Learning Partners FAQ

Learning Partners is a fee-based academic support program for students with documented learning differences, attention challenges, and related needs. The program focuses on teaching learning strategies—not just content—so students can build self-advocacy, strengthen academic skills, and succeed independently in college. Many students also build the math, reading, and writing skills that are critical to college success. It is most effective for students who are motivated to take ownership of their academic progress.

No. Academic accommodations are provided at no cost, as the right of every student with a properly documented ADA-recognized disability. Learning Partners is a separate, optional fee-based program that provides structured coaching and additional support.

Yes. Learning Partners costs are included when calculating a student’s total financial aid package. Contact the Financial Aid Office at (919) 497-1100 for details.

Students are encouraged to complete enrollment early so program costs are reflected in their initial aid package. Students enrolling after they have received their initial financial aid letter should contact Financial Aid directly.

Students with disabilities may also be eligible for support through their local county office of North Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation, which can provide up to $5,000 toward Learning Partners costs for qualifying individuals, along with support for other college expenses.

IEPs and 504 Plans are not automatically forwarded to colleges, and they rest on a law that does not cover colleges. While these documents help provide context about how a disability affects a student in the classroom, they do not automatically qualify a student for accommodations. Students must meet college documentation requirements through Accessibility Services; see How to Qualify for Accessibility Services for what is needed.

Schedule a meeting with Accessibility Services and complete the Request for Accommodations Form. Call (919) 497-3278 or email mlove@louisburg.edu to begin.

Students should submit documentation before that meeting; missing documentation slows the process. Accommodations are reviewed each semester: students meet with the Director of Learning Partners at the start of each semester to review them and update the disclosure release forms so the release covers their new instructors.

No. At the college level, the law places the responsibility on the student to self-identify, submit documentation of a disability, request and discuss accommodations, and let faculty or the Director of Learning Partners know if accommodations are not working. Parents may contact Accessibility Services and ask the director to reach out to their student and invite them to make an appointment, but the student must complete the process. The small setting and supportive faculty make Louisburg a good place to grow into that responsibility.

Accommodations are handled confidentially. In college the law treats students as adults: disability information is released only when the student signs a disclosure form, and faculty who are informed of an accommodation must keep it confidential. Students work directly with each professor to agree on a discreet way to handle accommodations such as extended time, without drawing attention in class.

Every student is admitted under the same standards and completes the same courses to graduate, and professors are glad to work with students on their learning differences—students who request accommodations tend to be hard workers who do as well as their classmates, if not better.

Yes, but early registration is strongly recommended. The approval process takes time, and delays can limit access when it is needed most. Once approved, students choose when and how to use their accommodations—a student who qualifies for extended testing time in every class may decide to use it in only one course.