Program Overview

Introduction to LSU Mathematics Programs

The Louisiana State University (LSU) Department of Mathematics offers various programs designed to support students in their mathematical education. These programs include the ALEKS Placement, Preparation, and Learning (PPL) program, the Virtual ALEKS Helpline, and the LSU Virtual Math Ready Program.

ALEKS Placement, Preparation, and Learning (PPL) Program

The ALEKS PPL program is an alternative placement method for LSU mathematics courses. It assesses knowledge across 314 topics, including numeric manipulation, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, through 30 questions or less. The program uses an adaptive learning system and provides personalized learning modules for improvement.

ALEKS PPL Exam Details

• The ALEKS PPL exam is proctored and provides opportunity for multiple attempts to achieve the highest score.
• The exam is required for students taking any introductory calculus courses.
• Students who do not have an ALEKS PPL qualifying score will be purged from certain courses but can reenroll with a qualifying score.
• The ALEKS PPL proctored exam scores are an alternative placement method for LSU mathematics courses, including MATH 1021, MATH 1022, and MATH 1431.

Virtual ALEKS Helpline

The Virtual ALEKS Helpline is a free live tutoring service that offers drop-in assistance and support using a virtual whiteboard. The service is available Sunday through Thursday from April to August, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Virtual ALEKS Helpline Details

• The helpline is a partnership between the LSU Department of Mathematics, the LSU Gordon A. Cain Center for STEM Literacy, and the Center for Academic Success.
• Students must use their myLSU account for registration and take the initial placement exam to access the Prep and Learning Modules.
• The PPL exam proctored through Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor costs $25 for ALEKS PPL and $5 for Respondus.

LSU Virtual Math Ready Program

The LSU Virtual Math Ready Program is a bridge program designed to increase participants' scores on the ALEKS PPL placement exam. The program is offered in summer and includes online ALEKS PPL precalculus modules over three weeks.

LSU Virtual Math Ready Program Details

• Duration: 3 weeks
• Cost: $295 (added to student's fall fee bill)
• Type: Virtual
• Dates: June 7 to June 25, 2021
• Meeting Times: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. 12 p.m., 1 p.m. 3 p.m.
• Requirements: Incoming LSU freshman for fall 2021, ALEKS score of 75 or below, and digital writing tablet or mechanism to communicate math virtually over a digital whiteboard.

Program Structure

• Classes will be held over Zoom daily, and the course will be hosted on Moodle.
• Students will participate in short lectures given by instructors and work in small groups to complete ALEKS learning modules.
• Each group will be assigned an academic mentor to help maximize the learning experience.
• By the end of the program, students will be better prepared to increase their placement scores and successfully navigate the rigors of college mathematics.