Active Learning Comes to Life University – Alexandra Gerdel, DC Student

QEP may seem boring, but the rewards are phenomenal

This winter marks the beginning of  the implementation of Life University’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). Headed up by Dr. Kathryn Hoiiris, the QEP Director, working along with many others across the Faculty and Administration, QEP has become something to talk about at Life. In early February, the QEP committee will have its first series of meetings with SACS, the accrediting agency for the University.

The most important thing for students to know about QEP is that its aim is to create a learning environment that allows students to actively participate and be engaged in classes, rather than just being “lectured.” These types of learning activities are referred to as Active Learning Strategies (ALS). While many of the upper quarter students currently enrolled at Life University probably won’t get to see all the global benefits of our QEP and the potential changes in the learning curve and the curriculum at Life, there are some perks for current students.

If you were around the Socrates Café during the four QEP giveaway days or if you played the weekly QEP stakes in Life News, you may have already won some of the free QEP goodies just by answering a question or two about the QEP. Current students may also begin to see the immediate effects of the numerous Life faculty members who are using or exploring a wide variety of Active Learning Strategies and implementing them in classes throughout the College of Chiropractic and the College of Undergraduate Studies.  Faculty will be including more and more opportunities for students to “get interactive” in the classroom setting.  Get ready to say goodbye to some of those “sage on the stage” lectures and, instead, be engaged in more “guide on the side” learning experiences.

And remember that the QE in QEP stands for Quality Enhancement, which makes it a Plan to Enhance the Quality of YOUR education.

 

New Student Enrollment Exceeds 400 – Carley Edwards, D.C. Student

Numbers expected to increase

As Life University continues to expand with the new café, parking deck, and green area, so does the new student body. The total new student enrollment for the fall quarter was 420 students. This includes the Doctor of Chiropractic Program, The College of Undergraduate Studies and The College of Graduate Studies and Research. The Doctor of Chiropractic Program welcomed 156 new students, making the total headcount 1543 students. However, fall 2007 exceeded this number with 178 new students enrolled in the DC program and 162 in the fall 2009 quarter.

The College of Undergraduate Studies had the highest enrollment seen in years with 240 new students, making 792 total undergraduate students. The College of Graduate Studies and Research has 102 students, 24 of them new this quarter. This number may not seem like a lot, but compared to fall 2005, there were only two new students enrolled. This brings the Life University current total student enrollment to 2437 students. This is 100 more students than last year.

Welcome to Life – Kelly Milano, D.C. Student

it’s a great time to be here

What a great time to be a student on the campus of Life University. As this quarter is getting underway, there is a buzz in the air that hasn’t been experienced before. The Village Retreat Student Housing is at full capacity. The first rugby game of the season saw full bleachers and excited students and fans, (and a massive win by the team!) The First Tuesday festivities saw students excited and the Annex C plaza was virtually at capacity with its sea of students and faculty. The Socrates Café is packed with students at all times of the day and the campus is feeling like a ‘real’ college campus.

In the past, the first day of school brought nothing more than another mundane repeat of going to classes, passing people in the hallway and possibly not even smiling. There was nothing to be excited about. Life was truly lifeLESS at that time, but times are changing. LIFE is changing!

In revitalizing the campus, Dr. Riekeman has stated that one of his goals is to create a campus with a community feel and a true college atmosphere. With increased gathering spots, such as the Socrates Café and the outside eating areas, the Life Village Retreat that is full of activities and events for its residents, sporting events and clubs, life has truly started to come to Life.

This quarter will once again see the Chiro-Games, which Life students participated in last year for the first time since the accreditation crisis. These games will bring more unity and relationships among the students, as well as a pride in the student body, as they represent Life while facing off against the other chiropractic colleges across the nation. The various athletic clubs and intramural sports on campus have support of the Athletic Department like never before. Coach Barrett, Athletic Director at Life, has stated that “Intramural sports are just as important as club sports and intercollegiate sports. We want to create a place where everyone who wants to, can compete and partake in sports”

Another great event that happens weekly on campus is the ongoing activity at the Treehouse. Just about every night, you can find some sort of activities to partake in. From movie nights, open mic nights, pool tournaments and Wii competitions, there is a little something for everyone who is looking for a place to hang out.

Speakers are beginning to flock to Life University as they have realized the quality of chiropractors that we are putting out and want to be a part of the excitement and experience of our university. This quarter will see more of the Carrick Neurology modules and trainings, Arno Burnier, Life Force Weekend with Dr. Joe Dispenza, Animal Adjusting seminars with Dr. Jay Komarek, and many more.

It’s an exciting time to be at Life. Our school’s history is being written right now, and we are a part of it. With all that is happening, you only have to open your eyes and you will find something to get involved in. Where will you find your place? What events and activities will you choose to join? Enjoy your time at Life and get involved! As always, Vital Source will provide information and details on new events and happenings at Life University. For questions or comments please email submissions.vs@gmail.com, or visit our facebook page.