Instructional Services and Pre-Law

Academic Development Courses and Services
Instructional Services, on the first floor of Peck Hall, offers students a variety of support services designed to maximize their opportunities for academic success at the University. Services include Academic Development courses, workshops, testing programs, and individual assistance in the Writing Center and Mathematics Resource Area. Students may develop skills in subjects such as reading, writing, and mathematics, and develop study skills such as time management, note-taking strategies, test preparation, organization for study, and career decision making.

Some students who enter the University take placement tests as part of the University's assessment plan and as a way to determine at which level in reading, writing, and mathematics they should begin their study. The University requires freshmen to meet minimum competency in each of these areas before enrolling in introductory-level General Education courses. Freshmen who need to prepare themselves for entry into the General Education curriculum may do so through developmental courses offered by Instructional Services. These courses help students reach their academic goals. Developmental courses in reading help students develop critical comprehension skills necessary for understanding and effectively using university texts. Developmental mathematics courses prepare students for college algebra if their major programs require such, and to enter General Education science and mathematics courses. Basic writing courses help students write logical, clear expository essays relatively free of mechanical errors. This preparation will encourage their success in English composition and in introductory General Education courses, all of which require written assignments. Other enhancement courses in reading speed and efficiency, study skills, and career planning and development are available to students who wish to focus on these specific areas. Classroom activities in all Instructional Services courses involve students actively in developing their skills. Computer-assisted instruction is frequently incorporated into courses. Out-of-class study groups also are encouraged.

Testing Services
A complete range of testing services is available to students. Instructional Services administers the Miller Analogies Test; The Graduate Record Examination; The American College Test (ACT); The College Level Examination Program (CLEP); proficiency examinations; the Constitution examination for students under the 1986 General Education program; examinations for the schools of Education and Nursing; and University placement tests.

Students may earn academic credit for their prior knowledge by taking CLEP and proficiency examinations. For more information, please refer to the section entitled Credit Earned by Examination, Extension, and Correspondence.

Students who are required to complete placement tests prior to admission or advisement may obtain information from Instructional Services by visiting Peck Hall, room 1404, or calling (618) 650-3717.

Instructional and Tutorial Assistance
Instructional Services provides assistance to students enrolled in developmental mathematics courses and college algebra through its Mathematics Resource Area in Peck Hall, room 1414. Students are helped on a first-come, first-served basis by qualified peer tutors and instructors. Small groups are welcomed, and students are encouraged to use the area for working with other students on their mathematics assignments. For more information, call (618) 650-2039.

As an academic support unit, Instructional Services offers support to students beyond the developmental course level. Students who wish to improve their reading skills may contact Instructional Services reading instructors. Instructors will help students increase their comprehension and build vocabulary skills, increase reading rates, and develop techniques for reading textbook materials. Appointments may be made in Peck Hall, room 1404, or by calling (618) 650-3717.

The Writing Center provides individual assistance with papers, reports, and theses. Self-instructional materials also are available on a wide variety of writing-related topics such as organization, paragraphing, grammar, and English as a second language. Appointments are recommended for help with papers. The Writing Center is in Peck Hall, room 1419, and is open for daytime, evening, and weekend use. For more information, contact the center at (618) 650-2045 or by e-mail at wcenter@siue.edu.

Individual departments also may provide tutorial assistance. Students should contact the specific department to determine whether such assistance is available. Instructional Services also maintains a list of departmental tutorial services. In addition, Instructional Services offers Supplemental Instruction - regularly scheduled voluntary group study sessions — in selected major and General Education courses that are traditionally considered difficult. Students should check the Instructional Services home page at www.siue.edu/IS for links to tutoring resources.

Additional support is available to students in the form of academic survival workshops, which Instructional Services staff provide on request. Workshops include topics such as time management, organizing for study, test and final examination preparation, managing academic stress, and strategies for beginning research papers. These one- or two-hour workshops are free to students and usually are arranged by campus groups such as residence hall councils and student organizations.

Instructional Services staff are in the 1400 wing of Peck Hall and are available to help students. For more information or assistance, students should stop by the Instructional Services office in Peck 1404 or call (618) 650-3717, or visit the Instructional Services website at www.siue.edu/IS.

Pre-Law Preparation
Enterance into law school does not require any specific major or any specific course requirements. Law schools judge applicants based upon their cumulative grade point average and law school admission test (LSAT) scores. Students wishing to attend law school must obtain an undergraduate degree before entering law school. However, students typically apply to law school beginning in the fall of their senior year. To prepare for entrance, students are encouraged to take the law school admission test the June following their junior year, or in October of their senior year.

Many students find that undergraduate courses in philosophy, such as critical thinking, and courses in political science, history and English are helpful in law school. Any course that emphasizes technical writing skills is especially helpful in law school. Students considering a law career should enjoy working with people, have good communication skills, enjoy reading, and be excellent writers.

The University encourages students interested in a law career to participate in the Pre-Law Association. The Association, together with Student Legal Services, sponsors an annual Pre-Law Night in the fall of each year that brings recruiters from numerous law schools to campus to discuss admission to law school with interested students. The Pre-Law Association also visits area law schools and brings in speakers on law-related topics.