College Reading Requirements

Reading is a complex process of constructing meaning from written language and involves an interaction between the reader, the text and the context of the reading setting. The Reading Program provides students with an opportunity to become strategic readers who use a variety of methods to continually develop and monitor their comprehension. The goal is to assist students in developing their reading and learning abilities and to help them succeed in University coursework.

College Reading Requirements

Academic Reading coursework is provided to prepare students for the rigors of academic reading that will be required in their major and other coursework. Based on their demonstrated skills, students may be required to take the sequence of Academic Reading courses; however, any student may elect to take a reading course to learn to handle college-level texts. To provide support for students entering Lewis University, freshmen will be enrolled in Academic Reading in the Literacy Program based on the following criteria:

1. Previous assistance in high School with academics including but not limited to: 
   1. Identified disability, IEP or 504 plan
   2. Participation in other learning support program(s)
   3. Developmental/remedial reading coursework in high school
2. ACT Reading sub-score of 19 or lower (but the department will also consider the qualifications of those students who scored in the low 20’s)---Students who have not taken the ACT exam will be assessed through alternative means (e.g., SAT sub-scores).
3. Students who wish to major in the nursing and health professions will have additional criteria (e.g., the KAPLAN test) by which they may be considered for placement in Academic Reading for the Nursing and Health Professions. If placed in this course, it is a mandatory requirement to remain a nursing major.

Unless otherwise indicated by the Undergraduate Reading Director, students placed in Academic Reading during their first semester are required to take Academic Reading Seminar during the subsequent semester. Academic advisors need to make sure that students required to take reading courses are registered for the correct course.

Students who wish to appeal the reading placement must fill out the Appeal of Reading Placement Exam Results form available from the Academic Services department within the Center for Academic Success & Enrichment (CASE) or in the College of Education and Social Sciences office. The Department of Reading and Literacy faculty will review the appeal and the results of the decision will be provided, in writing, within two weeks of the appeal.