The First Step to College Success program provides an excellent opportunity for students with developmental needs to begin their college experience. The program is designed to address the needs of first-time freshmen admitted to the University with developmental needs in reading, writing, and/or mathematics. The program provides intensive instruction in these core areas. Enrichment courses in the program integrate study and test taking strategies with an orientation to the University's resources. Students in the program study and socialize together to form a collaborative learning and living community characterized by mutual assistance and encouragement. The goal of the program is to have students complete as many developmental requirements as possible during the summer so that they can begin the fall semester in courses that lead them to their degree. Common questions and answers concerning the program are given below.

Questions and Answers

1. How are students selected for the First Step to College Success program?
   Answer:
   
   1. Students who participate in the program must be admitted to the University and have one or more developmental needs. Developmental needs are determined by ACT scores for English, reading, and mathematics. If a student has an ACT score less than 18 in any area (English, reading, or mathematics), the student is required to demonstrate proficiency by either passing University placement tests for the identified areas or by successfully completing courses meeting developmental requirements.
   2. The First Step to College Success program is specifically designed for students entering the University with two or more developmental area requirements and students admitted to the University in the Special Admissions category. All students entering the University with two or more needs are strongly encouraged to participate in the program. Students with only one developmental area need can also apply to the program.
   
   
2. When does the program begin and how long does it last?
   Answer: The First Step to College Success summer program is a five day a week, five-week program that begins June 23 and ends July 25, 2008. During the summer program, classes and tutoring sessions begin at 8 am and end by 4 pm each day. There are late afternoon and evening study tables and mentoring sessions available Monday through Thursday.
   
   
3. What courses do students in the program take?
   Answer: All students in the program will take GSO 102 (Transition to College), a three hour course for college credit, and appropriate level developmental courses. Students are placed into summer courses based on ACT scores and University placement test scores. Placement tests are given during orientation sessions. Students with only one developmental requirement area will take their required developmental course and an introductory level sociology course (SOC 131), a three hour college credit course.
   
   
4. When do First Step to College Success students have summer orientation and register for Fall 2008 classes?
   Answer: All First Step to College Success participants must attend an orientation session prior to June 23 for placement testing, advising, and registration for Summer and Fall 2008 classes. When students who want to participate in the program receive orientation information from the Office of First Year Programs, they need to register for an orientation session prior to June 23. Please check back for a list of available orientation dates.
   
   
5. What costs are associated with the program?
   Answer:
   

   Orientation: A link to more information on costs for Fall 2008 Orientation dates may be found at http://www.firstyear.eku.edu/orientation/richmond. The information for Fall 2008 will be posted soon.
   
   Tuition: Students pay tuition for a nine-hour course load. Cost for in-state tuition is $237 per credit hour, for a total tuition cost of $2,133 for in-state students. Targeted out-of-state tuition is $370 per credit hour, for a total cost of $3,330. Cost for out-of-state tuition is $641 per hour, for a total out-of-state tuition cost of $5,769. More information on calculating summer costs may be found at http://www.billings.eku.edu/documents/fees_handout_page_07_08.pdf.
   
   Books: Your textbooks and supplies for summer courses will cost approximately $300-$350. We request that students bring a scientific calculator, notebooks, and supplies (like pens, pencils, paper, and computer disks). Computers are available on campus in labs open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. It is not necessary for students to bring a computer with them.
   
   Room: Housing is available for students wishing to stay on campus. A one-time housing deposit will be required. The cost of housing will be based on double occupancy for any student choosing housing for the five-week program. Residence hall rooms include two twin beds, two desks, two chests, window blinds, one mini-refrigerator, and a phone jack. Students need to bring a touch-tone phone, linens, pillow, blanket, clothes, and personal items. Students can choose to bring a 650 or less watt microwave. Microwaves and stoves are available in the residence halls. The cost of housing for the five-week summer program is approximately $550.

   Move-in day is Sunday, June 22. Please check back later for additional Residence Hall information.
   
   Board: EKU Dining Services does not offer an official meal plan during summer sessions. However, several eating establishments are available on or around the campus, including on-campus sandwich shops, nearby fast-food and sit-down restaurants, and local grocery stores. Students will need to establish their own meal costs..
   
   Payment: Students admitted to the program will be enrolled in summer courses as they attend an orientation session. Tuition bills will be posted to the student's EKUDirect account.
   

6. Can students in the program receive financial assistance?
   Answer: Students can receive financial assistance, if eligible. Students must complete the 2007-2008 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (summer is a part of the 2007-2008 academic year) to determine available financial assistance. This is a different application than that used for Fall 2008 financial assistance (which is the 2008-2009 form). The First Step to College Success application form has a check list for information. If a student requests financial aid information, we send the appropriate forms. Students are encouraged to complete financial aid forms as early as possible. Financial assistance is limited and may not cover all program costs.
   
   
7. Is the program available at extended campus centers (Corbin, Danville, and Manchester)?
   Answer: The program is available only on the Richmond campus. However, some developmental courses are offered at the extended campus centers each summer.
   

Additional information concerning the EKU Developmental Program and the First Step to College Success program is available at www.enrollment.eku.edu/developmental/. If you have other questions, contact Kathy Williams, Program Coordinator. She may be reached at firststep@eku.edu, or (859) 622-8860.