College START

College START students benefit from:

• Individualized advising and unparalleled support to help students with LD develop lasting learning strategies.
• Access to campus supports including library, Information Technology, Drake Center for Academic Support, and other resources
• New online student orientation programming to prepare for the start of classes
• Intentional programming that brings online students together in social settings and fosters a sense of community, and promotes connection with residential LC students
• Courses developed using principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and taught by instructors trained in UDL methods that reduce learning barriers
• Career readiness workshops offered through Landmark College Career Connections.
• Social Pragmatics skills development (including PEERS® program and online social coaching)
• Resources for family members who want to help keep their students engaged and motivated.
• Note: some support services are not available to online students, such as counseling services, health services, athletics, and residential life support

Who is College START intended for?

• College START is an experience for college-capable students who can access and understand college level texts and concepts. Students with learning differences who are interested in a fully online first-year college experience are an ideal fit for College START.
• Eligible students should have completed high school and earned a high school diploma or GED. This program designed for students new to college or with only a few college credits.
• The College START curriculum mirrors Landmark College’s online associate degree programs, but at a slower pace of one or two classes at a time. Students can seamlessly continue to pursue an LC degree, if desired.

What’s Next?

College START creates a foundation AND a pathway for students to develop learning strategies and build the skills needed to grow strengths in and out of the classroom setting. After one or two semesters of this part-time, online experience, a student can go on to earn an associate or a bachelor’s degree, online or in person, at Landmark College or another institution. Whatever path a College START student chooses, they will leave the program with:

• Improved time management and organizational skills
• Insight into their personal learning styles and how to make changes that lead to academic success
• Better skills needed to collaborate, communicate, and interact naturally and effectively in an academic, professional, or social environment
• The foundation and confidence needed for future success