Limestone University offers a comprehensive support program, LEAP (Learning Enrichment & Achievement Program), for students with learning and attention challenges. LEAP students meet weekly with LEAP staff and have access to an organizational coach and learning specialist. LEAP is a fee-based program. In some cases, the Office for Vocational Rehabilitation will assist in funding the student’s participation. Please contact your local VR office or speak with your high school counselor to obtain contact information. LEAP is only offered during the regular academic year and only at the main campus of Limestone University in Gaffney, SC.
94% of LEAP students had a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater for the Fall 2018 semester!
Benefits
LEAP offers a broad spectrum of resources to meet specific needs, including:
- monitoring student progress
- scheduled consultations to promote organization and time management skills
- a 1- credit study strategies course each semester
- secondary academic advisement with attention to student's specific learning needs
- workshops on writing, studying, organization, etc.
- supervised study halls
- weekly and mid-term progress reports
- personal test proctors
- individualized tutoring sessions
Procedure
Students who are interested in LEAP must follow these steps:
- Be admitted to Limestone University either by full/provisional acceptance.
- Send a copy of their most recent psychosocial educational report to the Director of LEAP at Limestone University.
- Arrange for an on campus interview with the Director of LEAP.
Cost
LEAP is a comprehensive service provided for an additional fee. The cost of the program is $2500 per semester.
LEAP FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the nature of the support offered by LEAP?
Students meet regularly (one or more times a week) with LEAP staff. Students are required to participate in a minimum of ten hours per week of study hall. All study hall facilitators have college degrees and are there to help students. Students work with LEAP staff to develop and implement strategies in areas such as reading, writing, note-taking, time management, organization, and test-taking. LEAP works to motivate students to achieve, provides a needed accountability factor, and provides structure, support and feedback. Students who have the accommodation of testing outside of the classroom are assigned a personal test proctor. Tutors are assigned to students in content areas at the student’s request. LEAP staff maintains contact with the student’s instructors throughout the semester. Students also have access to a Learning Specialist.
What percentage of Limestone’s total population participates in LEAP?
Generally, LEAP students account for 2-3% of the day student population. Approximately 10% of day students are registered with the Accessibility office.
Who actually does the tutoring with the LEAP students - other students, professors, other educational professionals?
All of the above. We hire upper level students with good track records in a particular course, or high GPA peers in the same classes with our students. This is frequently helpful when working on projects. All professors are willing to spend additional time with students during office hours and our office has educational professionals who are also available to assist students with coursework.
What role do parents and families play in the process?
Students are expected to report accurately to LEAP staff about their performance in courses, including grades and attendance. Students are also expected to communicate with their parents and families about their challenges and successes. By signing the LEAP agreement, students agree to allow LEAP to communicate with parents and families regarding their academic progress. LEAP sends weekly and mid-term updates to parents and families.
Are there any modifications to the course work/course requirements?
Course requirements are not compromised for LEAP students. LEAP students are required to complete the same course and graduation requirements as non-LEAP students at Limestone University.
Does LEAP provide support for social skills issues such as those associated with Asperger’s Syndrome and/or some nonverbal disabilities?
LEAP was developed to support students with specific learning disabilities and/or ADHD. It is limited in its ability to support difficulties in social settings, independent living skills, and daily decision-making. LEAP does not offer training in social skills. Students with needs in these areas are generally not appropriate for LEAP.
Does LEAP provide support for students with Traumatic Brain Injury, psychiatric disabilities, sensory or motor impairments, or other disabilities?
LEAP is not designed to support students whose primary disabling condition is other than a specific learning disability and/or ADHD. Students who are accepted to Limestone University who have such conditions are eligible for reasonable accommodations as defined by various federal and state laws through Accessibility. Please contact tlscott@limestone.edu or 864-488-8377.
