The Learning Center The Learning Center is committed to ensuring equal treatment, educational opportunity, academic freedom, and human dignity for 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 about disabilities, and by ensuring legal compliance with state and federal disability laws, the Americans With Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. For more information, contact Disability Services at The Learning Center at (562) 906- 4542. The Learning Center also provides programs which assist students in becoming effective and intentional learners in order to meet the academic demands of the University. Programs offered to the undergraduate population include: • College Study Skills courses are open to all students wanting 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. • Tutoring programs provide academic assistance for most General Education courses and selected major emphasis courses (a minimal fee is required). Additional resources are available for students through The Learning Center website: studentlife.biola.edu/academic/learning- center Academic Advising Academic Advising for undergraduate students utilizes a faculty- based advising model. Students with a declared major are assigned a faculty advisor in their discipline. This faculty advisor supports students with course planning, registration, and graduation requirements as well as personal and academic development. 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
Over 380 students (~7% of the Biola student population) do not speak English as their first language and are citizens of countries other than the United States. These students come here to study from over 40 different countries, and each one is a distinct and valuable gift to our community. The diversity that comes from their experiences enhances our environment of faith and learning. Their presence and scholarly contribution will assist the University in attaining its pursuit of becoming a recognized global center for Christian thought. Our department works in partnership with other departments and volunteers from the surrounding community, to offer the following primary services for our international students: • Cultural adjustment, transition, and acclimatization
Immigration and employment compliance
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Financial counseling
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Academic advice and referrals to appropriate departments
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Counseling on international student issues
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We have the following programs in place to accomplish our service objectives: • International Student Association/International Graduate Student Association
Prayer and fellowship community
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Cultural friendship partners and host homes
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4-day New International Student Orientation – Fall Semester
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University-wide training in intercultural issues
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• Council retreats, association retreats, outreach retreats
Tax workshops / counseling
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Holiday celebrations and home-stays
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International graduation ceremonies
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International student mentor groups
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• Global leadership development, community/spiritual development, social justice, and ministry
Considering adding a second major or minor
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• Transfer students needing clarification regarding transfer units • 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 ultimately the student is responsible in ascertaining and fulfilling requirements to graduate. Additional resources are available for students through The Advising Center website: biola.edu/advising.
Co-curricular cultural exchanges and education
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• Advocacy and representation for student issues The ISS Department works with international students to provide a rich, diverse array of life experiences and co-curricular education for the Biola international student and community. We seek to partner closely with many of the departments / divisions on campus, as well as churches, organizations, volunteers, and academic institutions outside the Biola campus in order to maximize cultural exchanges, provide intercultural training, and promote learning and development. The International Student Services office is located in the Upper Level Student Union Building. Director: Ivan Chung, M.Div., ext. 4008, off-campus (562)777-4008. The department website is found at biola.edu/internationalstudents/
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