Biola University 2013–14 Catalog
volunteers, and academic institutions outside the Biola campus in order to maximize cultural engagement, provide intercultural training, and promote learning and development. The International Student Services office is located in the Upper Level Student Union Building. The ISS Director is: Ivan Chung, M.Div., ext. 4008, off-campus (562) 777- 4008. For additional information please visit the International Student website: studentlife.biola.edu/diversity/ international-students/ Learning Center The Learning Center exists to provide students with assistance in achieving and maintaining an adequate level of academic proficiency in order to be successful within Biola University’s competitive and rigorous intellectual environment. We aspire to cultivate and equip holistically minded learners with the life skills, academic tools and personal resources to be their best self. The Learning Center also provides programs that assist students in becoming effective and intentional learners. Programs offered include: • Disability Student Services: The Learning Center is committed to ensuring equal treatment, educational opportunity, accessibility, and human dignity for all students with learning, physical, and psychological disabilities. The Learning Center actuates this commitment by providing reasonable and appropriate accommodations to students with disabilities and medical conditions, assisting in advocacy, educating the Biola community, and by ensuring legal compliance with state and federal disability laws (the Americans With Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act). • College Study Skills (GNST001): These courses are open to all undergraduate students seeking to strengthen their academic skills and unpack their individual strengths. Provisionally admitted new students and those on academic probation are automatically placed in one of these support courses. Specific assistance is offered in the form of study skill development, time management and strengths- based living and learning. • Undergraduate Tutoring: The tutoring programs provide academic assistance for most General Education courses and select major emphasis courses. Tutoring is available in individual and small group formats (a minimal fee is required). Additional resources are available for students through The Learning Center website: studentlife.biola.edu/ academic/learning-center. For more information, contact the Learning Center as (562) 906-4542. Academic Advising Biola University believes that academic advising is a significant experience throughout the academic journey. While the student holds the ultimate responsibility in educational decision-making, advisors play an intentional role by guiding students in their academic progress, plans, and engagement. Advisors partner with students
in the larger community of Biola to provide resources for student success and challenge students to take a Christ-centered approach in their academic endeavors (Ephesians 4:11-16). The following are established learning outcomes for academic advising: • Students will be able to develop a relationship with faculty member(s) outside of the classroom setting. • Students will be able to independently navigate university policies and procedures regarding course selection, registration, academic standing, the progression of curriculum, and fulfillment of graduation requirements. • Students will learn how to identify program and curricular paths that are consistent with their abilities, career, interests, life goals, and sense of calling. • Students will learn how to utilize critical thinking and decision-making skills in managing and planning their lives. • Students will have tools to develop and implement a meaningful educational plan with awareness of high impact educational practices (ex: writing- intensive courses, research opportunities, capstone experiences, internships, and cross-cultural experiences). • Students will have the opportunity to pursue and discover connections within the general education, Bible, and major coursework. • Students will be able to reflect on the deeper work God may be doing in their hearts and minds through their academic learning, and identify how they might respond and cooperate with the Holy Spirit in this work. Academic Advising for undergraduate students utilizes a faculty-based advising model. Students with a declared major are assigned a faculty advisor in their discipline. It is recommended that students meet with their advisor at least once a semester according to the prescribed advising dates on the Academic Calendar. The Office of Academic Advising (also known as The Advising Center) has full-time advisors assigned to all undeclared students and those seeking additional help. Students should utilize the services of The Advising Center if they are: • Thinking of changing their major • Considering adding a second major or minor • Transfer students needing clarification regarding transfer credits • Students who have already met with their advisor but have further questions Additionally, students who have been placed on first semester academic probation (see catalog section on Academic Probation) or were provisionally admitted to the University are required to meet with an advisor in The Advising Center. Advisors, both faculty and those in The Advising Center, are available as a resource, but the student is ultimately responsible to ascertain and fulfill graduation requirements. Additional resources are available for students through The Advising Center website: biola.edu/advising.
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