have questions or would like specific details about our services please give the Drake Center a call.
Writing
Assistance with all aspects of college level writing from interpreting assignments, generating ideas, and structuring papers, to the student’s review and revision of their work. Faculty meet individually with students to support the entire writing process within the context of the course requirements, and work as guides that assist students in building confidence in and refining their personal writing process.
Reading, Study, and Executive Function Skills
Drake Center faculty, staff, and peers provide individualized support in the development of transferrable skills and habits for success in college and beyond. Based on student goals and needs, the Drake Center meets students where they are in their understanding of the learning process and assists students in building a solid foundation of skills to enhance their academic, career, and personal success.
Educational Technology
Provided by faculty with specific expertise in teaching how to use reading and writing software, IPAD applications, and integration of applications across devices. Students are encouraged to make appointments to review, learn, or enhance their practical application of these technologies.
Math
Math support is provided in a variety of contexts including one-on-one, small group, and drop-in, and. can provide assistance for specific courses or general math concept review. Students who take advantage of math support typically use these sessions to complete homework assignments, to prepare for tests, and to improve their math problem solving skills. Math support is offered Sundays-Thursday. Hours vary each semester. Check the schedule for math support at the beginning of each semester.
Science
In addition to office hour appointments with individual faculty members, students are encouraged to participate in Science Support for assistance with their coursework. Science Support is staffed by Landmark College science professors with no appointment necessary. Come by to get individual help with your work, or just to have a quiet place to study. Support is available for all science-specific needs. Typically, students attend for assistance with writing lab reports, understanding complex ideas and textbook study, vocabulary building techniques, and scientific writing. Sessions are usually held in EAB, Room 102, Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-9 p.m. Check the Schedule at the Drake Center to confirm location and times each semester.
Computer Science
Computer Science support is staffed by professional staff, faculty, and peer mentors. Students can work in the computer science labs on projects while being guided by peer mentors who have excelled in computer science courses or they can arrange one-on-one or drop in times with computer science faculty.
Students may use the computer science labs when classes are not taking place. These are located in the MacFarlane Center, Rooms 112 and 113. Hours are from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily. The Technology & Engineering Maker-Space [T.E.M.S.] Lab located in the basement of the MacFarlane Center is available for students to collaborate on projects and find support. Please check the schedule at the beginning of each semester to confirm drop in times and location(s).
Canvas Online Resources
Landmark College uses an online, cloud-based, Learning Management System (LMS) called Canvas.
During academic year 2020-2021, in response to the COVD-19 pandemic, Landmark College has required all face to face courses to be offered using a hybrid of online and face to face instruction. Courses offered on campus will supplement face to face engagement with instructional modules to be completed outside of in person meeting times. These modules may include videos, audio, presentation slides, discussion boards, supplemental notes from class, additional readings or presentations, and other tools to strengthen communication and engagement. As indicated under the attendance policy, full engagement in the course includes participation both online and face to face.
All courses use Canvas to post grades and other forms of feedback and to provide students with the syllabus for the course. The syllabus includes the goals and learning outcomes for the course, lists assessment tools that will be used, defines how the final grade will be calculated, describes what the engagement expectations are and provides contact information and office hours for the faculty member teaching the course.
Courses offered 100% online will make use of both Canvas and other online tools such as MS Teams. Online courses will include an online orientation. The syllabus for online courses will clearly define instructions for navigating and engaging with the course and how to receive academic support.
Landmark College Library
Located in the heart of the campus, the Library supports students’ intellectual and personal growth.
The Front Desk
This is the initial contact point for everyone who comes to the Library. Students may request research assistance, first-level help with computer software, circulation assistance, and general information at this location. As the sign above this desk invites, we want students to “Ask Us.” The staff member at the front desk also answers questions via live chat from the Library website.
Learning Disabilities, ADHD, and ASD Research Collection
The Library offers a comprehensive, in-depth, and growing collection of books, periodicals, and audiovisual material emphasizing learning differences, with a focus on attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), specific learning disabilities such as dyslexia, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This extensive collection supports the faculty and staff of Landmark College in providing an exemplary educational experience for our students. As part of the Landmark College curriculum, students use the collection to learn more about their learning profiles and the evolving fields of learning disabilities, ADHD, and ASD.
Online Resources
The Library subscribes to dozens of online article databases that provide access to thousands of full-text journals, magazines, newspapers, newsletters, and reference materials. Dozens of the Library’s print reference books are also available online, in addition to well over 170,000 e-books. A comprehensive academic streaming video collection allows 24/7 access to educational content from award-winning providers. Students can use all of these resources, as well as the Library’s subject-specific research guides, anywhere on campus through the Library’s website. By using their SharkNet password, students can access all of these resources from off campus as well.
Digital Course Texts
In collaboration with Information Technology Services, the Library provides access to a digital collection of the primary course texts used in Landmark College courses. By adhering to stringent rules to protect copyright, the Library can allow students who purchase or rent a print textbook to have additional access to a digital version of that textbook. This service allows students to use various text-to-speech technology tools to read and study textbooks, coursepacks, and other assigned text as needed.
Digital Text Services (DTS)
Digital Text Services in the Library provides scanning services and electronic copies of purchased textbooks and course materials. DTS:
- Provides more than 725 course texts formatted for Kurzweil and PDF
- Scans primary course texts (texts chosen by instructors)
- Grants student access to digital copies of course texts
- Helps students find digital copies of other books
- Helps faculty obtain clean hard copies for coursepacks
General Collection
In addition to its specialized collections, the Library contains a growing collection of books, e-books, DVDs, audiobooks, audio CDs, periodicals, and other resources appropriate to Landmark’s liberal arts curriculum. These materials are on the second floor of the Library. They are purchased for a variety of reading levels to support students in their academic work and leisure time. Interlibrary loans are available for items not found in our collection. The general collection currently consists of approximately 27,000 print volumes, 2,800 audiovisual titles, and 120 print periodical titles.
Computers and Wireless Access
A computer lab classroom with 16 workstations is available in the basement of the Library. This lab is used for research instruction, class projects, special faculty and staff training, and as a space for work and study. This space is available to be reserved anytime during class periods, and for quiet study whenever it is not reserved. The entire Library is also set up for wireless access to the College’s network from students’ notebook computers. In addition, the Library has individual workstations with scanners and software for the purpose of incorporating text, audio, graphics, and video into presentations, course materials, classroom activities, and projects.
Help Desk/Technology Support Services
The Help Desk, operated by Information Technology Services, is the primary contact point for the notebook computer program, as well as hardware and network questions on campus. It is located on the second floor of the Library.
Information Literacy and Research Instruction
Faculty and librarians partner in helping students to develop information literacy through small and large-scale research projects, research instruction for classes, and individualized assistance to students. Information literacy, which is the “ability to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate and use effectively the needed information” (Association of College and Research Libraries), is supported throughout the curriculum as a general education goal.
Study Space
The air-conditioned Library is a popular place to read, study, and relax. Many tables for individual and small-group study are available throughout the Library. For relaxing there are comfortable chairs and a well-lit atrium area. Next to the basement computer lab is a group study room that includes a large flat-screen monitor to project a student’s computer screen for small-group collaboration. Another group study room on the first floor provides further opportunity for student collaboration. The second floor offers four individual study rooms for use by students individually or in pairs.
The use of assistive/adaptive technology can be a necessary tool for accessing and engaging with class materials. In the first year of the Landmark College experience, faculty introduce students to a variety of technology tools based on the learning profiles and level of curriculum.
These tools (such as text readers, graphic organizers, and speech-to-text software) enable students to participate actively in the learning process without the obstacles caused by difficulties with decoding, comprehension, working memory, and inattention. These technology tools can help students improve reading and writing fluency, comprehension, organization, and retention of information.
Students in Strategic Transition Entry Point (STEP) and Language Intensive Curriculum (LIC) programs receive direct technology instruction during class time. Credit students are encouraged to make appointments with an Educational Technology specialist located in the DCAS to receive one on one instruction.
Career Connections is here to help students take the next step towards their career, whether that be securing an internship, discussing a transfer plan, or researching academic fields of study and future career paths that will maximize their strengths and skills. We provide a welcoming space for self-exploration and the development of independent skills needed to pursue careers and other academic programs beyond Landmark.
Career Connections works with students through individual appointments, workshops, campus events, and providing resources for students to work on their goals independently.
Career Connections can help students:
- Explore interests and values and how they relate to college and career choices
- Discover career pathways, economic trends, and workforce needs
- Develop a résumé and cover letter, and initiate a job search and prepare for an interview
- Navigate disclosure issues within the employment setting
- Explore internship, volunteer, and related opportunities
- If transferring, developing a list of colleges and universities that are the best fit for the student
- Strategize the components of college transfer applications and essay development
- Prepare for college visits and admissions interviews
It is recommended that you start working with Career Connections staff at least two semesters before your intended goal, such as transferring to another college, finding an internship, or joining the workforce. Landmark College maintains internships and employment partnerships with numerous businesses and organizations across the country, in addition to maintaining transfer partnerships with numerous college and universities.
Please contact Career Connections, located in the EAB, for more information.
Study Abroad
Landmark College’s Study Abroad Programs are designed with our students’ diverse learning profiles in mind and academic support is provided throughout our programs abroad. Courses are taught or supervised by our own faculty and credits earned while on Study Abroad can fulfill Landmark College requirements.
Our Study Abroad Programs help students gain confidence and independence - both academically and personally - while exploring a culture other than their own. Courses are offered at a variety of levels within the College, but a typical program requires successful completion of at least one semester at the credit level. Some programs have specific course prerequisites. All participants in Study Abroad must be in “good standing” and approved by the Director of International Education.
See the Study Abroad Page on the Landmark College website for specifics of upcoming study abroad opportunities.
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