Learning Assistance Program at the Marsha Sharp Center

Our Mission

The Learning Assistance Program is dedicated to the enhancement of the student-athlete collegiate experience. Our comprehensive program seeks to address individual student needs and learning concerns, foster independent learning, and provide assistance both inside and outside of the classroom. We strive to support student-athletes in their pursuit of academic excellence, personal growth, and professional development.

For More Information Contact:
Learning Assistance Program
Texas Tech University
Marsha Sharp Center at 7th & Boston
Lubbock, TX 79406
Phone: 806-742-0150

Suzanne Dickenson - Assistant Athletics Director-Academic Services | Suzanne.dickenson@ttu.edu

Candice Laster - Director of LAP/ Learning Specialist | Candice.n.laster@ttu.edu

Ashley Moss - Learning Specialist | Ashley.moss@ttu.edu

Liz Witmore - Learning Specialist | Elizabeth.witmore@ttu.edu

Robert Booker - Tutorial Coordinator | Robert.booker@ttu.edu

Learning Assistance Program: Overview

The Learning Assistance Program within the Marsha Sharp Center for Student-Athletes provides individualized learning services for student-athletes at Texas Tech University. The mission of the Learning Assistance Program is to build the essential academic skills necessary to allow independent learning while providing the resources that will assist Texas Tech student-athletes in reaching their academic potential. The Learning Assistance Program consists of initiatives that bridge the gap between application and academic excellence:

Learning Specialist
Psychoeducational Testing
Tutorial Program

The Learning Specialist

Learning Specialists work with student-athletes in individual sessions for a wide-variety of reasons. Learning specialists are trained to identify students’ strengths and weaknesses and work collaboratively to implement strategies to help students be successful. This requires the ability to adapt and be creative to meet each student’s unique needs. Learning specialist sessions can include focusing on the following:

Study techniques
Memory and attention strategies
Time management skills
Assistive technologies to enhance the learning process
Reading comprehension
Learning strategies

Learning specialists can also make recommendations regarding scheduling, academic support services or other resources that could be available to the student. Additionally, learning specialists are liaisons to Student Disability Services and assist in the registration and accommodation process that some of our student athletes may need or have access to.

Psychoeducational Testing

Every incoming student-athlete completes an initial learning assessment that includes a background history, learning style inventory, and a writing sample. Through this assessment an individual learning profile is created that assists students and MSC staff in utilizing strategies that promote an effective learning environment for each individual. Students will become familiar with their particular learning styles and staff interaction will be crafted to maximize learning potential. These profiles inform the learning specialists of any learning concerns and can identify potential candidates for further psycheducational evaluation. The MSC has positive relationships with numerous doctors/psychologists across Lubbock to serve the needs of our student-athletes when further evaluation is needed.

Tutorial Program

The Marsha Sharp Center hires a variety of undergraduate students, graduate students, retired educators, and working professionals to cater to the specific tutorial academic needs of student-athletes. The Tutorial Coordinator is responsible for the recruitment, hiring, training, and development of the tutorial staff.

General Tutoring
General Tutors meet one-on-one with student-athletes to assist with time management, reading and writing strategies, effective note taking, study strategies, etc. Help students keep an up-to-date planner/calendar of assignments, track grades, and create weekly objectives. General Tutors may not have extensive knowledge in all of the student’s subject areas but must have good organizational and communication skills.

Subject Tutoring
Subject Tutors assist student-athletes in understanding core concepts of a course by supplementing what they have learned in class. Subject Tutors have an extensive background knowledge and understanding of course material and can help students connect with additional resources that will help them in their courses.

Learning Assistants
Learning Assistants are comprised of a group of retired educators and graduate students that provide academic support during study hall. They help monitor assignment completion and answer questions as students work throughout study hall. Additionally, Learning Assistants can meet one-on-one with students on specific subject areas, helping the student to understand core concepts discussed in the course.

Evaluation Process

All incoming student-athletes take an Optimal Performance Evaluation and complete a learning profile to assess academic needs. They look at background history, perceived learning strengths and weaknesses, spelling, reading, math and a writing sample. Students may be flagged for learning concerns where they will be referred to a psychologist in the Lubbock community.