Department of General Education

Learning Support (LS) consists of courses designed to support students in several entry-level college courses in English and Mathematics.

A learning support course is a 1-credit-hour course taken in the same semester as a core college course at UWG. For example, you might be taking ENGL 1101-01Z (English Composition) as well as ENGL 0999-01Z (English Composition Learning Support). We call these kinds of courses that are taken in the same semester “corequisite,” meaning they are required to be taken together.

UWG and the University System of Georgia have discovered many important things in their work to develop the best college education system for Georgians.

1. Students who pass ENGL 1101 and their first Mathematics courses in their first year of college are MUCH more likely to graduate college successfully.
2. Most students will perform better in their first year of college if they have access to learning support corequisite classes.
3. Students perform far better in LS courses that are corequisite -- taken in the same semester -- rather than those which are prerequisite, or taken before the main credited course. 

Therefore, UWG requires that students take Learning Support classes where indicated, because those students have a much better chance of progressing successfully to graduation. If you take the class -- even if you are not required to take a LS course you are welcome to register -- you will do better and increase your skills in Math and/or English.

They do not. However, because the LS courses are corequisite, they will not delay your progress toward graduation.

The University System of Georgia and UWG place all students in an entry-level collegiate course with Corequisite Learning Support UNLESS students meet exemption criteria for a particular subject. You have been placed in this LS course so that you have the greatest chance of succeeding in the course.

To exempt placement in corequisite Learning Support students must:

If your schedule cannot work with both LS areas, first-year students may defer taking their Math LS courses until their next semester. Enrollment in ENGL 1101 with Corequisite Learning Support takes priority and should be completed first. However, both English and Math learning support must be completed by the first 30 hours (typically the first year).  

Students requiring LS in both English and mathematics may defer enrollment in Corequisite Learning Support and the paired collegiate course in one or the other area, but must be continuously enrolled in one or both pairs until the college-level courses have been passed. In cases where students cannot take courses in both LS areas simultaneously, enrollment in ENGL 1101 with Corequisite Learning Support should take priority. All Area A requirements must be completed within the first 30 credit hours, including college-level and Corequisite Learning Support requirements in both English and mathematics.

Whenever possible, we have sought to have the same instructor teach both the main section of English or Mathematics and the Learning Support Corequisite course associated with that main section. In other words, whenever possible, the teacher from your Math 1001 course will also be your teacher for your Math 0997 course. The LS courses are smaller and will meet separately from the main course.

No, each LS course for Math or English is designed to support mastery of the skills and concepts needed to pass the collegiate course. As you learn about a new idea or skill in the main course, your LS course will offer additional practice and work on that subject.

You should reach out to your advisor. That person’s name is listed in your MyUWG Wolf Watch, or you can check this webpage (Who's My Advisor?), or you can drop by either the Advising Center or the Momentum Center on campus for assistance.

Please reach out to the chair of the Department of General Education, Dr. Tim Schroer, about learning support classes and faculty in either Mathematics or English.

No, the main course must be passed in order to not have to repeat the LS requirement.

Please reach out to the Academic Testing Center (testwest@westga.edu). They would be happy to assist you in choosing the correct test and scheduling it.

Undergraduate Admissions (admiss@westga.edu) imports test scores and High School GPA. They should be able to assist with ensuring the correct data is in the system.

First, make an appointment to speak with your instructor during office hours. They are your first and best resource about your progress in your class. Other excellent options include an appointment with the Center for Academic Success or the University Writing Center, which can help you with any of your courses, including your LS courses.

In addition to speaking with Dr. Schroer, you may also contact Dr. Karen Owen, Dean of University College, to discuss Learning Support. There is also a manual from the University System of Georgia (pdf), which contains a great deal of information about LS Courses in the system.

LS is covered by financial aid at the regular tuition price, whether the course is online or on campus. It technically counts as 4 total credit hours for tuition, with 3 in the main course and 1 in the learning support section.

Fear not! The LS hold will remain until you successfully complete the Learning Support courses, but then it drops off.