Faculty & Staff

Darton College
Policies and Procedures

LEARNING SUPPORT COURSE REQUIREMENTS

When placement test scores indicate that students may not be able to attain their educational goals in one or more of the basic skills areas, they are required to enroll in the appropriate Learning Support courses prior to enrollment in the college-level basic skills courses. Currently, COMPASS test scores below 74 in reading, 60 in English, or below 30 in Algebra or comparable College Placement Examination scores will require one or more Learning Support classes in each area of deficiency. Learning Support courses are ENGL 0099, Learning Support English; READ 0099, Learning Support Reading and Study Skills; and MATH 0097 and 0099, Introductory and Intermediate Algebra.

Students must take required Learning Support courses regardless of their curriculum.

Students must register for all required Learning Support courses before registering for any credit work. Students are permitted to enroll in credit courses (1) if they have completed or are enrolled in all their Learning Support courses, and (2) if the Learning Support course is not a prerequisite. Students enrolled in both Learning Support work and credit work may not drop a Learning Support course unless they also drop all credit work.

A student who accumulates twenty semester college credit hours and has not successfully completed required Learning Support courses may enroll only in Learning Support courses until requirements are successfully completed.

Learning Support Format - All Learning Support courses offer special instruction designed to correct students' basic skills deficiencies; such deficiencies are identified through placement and diagnostic testing. To exit a Learning Support area, students must satisfy the instructional requirements of all required courses and must pass the COMPASS test. Mathematics, Reading, and Writing Laboratories are open both day and night for individual assistance for students with specific problems. These laboratories have both directors and student assistants for tutorial services at no additional cost to the student.

Learning Support Course Credits - Students who successfully complete these courses will be awarded institutional college credit for their achievement. Credit hours earned in Learning Support courses will be in addition to those required for graduation.

Laboratory Services - Mathematics, Reading, and Writing Laboratories are located on the second floor of the McKnight Building. Their support services are offered free of charge to students enrolled in either Learning Support classes or college credit classes. Lab directors and assistants give students individual help. The labs are open both day and evening for the convenience of all Darton College students.

Melanie Williams Thornton, Ed.S.
Dean, Learning Support Division
Building F, Room 101C
(229) 317-6556
melanie.thornton@darton.edu