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Home > Academics > Other University Programs >

LEAP (Learning Enhancement for Academic Progress)

Undergraduate Students


Saint Leo University wants to see every new student succeed. Each year, a small number of carefully selected students enroll in the Learning Enhancement for Academic Progress (LEAP) progam. LEAP is designed to provide the academic support, structure and guidance to afford these students with the best chance of success as they begin their college careers. Upon successful completion of the LEAP program courses, participants generally enter their fall semester ahead of most of their peers.


The LEAP program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to:
  • Prepare for the academic challenges of Saint Leo University
  • Improve reading, writing and critical thinking skills prior to the fall semester
  • Improve time management and study skills
  • Develop significant relationships with other students, faculty and professional staff
  • Become familiar with the university and with the resources for success available at SLU

The LEAP program is a four-week curriculum taken in the summer prior to the commencement of the fall semester. For 2012, the LEAP program dates will be July 16 - August 10. Students are required to live on campus during the program; there are no exceptions. Students are provided weekend activities designed to enrich the learning process.


LEAP students will take the following classes, which satisfy six credits of General Education requirements: 
 

ENG 121 – Academic Writing I  (3 credits)

This course will focus on enhancing grammar and mechanics, the techniques of effective writing, logical thinking, and intelligent reading, with special emphasis on expository writing. To ensure competence in oral communications, a speech component is included.
 

SLU 100 – Introduction to the University Experience  (3 credits)

This course will focus on promoting the holistic success of our first-year students, with emphasis on positive change.  The course is designed as a foundational learning environment to enable first-year students to commit themselves to inquiry and productive student learning by developing creative and critical thinking strategies, exploring complex and diverse issues of social justice locally and in a global society, fostering writing skills across the curriculum, and acquiring group dynamic, teamwork, and oral communication skills.  In addition, students will learn to identify university resources available to them as well as the habits and skills necessary to make a successful transition from a high school to a university academic and social environment.  The course will also enhance the students’ knowledge, appreciation, and understanding of our Benedictine values and service to the community.


Study/Tutor Sessions
Weekday evening learning and writing labs, along with  tutoring sessions are mandatory and are considered part of the academic program of LEAP.


Wednesday Workshops
Students meet each week with administrators and faculty from Academic and Student Affairs to develop specific college skills/topics such as:
  • time management
  • self-motivation
  • personal responsibility
  • leadership
  • Saint Leo core values

Field trips and community service will be a significant component of the course. The Wednesday sessions are mandatory and are considered part of the academic program of LEAP.


LEAP students are monitored during the first year for academic progress using the Success Alert System, which sends notices to students, the student’s advisor and instructors throughout the semester so that early interventions may be initiated if needed. Students having difficulty in classes are required to meet with their advisor, attend study sessions and perhaps use the services of the Learning Resource Center.


Students who successfully complete fall semester with a grade point average of at least a 2.0 are exempt from mandatory learning labs  until mid-term grades are known. At that point, any LEAP student earning less than a 2.0 GPA will be required to attend weekly learning labs and may register  for a second semester only with the approval of the director of the LEAP program.


Program Costs

The LEAP program costs approximately $3,000 which covers the following for the summer 2011 LEAP program:
  • Tuition for three (6) credits toward the General Education requirements
  • Residence hall room
  • Dining services
  • Tutoring services and leadership training
  • Social activities, including trips to local attractions tied to academic course work

The only additional costs will be for books (estimated at $400*) and personal expenses.


*Costs listed are estimates and are subject to change.


For more information please contact:

Ms. Heather DeRonde
Student Service Coordinator for
Academic Advising
Office of Academic Affairs
(352) 588-8497
Email: heather.deronde@saintleo.edu