Learning Assistance Center helps students Adjust an d survive

Story by Tammy Putnam

K romacademic probation tothe Dean's list inonly onesemester? Sound impossible? According toDr. Lila Bruckner, head of Liberty's learning assistance center, such an accomplishment is not outof reach for any LBC student

Perhaps this iswhyapproximately onethird ofthe student body took advantage of the learning assistance center's programs throughout the year.

The basic purpose of thecenter is to help students adjust and survive onthe collegiate level. Enrollment in Education 100, Reading andStudy Strategies, is the first step. This course trains thestudents in skills needed fora successful college career; skills such as reading comprehension, time management, note taking,study motivation, andtest taking Upon completion ofthiscourse,the student can take an individualized labto further improve his skills

Inaddition tothese courses,the learning assistance center has several other responsibilities.A tutoring service isoffered free of charge toany student who desireshelp. Skillseminars areheld throughout the year to acquaint other students with thestrategies taught in the classes. Included are lectures such as "Improving Your Mem-

ory," "Eat Right for Academic Success," and "Organization forStudy and Managing Time."

Students can also make up tests in the center inorder to free theprofessorsfor other activities Approximately one-half of the faculty used this service last year

The success ofLiberty's learning assistance center,according to Dr. Bruckner, is due to an "excellent, dedicated faculty, individualized counseling, and a comfortable atmosphere." The latter can beattributed partially tothe design ofthe center, a design which Dr. Bruckner drew up after visiting other learning centers across the nation.

In the future, Liberty's learning assistance center could serve asa demonstration center forother colleges to develop their own programs. Dr. Bruckner would also like to see more special help givento international students,possibly the startof conversation groups.

Polycarp Bunsu,afreshman accounting major from Malaysia, has already taken advantage ofthe center's programs.

"The center has helped me to understand what English really means," said Bunsu "They offer an accurate wayof learning and a straightforward method; they have helped my general understanding."

Town students have also found the centertobe useful "It'sagood place to study when Ican't go home between classes," said Starrla Young, a junior elementary education major from Lynchburg

The learning assistance center has expanded both in services and staff sinceits inception four years ago Student usehas also increased, doubling over the past year

David Hatcher, a sophomore pastoral major from Columbia,S.C.,said,"The center helped me toget the basic fundamentals inareas such asEnglish, notetaking, and composition."

With itscurrent program andfutureexpansion,the learning assistance centerwill continue to be an asset to the students attending Liberty Baptist College.