TRANSITIONS PROGRAM

Lipscomb University, like all other institutions of higher education, has certain entrance requirements for incoming freshmen. Sometimes students do not meet all of those requirements, but examination of their complete profile leads Admissions to believe that they have the potential to succeed in college if given the right environment of support, instruction, and mentoring.   

Lipscomb University's TRANSITIONS Program is designed to provide such an environment.  TRANSITIONS is one of Lipscomb's Academic Recovery Programs, and is overseen by the university's Office of Academic Advising and Support Services. A limited number of students are accepted into the program each fall, and those who participate are expected to follow the program's guidelines, which are in place to foster the greatest opportunity for academic success during the students' first semester at Lipscomb University.

THE AGREEMENT 
Students must sign an agreement with the university in order to be accepted into TRANSITIONS. The agreement outlines what is expected of the student during the course of his first semester on campus. Students must understand that violating terms of the agreement may lead to immediate suspension from Lipscomb University.

THE CLASSES
TRANSITIONS participants will be enrolled in regular college classes, just like their classmates. There are some special requirements, however.
    
1.   TRANSITIONS students must also take UN1101 (University Orientation), a one credit hour course.

2.   TRANSITIONS participants are limited to a class load of no more than 14-15 hours.

Placement in Math and English courses is determined by scores on the ACT and/or SAT.  Although many students in the Transitions program will be enrolled in one or both of the following classes, they are not an actual part of Transitions. 

• ACT/SAT scores on the English/Reading portion of the test will determine a student's enrollment in either Lipscomb Seminar (LU1103) or Developmental
  Seminar (EN0110). 
• Students wanting to take math will enroll in either Introductory Algebra (MA1020),Intermediate Algebra (MA1030), Foundations of Math (MA1043) or College Algebra (MA1113) based on their math test scores.

OTHER INSTRUCTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Regular use of the Writing Center is expected (and, in some cases, required).  If a student is enrolled in a math class, he/she is expected to utilize the Math Lab. These are both staffed by student tutors, and are available at regular hours during each week.

THE VISITS
All students are expected to visit regularly with Leland Dugger (leland.dugger@lipscomb.edu), Coordinator of Academic Support, who oversees the program. These visits will provide an opportunity for program participants to have their overall progress monitored over the course of the semester. The visits will also provide an opportunity to discuss goals, plans for the future, and to take a look at personality type and career interests. Students will be notified when it is time for a visit; failure to make these visits in a timely manner will be grounds for dismissal from the University.

OTHER EXPECTATIONS
Since it is our desire for students to concentrate on their academic responsibilities, students will be expected to limit extracurricular involvement during this probationary semester. Students must obtain approval for any extracurricular participation, including time spent working at a job. Any student planning to participate in the TRANSITIONS must be aware of these limitations. 

Typically, TRANSITIONS participants are permitted to work no more than 15-20 hours per week.  Program participants are also expected to abide by all of the university's policies. Failure to adhere to the work restriction or university policies may result in immediate suspension from the program.

END-OF-SEMESTER EVALUATION
At the conclusion of the semester, each student's performance will be evaluated. All factors will be considered, including grades, class attendance, attitude, office visits, overall quality of work and effort, participation in appropriate supplemental instruction, etc....  The Director of the program will make decisions based on what is perceived to be best for the student's academic survival and progress. The evaluation will lead to one of three following designations:

Release from Probation Status :  
     If the student's performance is satisfactory in all areas, he/she will be released from the TRANSITIONS contract for the spring semester. "Satisfactory" performance includes fulfilling all contract stipulations, along with a satisfactory academic performance  (typically all "Cs" or better and a GPA of at least 2.0-2.5). The staff will make the final determination of "satisfactory" performance.    

Continuation of Probation Status :
     If the student's performance is lacking in one or more areas,  the staff will offer the opportunity to continue in school under contract for another semester. If the student's GPA is just below 2.0, he/she may be placed on academic probation for the spring  semester. Regular office visits and participation in appropriate supplemental instruction will be expected.  Limits on extracurricular involvement will remain in place.

Suspension From School :
     If the student's performance does not meet the standards necessary to continue in school, he/she will need to take a semester off. In order to be readmitted to the University, the student will be asked to take a 12 hour academic load at a community college, making all "Cs" or above.

Special note :
A student may be suspended during the semester if he/she fails to follow the stipulations outlined in the TRANSITIONS contract.

OTHER INFORMATION:
If you have any further questions about the TRANSITIONS Program at Lipscomb University, please feel free to contact either of the individuals below:

   Rob Mossack, Director of Academic Advising and Support
   Phone:  (615) 966-6297
   Fax: (615) 966-7066
   Rob.Mossack@lipscomb.edu