Fort Valley State University-[node:field-date:custom:Y]--Early College, Other/Undefined

High Impact Strategy

Pre-College Academy: Students formerly rejected for admission to FVSU, but who met the program’s  minimum criteria, were invited to attend a five-week, intensive program designed to fortify their skills in reading, writing, and mathematics.  Based on their successful completion of this program, they were admitted to the University the following semester.

 Concept: The Pre-College Academy is designed to assist in the transition from high school and college.  It is an opportunity to offer the university experience to students who, otherwise, might not receive admission.  This highly concentrated program of study offers strengthening of basic skills in an on-campus environment which can lead to admission into the FVSU University College.  Its mission is to increase the skill levels of selected high school graduates in mathematics, reading, and English; to increase students’ motivation to pursue college careers; and to enhance students’ perceptions of the value of attending college.  In addition, the Pre-College Academy at FVSU will ensure that students will meet FVSU’s admission standards and are adequately prepared for the rigors of the academic curricula prior to being enrolled.  The program will serve as a pipeline for admission to FVSU for students who successfully complete the program.

Identification, Analysis, and Prescription: The Office of Admissions at Fort Valley State University identifies all applicants who meet the following criteria: SAT Math 310 (ACT 14) and SAT Verbal 350 (ACT 13) and a high school GPA of 2.2 or above.  By invitation, they are invited to campus to participate in the five-week program during which an analysis is conducted of the participants’ reading, writing and mathematics deficiencies, classes are tailored to the needs of participants, and tutoring and Supplemental Instruction are designed to address weaknesses. 

Coordinated Activities: For a five-week period, program participants will attend classes in three subjects, reading, English, and mathematics.  Each class will meet one hour and fifteen minutes per day, Monday through Thursday.  Study sessions are also planned for evenings and throughout the day.  Fridays will expose students to University Orientation where they will learn the basics needed for successful navigation of a college career.  Weekends are devoted to recreational, cultural, and professional development activities. 

Metrics to be Utilized: The impact of the program will be measured by test scores and perception surveys, designed to assess progress toward the program’s purpose.  Pre- and post-tests will be administered to determine outcomes students have mastered before and after instruction.  Course-embedded assessments in math modeling, reading and writing will be used to assess the students’ achievement in the various subject areas.  Also, perception surveys utilizing quantitative and qualitative measures will be utilized to measure students’ awareness of higher education opportunities both before and after participation in the program.

Assessment and Anticipated Outcomes: Successful performance in the three courses will be measured by course-embedded assessments.  Pre- and post-testing will allow assessment of the increases in reading ability related to the program.  It is anticipated at least 75% of the students will successfully complete the course and will, therefore, be able to qualify for admission to FVSU in it University College program. 

Related Goal

Goal 1: Increase in the number of undergraduate degrees awarded by USG institutions.
Goal 2: Increase the number of degrees that are earned “on time” (associate degrees in 2 years, bachelor’s degrees in 4 years). Goal 9: Increase Access for underserved and/or priority communities.

Summary of Activities

The program has been implemented and is currently preparing for the third cohort of students. The first cohort of students enrolled at FVSU at the rate of 89.3 %.( 25 students) Moreover, their retention rate from Spring 2015 to Fall 2015 was 96 %( 24 students).  The program was held in the Fall of 2014, which means these participants enrolled at FVSU in Spring 2015. Cohort #2 started in the Summer of 2015 and 100% (21 Students) of them enrolled at FVSU in Fall 2015. Approximately 98 % of cohort members improved in each area (Math Reading, and Writing on the Compass Placement exam. FVSU believes that these participants will have a better chance of graduating.

Baseline Status

24.2% of underprepared students graduate from FVSU in six years.

Interim Measures of Progress

Increase the success of students who are underprepared by 5% over the next three years.

Measures of Success

Increase the success of students who are underprepared by 5% over the next three years. The outcome will be assessed based on retention and graduation rates of this population. Additionally, formative evaluations will be conducted annually by reviewing the course completion rates of this population.

Lessons Learned/challenges

The challenges that were encountered were mainly centered on the lack of funds. A budget must be allocated for this important initiative. The program does work and FVSU must decide which initiatives are accomplishing outlined goals and objectives and then fund them adequately. Also, the ability to admit more students into this program would enhance our opportunity to increase the number of undergraduate degrees at FVSU immensely.