Andy Abbott, Ph.D., Vice President, Information Technology, Provide expertise in CU platform & capabilities; Lydia Block, Ph.D., Consultant, Provide expertise in universal design of curriculum; Elaine Dickerson, Head Reference Library, Identify resources for research & study; Bruce Epps, Instructor, English, Collect & synthesize resources for reading & writing content; Barbara Helfer, Specialist, Information Technology, Collect & synthesize resources for math; Elene Kent, Center for Lifelong Learning; Mark Lochstampfor, Ph.D., Professor, Conservatory of Music, Provide expertise in connection between cognitive science & technology; Julia To Dutka, Ed.D., Associate Provost, Represent assessment & academic interests, build LC relationships

This project will establish a learning community to investigate a web-based, on-line assessment and academic instruction program to prepare in-coming freshmen students for the rigorous academic expectations of Capital University. At present students come to Capital University with varying abilities in fundamental areas such as reading, writing, and mathematics. Historically, academic abilities are assessed during summer residential experiences but today’s students, and often those who are not as academically prepared, must work in the summer to offset the financial obligations of college. Work schedules do not permit these students to attend summer residential experiences and they remain at an academic disadvantage. Therefore, a web-based, on-line assessment and academic instruction program enables students to gauge where they stand academically and prepare for the academic challenge of Capital University. Technology provides an empowering tool that resolves an inability to travel to campus in the summer while providing academic preparation through e learning.