LAD PROGRAM

What is the Center for Language Development Across the Disciplines?

The Center for Language Development Across the Disciplines (LAD) is an innovative, educational program of the University of the Sacred Heart whose objective is to promote effective oral and written skills. In accordance with the Institution's Philosophy, LAD seeks to enhance the student's abilities in logical, critical, and creative thinking; thus, developing their humanistic, scientific, technological, and professional formation. With this mision in mind, LAD has incorporated a diversity of resources and has designed activities, in both English, and Spanish directed at strengthening the linguistic skills by using real life situations within the context of the various disciplines.

How do Participants benefit from the Program

The students who participate in this program, in both English and Spanish, will:

• Improve their linguistic competency in their academic performance
• Participate in real life situations similar to the ones they will confront in the professional world
• Acquire knowledge through technological programs that are incorporated into their higher education experience
• Receive individual assistance to strengthen their linguistic skills
• Meet professionals of different disciplines who will orientate them about the linguistic demands required for professional success
• Develop efficient oral and written communication skills which will be of personal, social, cultural, and professional benefit

What resources are available to the program?

• Center for Languages and Cultures
• Distance Learning
• Student Exchange Program
• Community Service Learning Center
• Faculty Enrichment and Educational Technology Center (CEDTEC)
• Madre María Teresa Guevara Library
• Hispanic Education Technology System (HETS)
• Universia (Distance Learning Consortium among Universities in Puerto Rico, Spain and Latin America)

Services

The LAD Program provides student support services to those participating in courses with the LAD component. We have English and Spanish proficient student mentors to help you revise your work before handing in your final draft to the professor. We also provide you with the opportunity to videotape your oral presentations and receive input from the mentors and the ESL professors. In addition, we also offer a number of workshops each semester to help you improve your oral and written communication skills.
Please visit us, so that together we can achieve the quality and excellence that will be required in your future professions.

OBJECTIVES

The LAD project will:

• Strengthen linguistic skills to improve academic performance
• Increase self confidence for public speaking
• Promote the use of technology for research and presentations
• Develop writing and research skills required for professional success
• Promote collaborative teaching and learning

This project has been funded by:
Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE)
Angel Ramos Foundation
Abbott Pharmaceuticals