Welcome to the Academic Foundations Program

How Will the Program Help Me Succeed?

The Program provides—

• Placement in appropriate classes through assessment testing
• Courses that match your skill level to increase your success
• Counselors who map out schedules that help you accomplish your goals
• Courses with a slower pace, more one-on-one time with instructors, and more labs and instructional assistants to provide extra help
• Coordination between instructors and support services staff to provide you with learning disabilities testing, free one-on-one tutoring, drop-in Writing Center assistance, and more
• Instructors who meet periodically throughout the semester for training and discussion in order to help maximize your learning
• Academic Foundations workshops throughout the semester that help you improve your skills in many different areas
• Support to help you succeed and achieve your goals

How Do I Get into the Program?

You enter the Academic Foundations Program primarily through assessment testing. It is extremely important that you take the assessment test, which measures your skill level in reading, writing, and math. In order to get the best assistance possible, you should take the assessment test early. Immediately afterwards, you should make an appointment for a one-hour orientation session, followed by a one-on-one appointment with a counselor who will help you enroll in courses suited to your particular skill level.

Another way to enter the Academic Foundations Program is simply to enroll in any of the courses listed here. Even if you assess into higher-level courses, you can still enroll in Academic Foundations courses where you can master concepts and achieve greater academic success across the curriculum.

What Are the Included Courses?

• CIS 1, 30 (basic computer skills
• CIS 5, 20 (keyboarding and document processing)
• CIS 37 (basic online skills)
• English 501, A (writing)
• English 560, 570, 50 (reading)
• ESL 500, 510, 520, 530 (writing, reading, listening)
• Lib. Sci. 10A (finding info)
• Lib. Sci. 10B (intermediate)
• Math A (basic algebra)
• Math 581 (arithmetic)
• Math 582 (pre-algebra)
• PD 1 (3 units) (college success)
• PD 6 (3 units) (career & life planning)
• PD 8 (1 unit) (college orientation)

What Are the Support Services?

Assessment Testing

Provides ongoing Collegiate Skills Assessment at no charge throughout the year to measure reading, English and math skills.

Assistive Technology

A specialized training center that serves all students with disabilities and where students receive individualized training and hands-on practice.

Counseling Services

Counselors provide academic, career and personal counseling by appointment.

Disabled Student Services

Assists students with disabilities to perform on an equal basis as students without disabilities in an integrated campus setting.

Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS)

A state program designed to aid economically and educationally disadvantaged students to ensure their success in college.

Financial Aid

Provides information & applications for a variety of financial aid options including fee waivers, grants, scholarships, work study programs and student loans.

Learning Disabilities Program

Assists students with disabilities to perform on an equal basis as students without disabilities in an integrated campus setting.

Library

Serves the community with a variety of print and electronic resources and reference materials.

LRC 444 Computer Lab

An open computer lab available for completing all class-related work and open to all Sierra College students.

Math Center

Provides drop-in tutoring for all math courses.

Tutor Center

Tutorial support for most any academic subject taught at Sierra College.

Writing Center

Professional support and guidance on all writing projects regardless of course level or assignment complexity.

Why Should I Use the Support Services?

Support services provide you with help such as tutoring for most subjects; assistance with writing papers; testing and support for learning disabilities; financial help with school expenses; unlimited use of computers for school-related activities; and so much more. All these services are free and are provided to help you succeed in your college courses.

Contact Information

Nancy Cook, Academic Foundations Coordinator
Office: Tutor Center, LRC 402 (Rocklin Campus)
Phone: (916) 781-0476
ncook@sierracollege.edu