Biola University 2012-2013 Catalog • 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. For additional information please visit the International Student website: biola.edu/internationalstudents/ 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 • 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. Psychological Services Psychological testing and psychotherapeutic services are available to graduate and undergraduate students for a minimal fee. The center is open year round for individual, couple and group counseling. Students who struggle with any number of psychological difficulties are welcome. Inquiries may be made in person at the Biola Counseling Center, located at 12625 La Mirada Blvd. Ste. 202, or by phone at (562) 903-4800. During non-clinic hours, this same number may be used for psychological, non-medical emergencies. Career Development Career Development’s mission is to assist students in discerning their callings in life and in transitioning into meaningful work. Our overarching vision is to train and assist students in decision-making that will impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ. The Career Development website: biola. edu/career. By providing counseling, assessment tools, programs and resources that facilitate the discovery of their unique design, whether in personality, interests, skills, values, strengths or gifts. By educating students through a variety of means, including website resources, University classes, workshops, seminars or individual appointments. By integrating personal, spiritual and career development theory and practice into all aspects of what we do. By connecting students with practical experiences that solidify their major choice and enhance their academic training, give opportunity for career exploration and develop workplace competencies.
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