PRESS Overview
The PRESS initiative is offered to admitted first-generation students as an opportunity to improve their learning outcomes. Students desiring to participate in program activities will complete the participant interest application, which includes a status determination section (student and parents) and one letter of recommendation.
While grade point average and SAT scores will be a part of the application process, this data will not be the primary determination of participation.
First-year students will each be assigned a faculty advisor during the summer prior to their first academic semester. This advisor will be responsible for their academic counseling needs throughout their matriculation at the University. Additionally, students will be introduced to the program and will be given a summer reading assignment to be completed prior to the beginning of the academic semester.
PRESS will engage students in active learning through two courses students may use to fulfill the curriculum matrix of their major: (1) a course in critical thinking and writing and (2) a workshop in Preparing to Succeed in College. Faculty will work together collaboratively in the classroom, consistently modeling learning for students, while encouraging student participation using seminars, class discussion, group projects and a service learning/civic engagement component. The participants will enroll in both courses simultaneously. These dynamic courses will challenge students' notions of college attendance, and introduce them to construction of knowledge and information acquisition.
Project participants will be expected to participate in all retention activities planned by the project faculty and coordinated by the Academic Counselor, including monthly group meetings focused on academic success strategies. Peer mentors will work alongside faculty mentors and will be matched to participants according to each student’s major and/or area of difficulty. Participants and mentors will engage in shared academic events with peers and alumni on a monthly basis.
PRESS offers the following assistance to students:
While grade point average and SAT scores will be a part of the application process, this data will not be the primary determination of participation.
First-year students will each be assigned a faculty advisor during the summer prior to their first academic semester. This advisor will be responsible for their academic counseling needs throughout their matriculation at the University. Additionally, students will be introduced to the program and will be given a summer reading assignment to be completed prior to the beginning of the academic semester.
PRESS will engage students in active learning through two courses students may use to fulfill the curriculum matrix of their major: (1) a course in critical thinking and writing and (2) a workshop in Preparing to Succeed in College. Faculty will work together collaboratively in the classroom, consistently modeling learning for students, while encouraging student participation using seminars, class discussion, group projects and a service learning/civic engagement component. The participants will enroll in both courses simultaneously. These dynamic courses will challenge students' notions of college attendance, and introduce them to construction of knowledge and information acquisition.
Project participants will be expected to participate in all retention activities planned by the project faculty and coordinated by the Academic Counselor, including monthly group meetings focused on academic success strategies. Peer mentors will work alongside faculty mentors and will be matched to participants according to each student’s major and/or area of difficulty. Participants and mentors will engage in shared academic events with peers and alumni on a monthly basis.
PRESS offers the following assistance to students:
- test-taking and graduate school preparation
- study skills
- critical thinking strategies
- time management
- free tutorial services
- financial advisement
- community service activities
- textbook stipend for the first year of coursework
- Eligibility for scholarships during all four years of college