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College Success Program
For qualifying students, the College Success Program (CSP) offers the opportunity to begin college with momentum, uniquely focused faculty support, and access to a wealth of campus resources. Participating students are enrolled in one of two CSP course lines in their first semester at NAU taught by FYE faculty. CSP courses are designed to offer students highly interactive and supportive learning spaces where they can at once be scaffolded into the demands of higher education, expand on their strengths as students, explore the many cultural spaces that make up a college experience, and have access to a network of highly competent and engaged professionals committed to each student’s individual success.
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Program Intent Tab Open
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Program Courses Tab Closed
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Who Takes the Course Tab Closed
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Program Outcomes Tab Closed
Program Intent Accordion Open
- Offer participating first-year students holistic support for a successful academic and personal transition into higher education.
- Increase students’ academic confidence, build community, and empower first-year students as self-advocates for their individual success.
- Hold space for students to explore their success, wants, and needs in a new college environment.
- Provide a context for students to intentionally“practice” what it means to be a college student with the intent of building a strong, positive foundation for success.
Program Courses Accordion Closed
- NAU 120A: Study Skills and College Success.
Who Takes the Course Accordion Closed
- Students who have a high school core, unweighted GPA of 2.85 or below. For additional information, visit the CSP Frequently Asked Questions page.
Program Outcomes Accordion Closed
- Students who actively participate and successfully complete CSP courses have a statistically higher retention rates and academic performance outcomes than like peers.
- Students overwhelmingly report a positive course experience and view FYE faculty and staff vital to their successful transition.
- Students often report collateral benefits beyond the course experience including the importance of community building with peers, exploration of key resources, and strong connections with FYE faculty.
Frequently Asked Questions Accordion Closed
Is the College Success Program mandatory?
- The program is mandatory for incoming NAU first-year students who have a high school core, unweighted GPA at or below a 2.85.
What is a high school core, unweighted GPA?
- It is a student’s high school grade point average (GPA) in all classes considered to be the core secondary curricula (commonly Social Studies, English, Mathematics, and Science). Students grades in electives and weighted grades from honors or Advanced Placement classes are not part of the core calculation.
What if I bring my core GPA up over 2.85 before I graduate high school?
- Evaluation for participation in the program uses the first high school transcript submitted to NAU. Regardless of a student’s GPA upon graduation, if their transcript at time of application shows a 2.85 or below, they will be enrolled in the program. However, as final transcripts from high schools come in after high school graduation, students who no longer qualify for CSP because of a GPA higher than 2.85 can be and will be removed from CSP.
How long does the College Success Program last?
- Students in the program will be enrolled for the first term of their first year.
Will my CSP course count as part of my credits toward graduation?
- Yes, students will earn credits that will count toward their NAU degree requirements. CSP courses will appear on NAU transcripts as transfer credits from Coconino Community College assuming the student earns a C or better in the CSP course.
What if I want to change my schedule after I’m enrolled in a CSP course?
- An academic advisor in the Gateway Center will build student’s schedules. The schedule will aim to satisfy both a student’s preferences as well as university requirements toward graduation. While participation in the College Success Program is mandatory, students seeking to make schedule changes, specifically changing the dates and times of their CSP course, can meet, call, or email their advisor at any time. For more information on advisor contacts, please visit https://in.nau.edu/gateway-student-success-center/
Why am I being defined by my high school GPA?
- A student’s high school GPA is only one measurement of a person’s academic ability in one very specific academic context. While it is a good indicator that additional support would benefit a student, FYE faculty and staff see that each student is much bigger than their high school GPA and are committed to seeing each student for their future and their potential, not their past academic record.
For additional questions about the program contact FYE Director, Dr. Ben Carver at Benjamin.Carver@nau.edu.