STAR Program
STAR: What to expect
Building peer connections and academic success for first-generation NAU students
Classes offered for NAU first-generation students in the STAR program
All STAR classes fulfill liberal studies requirements for all academic majors on campus. These classes will provide you with a solid background of written, communication, presentation, and public speaking skills.
English 110: Rhetoric in the Media Accordion Closed
This course examines the use of rhetoric to analyze and write about popular cultural texts such as print media, advertising and commercials, television shows, films, cyberspace, and radio.
Communication Studies: Fundamentals of Public Speaking Accordion Closed
This course focuses on the development of basic skills for the creation and delivery of oral messages in public and in small groups, while emphasizing organization and reasoning.
Ethnic Studies 100: Introduction to Ethnic Studies Accordion Closed
This course offers an explanation of the social, political, historical, and cultural experiences of African Americans, Asian Americans, Latino(as)/Chicano(as), and Native Americans in the United States.
MAT 108: Algebra for Precalculus Accordion Closed
Algebraic operations; simplifying expressions; functions; graphs; linear, absolute value, quadratic, cubic, square root functions; solving equations and inequalities; systems of equations. A student with credit in MAT 110 or either of the previous courses, MAT 112 or MAT 135, may not earn credit in MAT 108. All semesters.
NAU First Year Seminar (FYS) Accordion Closed
NAU’s First Year Seminar (FYS) is a three-credit, topics-based seminar and serves as an entry point for NAU’s interdisciplinary Liberal Studies Program, promoting students’ progression toward graduation. All FYS courses are academically rigorous and built to:
- Support the intent of NAU’s innovative First Year Learning Initiative (FYLI)
- Help students in the construction of new knowledge
- Foster positive study habits
- Develop strong academic skills necessary for success across the Liberal Studies Program, the students’ majors, and beyond!
Peer mentoring: Get advice from experienced undergraduates
All STAR students will participate in peer mentoring during the program and throughout their first year at NAU.
Program Assistants (PAs) are upper-level undergraduate students who have mastered the academic and social rigors of college life. They are familiar with the resources on campus and are experts in navigating the campus climate.
Program Assistants provide mentoring and support in the following areas:
- Academic advisement
- The financial aid process
- Career and academic opportunities
- Personal guidance
Other considerations
What is STAR? Accordion Closed
The Successful Transition and Academic Readiness (STAR) program ensures new first-year students a successful transition from high school into college. In four weeks during the summer, prior to enrolling in your fall semester, you will take classes that you can use towards your undergraduate degree. You will meet new students, live on-campus, get used to Northern Arizona University before the fall semester, and have access to peer advising, student clubs, and resources.
Do I have to attend NAU to be a part of the STAR Program? Accordion Closed
Yes. STAR Scholars are expected to accept their admission to NAU for the Fall semester and pay the $250 enrollment deposit (this deposit is not for STAR it is for their enrollment to NAU in the Fall). The STAR Program wants STAR students to be well equipped with skills to help them throughout their NAU academic experience.
When will I know if I’ve been selected for the program? Accordion Closed
Eligible students will receive an invitation to participate in the STAR program in January. Once this invitation has been accepted, students are required to complete their STAR application in order to attend the program. Completed applications and all required documents must be submitted by April 1 for priority admission. Please remember, space is limited! Additional email, phone, and text communications will occur from January-April.
Why do I need to apply for both FAFSA years if the program is free? Accordion Closed
The program is free to every student who is accepted and is Pell-eligible as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Filling out the FAFSA will help us determine if the student really meets that criteria.
- The reason we ask you to fill out both FAFSAs is because summer 2023 falls within the 2023-2024 financial aid year. We rely on summer Pell grants and summer financial aid grants from NAU to pay for the program. It is vital to submit both FAFSAs quickly and complete any additional steps required by NAU Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.
What resources are available to support me & my family in completing both current and prior year FAFSAs before April 1? Accordion Closed
There are numerous resources to support you and your family in completing your FAFSA!
What do you need to fill out the FAFSA?
- First, create an Account (FSA ID) with Federal Student Aid here.
- NAU School Code is 001082
- You can find a list of documentation you may need to fill out your student’s FAFSA here.
Resources for Filling Out the FAFSA
- How to Fill Out the FAFSA, Video from Federal Student Aid
- How to Complete the FAFSA, Arizona Board of Regents
- The FAFSA Process, Federal Student Aid Handout
- NAU Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid Checklist
What if our family needs one-on-one help filling out the FAFSA?
We understand that every family is different and that questions may arise about your specific circumstances. The following resources are available to help families:
- Schedule a one-on-one appointment with Northern Arizona College Resource Center
- One-on-one appointments with Arizona Statewide Virtual FAFSA Assistance in English and en Español.
- AskBenji, Texting FAFSA Assistance
- Arizona FAFSA Hotline: 1-833-AZ-FAFSA (833-293-2372), open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Call NAU Directly at (928) 523-4951 to set up an appointment with our Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid
How do I know if I’m Pell Grant Eligible? Accordion Closed
Not sure if you are eligible for Pell Grant funding? Here’s what it means to qualify: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell
Do I have to live on-campus during the STAR Program? Accordion Closed
Yes. All STAR Scholars are required to live on-campus during the program. Living in a Campus Living Community provides students with a well-rounded experience.
How should I prepare to live on campus? Accordion Closed
We know being away at college can be both exciting and scary. To help you prepare for this adventure, we’ve included some helpful information and tips to guide you as you pack and get excited for your time at NAU. Need help deciding what to bring? We’ve got you covered with the move-in prep list. Need to know what to expect living on a college campus? Look no further than Campus Living’s policies and expectations.
Can I request a specific roommate for the program? Accordion Closed
No. The STAR residential experience is designed for you to meet new people. However in order to make sure you are compatible with your assigned roommate make, sure to complete the housing portal profile and explore the roommate success guide.
Can I work during the STAR Program? Accordion Closed
No. The STAR Program is a fun, engaging and rigorous program. STAR students are busy with classes, supplemental labs, coursework and activities well into the evening on a daily basis.
Can I bring my car? Accordion Closed
Yes. A parking permit is not one of the covered expenses of the program. If you bring a car with you, you will need to purchase a parking permit for your vehicle. Permits are available for purchase on Flagstaff campus via Parking Services.
If I am accepted to STAR can I still be part of other student service programs on campus? Accordion Closed
Yes, it is mandatory that STAR participants join a first-generation peer mentoring program for the next academic year after they’ve completed STAR. Some of the mentoring programs we will be talking about include:
- Student Support Services-SSS
- First Generation Peer Mentoring
- First Scholars
- Blavin Scholars
For more information you can visit out NAU website and search for the mentoring program.