Learning Excellence

Learning Excellence is a unique program that provides a support system to assist students in achieving extraordinary academic success at High Point University. The program is open to any High Point University student and offers extensive support to students with learning differences as well as those who want to organize and improve their academic abilities.

Through a diverse, fee-based system of comprehensive, individualized support, Learning Excellence develops a learning action plan specific to each student so they receive the personalized attention and encouragement needed.

The success of students participating in Learning Excellence is dependent upon their personal involvement, cooperation and dedication to academic progress and success as well as the support of their parents. Students are required to sign an agreement indicating their commitment to the program.

Learning Excellence is a semester-long program. Students wishing to join the program should submit an application prior to the start of each semester.

SUMMER PROGRAM: An abbreviated version of Learning Excellence is provided during the summer. While there will be no professional tutoring during the summer, peer tutors will be available in select courses. Study hall hours will not be required. The emphasis will be placed on a twice weekly meeting with a Learning Excellence Specialist to focus on academic progress, study skills, organization, and time management. A weekly report will be provided to parents. LE-Summer is available to students in Summer Sessions I and II and Summer Experience.

To ask a question or view our staff please click here. 

Objectives

• Development and implementation of an individualized learning action plan
• Encouragement of self-determination and self-advocacy
• Individual instruction on academic skills
• Assistance in establishing relationships with instructors and advisors
• Guidance in utilizing and accessing assistance from Disability Support

Joining the Program

The program is open to any High Point University student with a desire to cultivate their academic abilities. Incoming freshman should be enrolled in the university before submitting an application to the Learning Excellence Program. Current students may apply at any time for the following semester. The program has a limit on how many students it can serve each semester.

Additional Information

Incoming freshmen enrolling in Learning Excellence are strongly recommended to attend Summer Experience and take ADV 1101 Foundations for Academic Success. Incoming freshmen who have not taken ADV 1101 will be required to do so upon admittance into the Learning Excellence Program.

Specific Components

• Weekly Meetings: Students will meet with a Learning Specialist on a weekly basis to review academic progress and evaluate and develop academic skills. An individualized learning action plan is created at the start of the semester to address a student’s particular learning needs and goals.

• Tutoring: Students will meet with professional tutors exclusive to the Learning Excellence Program for reading, writing and math support. They will also meet with course specific peer tutors, provided by Academic Services. All tutors submit reports to the Learning Specialist.

• Study Hall: Students will complete at least 10 hours of studying time per week in study hall.  Study hall hours are tracked electronically each week. An “Objective-based Study Hall” may be included as part of the study hall component.

Enrollment in the Learning Excellence Program is limited with selection based upon an application process. Program participation is on a semester basis. Because of the nature of the program services and support, Learning Excellence does not admit students for the current semester. Any student wishing to join the program must submit an application prior to the start of the following semester.

Incoming freshmen must be admitted to the university prior to enrolling in the Learning Excellence Program.

Every application will be reviewed and evaluated and notification of accepted enrollment will be given. Learning Excellence is designed to support students who are committed to improving their academic skills while learning how to use High Point University services and support programs.

Once accepted into Learning Excellence a family interview is required to review expectations and goals. For incoming freshmen this will occur during Move-In Weekend.

ACADEMIC YEAR

Fall – Spring Learning Excellence Application (PDF)

• Students who are new to LE should complete the entire agreement linked above. Returning LE students may omit the last two pages of this agreement.

SUMMER FORM

Summer Learning Excellence Application (PDF)

Please email or fax your materials to:
Laura Valle, Program Director
lvalle@highpoint.edu

FAX: 336-841-9652

LEARNING EXCELLENCE STAFF

Laura Valle, Program Director, 405 Smith Library, 336-841-9328;
lvalle@highpoint.edu

Cara Arena, Learning Excellence Specialist, 404 Smith Library, 336-841-9360;
carena1@highpoint.edu

Jen Grider, Learning Excellence Specialist, 442 Smith Library, 336-841-9446;
jgrider@highpoint.edu

Natalie O’Connor, Learning Excellence Specialist, 408 Smith Library, 336-841-9497;
noconnor@highpoint.edu

Kim Pope, Learning Excellence Specialist, 448 Smith Library, 336-841-9593;
kpope@highpoint.edu

Heather Slocum, Learning Excellence Specialist, 411 Smith Library, 336-841-9473;
hslocum@highpoint.edu

Tonilena Soranno, Learning Excellence Specialist, 406 Smith Library, 336-841-9037;
tsoranno@highpoint.edu

Mark Strejc, Learning Excellence Specialist, 413 Smith Library, 336-841-9123;
mstrejc@highpoint.edu

Jenny Sweitzer, Learning Excellence Specialist, 446 Smith Library, 336-841-9436;
jsweitze@highpoint.edu