Special Programs and Experiential Learning
Special Programs
Academic Discovery Program (ADP)
The Academic Discovery Program (Pennsylvania ACT 101) is a specialized academic support program for students from Philadelphia whose admission applications indicate they meet certain criteria in terms of academic potential and financial need. Students are offered admission to the Academic Discovery Program after completing an extended application process including testing and an in-person interview with program staff. Students accepted through ADP must complete an intensive academic summer bridge program involving courses in mathematics, writing, study skills, and critical reading and thinking before the start of their first year. During the academic year, students take courses from the standard La Salle University curriculum, but they are provided with the service of a student success coach and tutors to support their efforts. The ADP provides intensive support across all four years to ensure students develop and maintain effective study habits, establish and pursue clear goals, earn strong grades, and graduate in a timely fashion. As much as possible, each student’s program is tailored to his or her individual needs.
View the Academic Discovery Program website for more information, including course descriptions and a breakdown of ADP requirements.
Additional questions or concerns may be addressed to:
Teresa McKnight
Assistant Director, Academic Engagement Programs
mcknight@lasalle.edu
215.951.1524
De La Salle Institute for Teaching and Learning (DLSI)
Reflecting the principles of the Lasallian educational legacy, the De La Salle Institute for Teaching and Learning (DLSI) supports both the development and use of evidence-based teaching practices that lead to meaningful student learning, and the systematic and scholarly inquiry into that teaching and learning.
The DLSI disseminates information and actively engages faculty and staff to improve teaching and learning by making use of the most current knowledge about educational best practices based on recent developments in neuro and cognitive science. In addition, the DLSI supports faculty scholarship about these practices and community engaged practices that facilitate high quality teaching and learning.
Pedagogical Development
The DLSI offers workshops and talks, facilitates speakers and working groups, and consults with faculty and staff on course development and instructional methodology.
Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL)
The DLSI encourages and supports faculty and staff interested in the pursuit of scholarly projects that study teaching and learning in their classrooms at La Salle and in our broader community.
Undergraduate Research
The DLIS supports the undergraduate research program at La Salle.
Community-Engaged Learning
The DLSI supports community engaged learning that connects pedagogy, scholarship, curriculum, and community, with the focus on improving teaching and learning. The DLSI provides support for faculty, staff, and students to come together as they explore research, teaching, and learning within, and beyond, the city.
Contact:
Frank J. Mosca, Ph.D., Director
De La Salle Institute for Teaching and Learning
215-951-1191
dlsi@lasalle.edu
Dual Enrollment Pathways at La Salle University
High school students attending partner high schools may be eligible to take dual-credit, or, college-credit only, coursework at La Salle University. Dual-credit programs include the Community Scholar Program, the Diocesan Scholar Program, and La Salle’s Early Achievement Program – LEAP.
High school students enrolled in college-level courses are subject to all policies regarding matriculated La Salle University students. Students should refer to the Academic Catalog and Student Guide to Resources, Rights, and Responsibilities for policy details.
Grades earned by students in dual-credit courses become part of a student’s academic record at both La Salle University and the student’s high school, and, additionally, affect GPA at both institutions. Grades earned by high school students enrolled in college-credit only courses are not reported to high schools by La Salle University. Both dual-credit and college-credit only courses develop college transcripts. La Salle University transcripts do not indicate that students took courses as high school students. La Salle University does not guarantee that courses will transfer to other institutions. Official La Salle University transcripts can be requested through the Registrar’s website.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) gives students, parents and guardians certain rights and protections with respect to education records. FERPA protects education records of minors in college credit or dual-credit courses differently than High School courses. La Salle University administrators may communicate with high school administrators regarding a student’s performance in a dual-credit course and the parents and guardians of minor students in a dual-credit course may receive education records directly from the high school; however parents and guardians may not receive education records directly from La Salle unless the minor enrolled in the dual-credit or college-credit course gives express written permission.
View the Dual Enrollment Pathways website for more information. Alternately, contact Dual Enrollment Pathways; dualenrollment@lasalle.edu
Community Scholars Program
Rising juniors and seniors attending School District of Philadelphia high schools. They attend in-person college courses taught on La Salle’s campus, by La Salle professors, with other college students. Community Scholars are selected through a District selection process. Each student may enroll in one La Salle course per semester (fall and spring).
Diocesan Scholar Program
Rising seniors attending Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and Catholic private schools are eligible for this program. They attend in-person college courses taught on La Salle’s campus, by La Salle professors, with other college students. Applications and selections are managed by the Archdiocese. Each student may enroll in two La Salle courses per semester (fall and spring).
La Salle’s Early Achievement Program – LEAP
Rising juniors and seniors attending a LEAP partner school are eligible for this program. Taught by La Salle professors, LEAP students take up to 10 courses, during 7 semesters, earning up to 30 credits within a themed track, before becoming a full-time college student. They are enrolled in two courses each summer, and one course each fall and spring. LEAP students apply through our LEAP partner schools.
Transformation Scholars
Rising juniors and seniors, from public, Catholic, or charter high schools may be eligible for Transformation Scholars. They attend in-person college courses taught on La Salle’s campus, by La Salle professors, with other college students. Interested students consult with their high school counselors to apply. Each student may enroll in one La Salle course per semester (fall and spring).
Honors Program
Overview
La Salle University emphasizes the need for a strong basis in the humanities and the development of specific skills for all undergraduates. For this reason, all students are required to complete a core curriculum which fulfills the University’s institutional learning objectives, along with intensive study in a specific discipline. The curricular structure of the University Honors Program follows the general University model, but with modifications that recognize the needs and abilities of the highly motivated and intellectually gifted student.
Professors teaching in the first-year Honors Program “triple” coordinate their courses so that, at any particular time during the academic year, the students will be viewing the same period of civilization through the perspective of three different disciplines–literature, history and philosophy. Classroom instruction in the first-year “triple” is complemented by activities such as attendance at area performing arts organizations and visits to other cultural venues and sites of particular interest.
Admission
Each year approximately 60 to 70 students are admitted to the Honors Program. Invitations are extended to students who have been accepted for admission by the University, who have a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher. Admitted students who do not receive invitations may apply online using the application in the Honors Program pages of the University website (https://www.lasalle.edu/honors-program/apply/).
Requirements
14 courses designed specifically for the Honors Program are required. Other requirements include:
- The Honors triple each semester in the first year of studies (history, literature, philosophy)
- Two courses in Religion and Theology (HON 248 Religion Is… and one elective)
- An ethical issues seminar
- An independent project
- A cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 overall and in Honors courses must be maintained
Students who complete all of the requirements of the Honors Program are graduated from La Salle with the special distinction of General University Honors. This distinction is noted on the official transcript, on the diploma, and in a special listing in the Commencement program.
Honors Course Descriptions–Required Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HON 111 | Early Literary Traditions | 3-4 |
| HON 112 | Modern Literary Traditions | 3-4 |
| HON 121 | Early Human History | 3 |
| HON 122 | Modern Societies and Their Legacies | 3 |
| HON 131 | Early Philosophical Traditions | 3-4 |
| HON 132 | Modern & Contemporary Philosophical Traditions | 3-4 |
| HON 248 | Religion Is… | 3 |
The Honors Affiliate Program
The Honors Affiliate Program aims to attract talented students who have opted not to join the full Honors Program to Honors courses. It’s an opportunity for students to take advantage of the true spirit of a liberal arts education, and broaden their perspectives beyond their majors and minors.
Prerequisites
In order to pursue the Honors Affiliate program, students must:
- Have completed one full year of study at La Salle,
- Have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.5, with no grade lower than a ‘B,’’
- Complete the Honors Affiliate Scholars application,
- Submit a recommendation from a member of La Salle’s full-time faculty,
- Receive a positive recommendation from an interview committee
Course of Study
To successfully complete this program and graduate as an Honors Affiliate Scholar, students will be required to:
- Successfully complete two semesters of a university-level foreign language at the intermediate level,
- Successfully complete one semester of undergraduate research,
- Engage in two university service trips OR enroll in one LaSalle travel study course,
- Successfully complete three Honors program elective courses.
- Maintain an overall GPA of 3.0
Completion of the Program
Upon completion of the Honors Affiliate Program, students will receive an Honors Affiliate Scholar Certificate and a special designation on the transcript. In addition, students will receive an invitation to apply for the Fulbright Scholarship program and personal mentoring by Honors Program staff members to prepare the Fulbright application.
Contact Information
The University Honors Program office is located in College Hall 304. The Director of the Program is Brother Michael McGinniss, F.S.C., Ph.D. For additional information, call 215.951.1360 or email honors@lasalle.edu.
Experiential Learning
Internships, Externships, Co-ops, and More
Students have ample opportunity to find work related to their majors or career goals while simultaneously earning academic credit and gaining real world experience. In addition to internships, externships and cooperative education, there are a variety of clinical, practicum, and field experiences also available.
Typically available to juniors and seniors from any major, internships may be part-time or full-time, paid or unpaid, and can range in length from three to six months. Students must be in good academic standing, having completed appropriate academic requirements.
Co-op programs are available through the Schools of Arts and Sciences and Business. They typically involve full-time, paid work experiences lasting from three to six months.
Nursing, Communication Science Disorders, Education and Social Work are among the departments that require students to participate in hands-on experiences such as clinicals, practica, and field experiences. These may range from one to three semesters of work or service and are integrated into the curricula. (Check your academic department requirements for details.)
Externships usually include full-time, paid summer employment and are most common in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences
It is highly recommended that students investigate and prepare for internships, co-ops, etc., before completing the sophomore year. Early academic planning is critical in order to stay on track for graduation. The La Salle University Career Center can help you identify and apply for these opportunities and also will assist you with resume writing and interviewing skills.
View the La Salle University Career Center website for more information or contact 215.951.1075 or careers@lasalle.edu
ROTC
Army ROTC
Students at La Salle can participate in Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) through a partnership agreement with Drexel University. The program is open to all students who desire to earn a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard upon graduation.
Courses are offered at Drexel University, with transportation provided to and from training by La Salle university. Freshman and Sophomore students who are not on scholarship do not incur a military service obligation by enrolling. Additionally, military science courses are applied toward graduation requirements. Juniors and Seniors enrolled in the Advanced Course will commission as Army Officers upon graduation.
The primary purpose of ROTC is to commission the future officer leadership of the United States Army and motivate young people to be better citizens. Students enrolled in the ROTC program receive instruction in the fundamentals of leadership with emphasis on self-discipline, integrity, confidence, and responsibility. ROTC is the only college elective that teaches leadership and management skills that enhance your future success in either a military or civilian career.
ROTC scholarships worth up to full tuition and fees are available on a competitive basis. Advancing freshman and sophomore students compete for two and three-year scholarships. All junior and senior students with a scholarship can receive a stipend for books and education fees and a non-taxable subsistence allowance per month while attending classes.
For more information on the program, scholarships, and career opportunities, contact ROTC at Drexel University.
La Salle/Military Science Courses Required for Army ROTC:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSC 101 | Intro to Military Science I | 1 |
| MSC 102 | Intro to Military Science II | 1-3 |
| MSC 201 | Fundamentals of Leadership I | 2 |
| MSC 202 | Fundamentals of Leadership II | 2 |
| MSC 301 | Leadership & Management I | 3 |
| MSC 302 | Leadership & Management II | 3 |
| MSC 401 | Leadership Dimensions Practice | 3 |
| MSC 402 | Contemporary Military Policy | 3 |
Air Force ROTC
The AFROTC program offered through Detachment 750 at Saint Joseph’s University offers college students a three- or four-year curriculum leading to a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force (USAF). In the four-year option, a student (cadet) takes General Military Course (GMC) classes during their freshmen and sophomore years, attends a 4-week summer training program between their sophomore and junior years, and then takes Professional Officer Course (POC) classes during their junior and senior years. Cadets in the three-year option will be dual-enrolled in both GMC classes during their sophomore year, attend a summer training program, and take POC classes during their junior and senior years. A cadet is under no contractual obligation with the USAF until entering the POC or accepting an AFROTC scholarship. The GMC curriculum focuses on the scope, structure, organization, and history of the USAF with an emphasis on the development of airpower and its relationship to current events. The POC curriculum concentrates on the concepts and practices of leadership and management, and the role of national security forces in American society.
In addition to the academic portion of the curricula, each cadet participates in a two-hour Leadership Laboratory (LLAB) and two hours of Physical Training (PT) each week. Both LLAB and PT utilize the cadet organization designed for the practice of leadership and management techniques.
For more information about the AFROTC program, contact ROTC at St. Joseph’s University.
Travel/Study
La Salle offers semester-long courses with travel components included to enhance the educational experience. Past courses have included: The Lasallian World: View from United States and Guatemala; Comparative Business Practices—Germany or France and the United States; Education to Globalization in India; Conflict Resolution: Ireland; Narrative Versions of the Vietnam War; International Film in Prague; and Globalization and Tradition in 21st-Century China; between Globalization and Tradition in 21st-Century India; and The Political Economy of Latin America.
EXCHANGE PROGRAMS WITH LASALLIAN SCHOOLS La Salle is part of the “One La Salle” program. This allows students to study at selective Lasallian universities worldwide as part of a special exchange study abroad program. Each select program will require students to not only apply through La Salle’s study abroad application process but also the Lasallian institution abroad.
For more information about Study Abroad, Travel Study, or Exchange Programs with Lasallian Schools visit the Education Abroad website.
Undergraduate Student Research
Undergraduate Research is a program which provides opportunities for undergraduate students to conduct research in all fields with La Salle faculty members who are actively investigating and publishing and eager to mentor undergraduates in research projects. Students can engage in personalized and professionally rewarding research in the arts and social sciences, in business, in nursing, and in the physical sciences. Such work, intellectually valuable in itself, can lead to conference papers and publications, which provide distinctive credentials for job-hunting and for further professional study. The research normally occurs over one semester and the student receives three credits once the research is completed. In addition, the student’s work is disseminated through a public poster session on campus and through Digital Commons, an online repository managed through the Connelly Library.
Visit the Undergraduate Student Research website for more information.