Center for Experiential Learning (CEL)
The Center for Experiential Learning dramatically expands the dimensions of a Loras education by working with students to integrate their knowledge, experience, skills and capacities. Through structured learning experiences in other countries, cities, communities and working environments, students are encouraged to design and pursue their learning objectives outside the traditional classroom. The CEL works with students to reflect critically on their experiences and to communicate what they have learned from their experiences through a portfolio.
CEL works with students and faculty to help coordinate the following opportunities:
- Academic Internships: Students use their knowledge and skills to learn about and gain experience in the world of profit and not-for-profit organizations. Exploratory internships are designed for students who want to explore different career possibilities or different professional settings. More advanced internship experiences support students who are looking for practical opportunities to apply and enhance what they have learned in the classroom. Students have the opportunity to participate in internships across the country and internationally.
- Education Abroad: Students live, study, intern and serve in international communities through opportunities sponsored by Loras College or other accredited institutions. Loras College directs semester programs in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Dublin, Ireland; Lisbon, Portugal; and Santiago de Compostela, Spain. International study travel courses are also offered during the May Term. Institutional aid as well as state and federal aid are applied on Loras and other accredited study abroad programs. There are additional costs associated with study abroad.
- Community Based Learning: Students gain a deeper understanding of community and societal issues and develop a response and commitment to addressing them. Community Based learning opportunities occur locally, nationally, or even internationally through coursework, employment and volunteering.
- Student Employment Off-Campus: Designed to assist students in meeting the cost of their Loras education while enhancing their college experience and success at Loras, employment, both off-and-on campus, provides an opportunity for students to develop and expand their skills in professional work settings and to deepen interpersonal competencies.
- Career Exploration and Planning: Through workshops, programs, online resources and individual assistance, CEL encourages students to identify and to articulate the integrated outcomes of their learning experiences as it relates to generating a successful path to satisfying work and advanced learning following graduation. CEL promotes exploration of career options and teaches job search, resume and cover letter, and employment interviewing skills. Through its employer, alumni and statewide professional connections it introduces students to entry-level employment opportunities.
Through these experiential learning opportunities, the CEL seeks to foster a level of inquiry and reflection in students that lasts long after their days at Loras College. CEL is located on the first floor of the Miller Academic Resource Center.
DuTech Services
Loras College Specific 1:1 Technology Services
Loras College offers technology services to all students. As a Loras student, you will receive technology services along with a personal Loras College leased laptop with accompanying warranty and accidental damage coverage, along with access to: networks, wireless internet, software, major-specific technology labs, printers, help desk, and network support.
Services
- Up-to-Date: Loras laptops are replaced every two years
- Warranty and Accidental Damage Protection: Loras provides this coverage
- Standardization: All Loras laptops and systems are standardized
- Easy to share documents are included
- Updates are automatically provided
Network
Loras College offers wireless network access in all of the classrooms, in the Miller Academic Resource Center, in the labs, in campus-owned houses, in all residence halls, and in common areas on campus. Simply stated, wireless internet access is available in approximately 99% of the indoor locations on campus. Every residence hall room has 1 Gbps switched Ethernet connections as well as wireless connectivity. Most technology resources are available off campus via the internet as well as on campus.
- 24x7 Network Access: To Academic Systems, Programs, Software, and Server Storage
- Campus-wide Wireless: Internet Access 24 x 7
- Network Equipment: Servers, SAN, Firewall, Security Equipment, and Software
Resources
In addition to the laptop, all students have access to:
- ELearn (course management solution)
- Anti-virus Software
- Network Web space to create personal web pages (for specific classes)
- Microsoft Office 365 (featuring access anywhere, anytime, on any device)
- Many major-specific software solutions and free upgrades
- SPSS for statistics
- Outlook web for email
Learning Commons
The Academic Success Center is committed to the enrichment of the Loras community by identifying and providing academic opportunities and support services to students, faculty, and staff.
A variety of student support services and opportunities comprise the Learning Commons. For further program information, go to: Inside Loras/Academics/Academic Supports/The Learning Commons.
Supplemental Instruction
Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a program designed to increase student mastery of content in historically-difficult courses, while instilling study skills that are transferable to other courses. SI learning sessions are facilitated by a peer and take place in out-of-class, informal settings.
Academic Coaching
The transition to college may require a change in study strategies, strengthening existing skills, or developing new study skills. In addition to study skills and examination strategies, assistance with mathematics, time management, organizational strategies, and reading comprehension opportunities are available through individual consultations.
Individual Tutoring
The Learning Commons provides individual and/or small group tutoring in a variety of subjects and locations. The tutors are peer academic coaches, and the tutoring is administered in conjunction with various organizations and clubs throughout campus.
Writing Center
Led by the director and staffed by peer tutors, the Writing Center assists students in becoming more independent writers by focusing on the process of writing. Services include helping students with understanding an assignment, revising an initial draft, and editing a final draft. Support is provided for foundational critical thinking, close reading, and writing as well as strategies for advanced writing in the disciplines. In addition to the services provided in the Center, hands-on workshops provide specific writing strategy assistance. For further information, go to the Writing Center site.
The Lynch Disability Resource and Cultural Center
The Lynch Disability Resource and Cultural Center (LDRCC) serves students with diagnosed disabilities, who request support services and have the necessary documentation to receive accommodations. The LDRCC has three levels of service: Accommodation Services, the ARCH Program and the Enhanced Program. Students interested in either the ARCH Program or the Enhanced Program must apply and be admitted to the College through the regular admission process. Once admitted, students may apply for the ARCH Program or Enhanced Program.
Accommodation Services - Students with disabilities are eligible to receive the accommodations that their documentation supports. The most commonly requested accommodations are alternative testing (extended time and/or distraction-free test locations), note-taking services, and alternative format texts (books on CD or in a format for use with reading software programs). Students must present documentation after they are admitted to the College and meet with an LDRCC staff member to determine which accommodations they are eligible to receive. The accommodations a student requires may be provided by professors or the LDRCC. No fee is charged for these services.
Enhanced Program - The Enhanced Program is intended for students who have a primary disability of LD or AD/HD, but students with other diagnoses may be considered. Students interested in the Enhanced Program apply simultaneously to the College (regular application form) and to the Lynch Disability Resource and Cultural Center (separate application). Applications are reviewed by program staff after acceptance to Loras. Selected students are invited for interviews.
Students selected for the Enhanced Program attend a summer bridge program, and a two-credit class, Learning Strategies, both semesters of their first year. In addition, all students (first-year and upper class) in the Enhanced Program attend a weekly individual meeting (one hour) with a staff member. Student tutors are assigned if needed. Accommodation Services (see above) are also provided if the student’s documentation supports the need. An additional fee is assessed for the Enhanced Program.
ARCH Program-The ARCH Program is designed for students who have a primary diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Students interested in the ARCH Program apply simultaneously to the College (regular application form) and to the Lynch Disability Resource and Cultural Center (separate application). Applications are reviewed by program staff after acceptance to Loras. Selected students are invited for interviews.
Students selected for the ARCH Program may attend a summer transition program, academic programming each semester they are enrolled in the program, as well as all components of the Enhanced Program. Students also have the option of a single room, access to a Sensory Room, peer mentors and additional programming specific to students with ASD. An additional fee is assessed for the ARCH Program.
See the Lynch Disability Resource and Cultural Center’s website for additional information about documentation requirements and the application process.
Miller Academic Resource Center
The Miller Academic Resource Center opened in 2002 and houses the Loras College Library, the Center for Dubuque History and the archives of Loras College, the Learning Commons [which includes the Writing Center, offices for the Honors Program, and the Lynch Disability Resource and Cultural Center], the Center for Learning and Teaching, the Center for Experiential Learning, and the bookstore.
Loras Library
The Loras College Library is central in supporting student learning and academic success. It provides an extensive collection of print and electronic books, journals, films, Special Collections, and United States and Iowa government publications as well as online access to numerous databases and full-text academic journals. Librarians offer individual research assistance and work closely with faculty to teach students the research abilities necessary for intellectual achievement and lifelong learning. The library supports students and faculty as innovators and creators by providing expertise and equipment for digital media projects. Students can take advantage of numerous group and individual study spaces and a variety of seating options.
Other services included in the Miller Academic Resource Center are the Center for Dubuque History and the archives of Loras College, the Learning Commons (home to the Writing Center and Math Lab), the Lynch Disability Resource and Cultural Center, the Center for Experiential Learning, and the Center for Learning and Teaching. Their location facilitates close collaboration in the support of student learning.
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