This past summer, a selected group of incoming first years tried out a new program to help them successfully move from high school into the University.
"Students are invited to attend the second summer session," said Asst. College Dean Rachel Most, who described the experience as a "transition program" for students needing academic assistance.
The Provost's office created the academic program as an opportunity for students with fewer chances in high school to prepare for their upcoming years in college.
"The admissions office identifies the students that are invited to participate based on the opportunities students had to take college prep courses in high school," College Dean of Academic Support Carol Gutman said. This program gives those students without such opportunities the chance to be prepared before entering the University in the fall.
"A lot of universities offer this type of program," said Gutman, who compared the program to the engineering school's BRIDGE program and the medical school's Post-Bac program, which provide incoming students with a chance to receive instruction in difficult courses. Students also experience college life and develop study habits and social skills while attending classes here.
About eight years ago, the University offered a similar summer program sponsored by the State Council for Higher Education in Virginia, but lost funding after extra programs were added without the Council's consent.
The new program is not identical but still provides incoming students with a summer to gain experience.
During the session, students attend two classes and weekly discussion meetings to get a feel for the classes they will attend and the assignments they will complete over their next four years.
Because this was the first year for the program, only a small "pilot" group of students attended the first session. This summer there were about 60 students, about 50 percent of whom were student-athletes, according to Most.
The effect of this program on students' performance during the school year is so far inconclusive because there have been very few grades received at this point in the year. Yet, officials are optimistic about the outcome.
"We anticipate a good response," Gutman said.
The program currently is without a name because it is still in development, but it is now under the office of student academic support. Gutman said participating students "have responded very favorably."
The administration looks forward to seeing the results and conducting the program again next summer.
"It is always exciting to work with new students coming in," Gutman said.
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