History

The first SALC opened on 1st June 2001. It was located in two classrooms with a doorway knocked between the two rooms. At that time the SALC was a very exciting concept. It was a place where students could come and study languages on their own without the direct involvement of a teacher, but where they could receive support and guidance in their language learning from a learning advisor. SALC users also had an incredible choice of learning materials and resources. There was nowhere like it in KUIS, or in other universities across Japan.

In this first SALC we had one learning advisor and a small team of 14 part-time student staff. Our student staff have always played a crucial role in helping us to process materials and serve our clientele. In return they receive an education in how to operate in an English working environment, as well as getting many chances to practice their language skills.

The SALC was so frequently full that the University decided to construct a new building partly to house a new centre. Some KUIS teachers and students were involved in suggesting ideas and designs for the new building. We watched the new building grow from the old SALC, and then moved in during the spring vacation in 2003.

In the last four years the SALC has gone from strength to strength. There are now three SALC sections: Educational Services, Resources Services and Research. From the beginning, the work we do in the SALC has been informed by systematic research, and this has been crucial in maintaining the effectiveness of our programmes. We have expanded in other ways too, and we now have a team of eight dedicated learning advisors who support learners in six structured programmes of study (the SALC Modules), as well as offering more informal learning support.