Making the transition to college life can be a major adjustment. This is why Morehead State University offers the Success Academy.
The academy, which takes place June 20 through July 29, is open to all incoming freshmen. It allows new Eagle students to get a head start on college by taking two classes and their first-year seminar during the summer at a discounted cost.
“The academy helps students learn about resources on campus, college classroom expectations, the importance of study time outside class and how to navigate campus, and they also make connections with faculty and staff,” said Lora Pace, director of first year programs. “We have fewer students on campus during the summer, so by the time campus fills up in August, Success Academy students already know their way around.”
Students can choose from the following options*:
Residential ($2,400): includes tuition for two courses, First Year Seminar, textbooks, housing and three meals per weekday.
Commuter ($1,600): includes tuition for two courses, First Year Seminar, textbooks and one meal per weekday.
*Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
The Success Academy is ideal for college readiness students because it allows them to complete their needed college readiness courses before the start of the fall semester so they can take their required classes sooner. For those who do not need college readiness courses, the academy gives them a head start on classes.
Pace said there is evidence that students who attend the Success Academy are more likely to complete their degrees. Students who have been provisionally or conditionally admitted to MSU are also strongly encouraged to participate in the Success Academy. This will prepare them for the Eagle Success Program, a year-long program designed to provide academic guidance and support.
“Our 2014 cohort was more likely to return the following year than the remainder of the first year class,” Pace said.
Past students of the Success Academy said it was a rewarding experience. Erika Hibbits, a sophomore majoring in veterinary technology from Mt. Orab, Ohio, said she not only got a jump start on classes, she learned the ins and outs of campus life while attending the academy in 2014.
“Thanks to the FYS (First Year Seminar) class, I knew where almost everything was on campus so it was a lot less stressful getting to my classes,” said Hibbits. “I feel it's a great program and encourage everyone to give it a shot.” Hibbits added that her time at the Success Academy gave her a taste of what living in a residence hall would be like.
Ethan Jeffers, a freshman from LaFollette, Tennessee, majoring in design and manufacturing engineering technology, said the experience offered numerous benefits.
“I decided to attend Success Academy to get a head start on classes and get a feel for college life. Also, since I am on the football team, it gave me a chance to get to know my teammates more before the fall semester began,” said Jeffers, who attended in 2015. “It helped me get to know what college was like and how things went on campus before the rest of the students got here.”
To attend the academy, participants need to apply to the University and complete a housing application and a financial aid personal data sheet before the June 8 deadline.
For more information, contact 606-783-5208, email success@moreheadstate.edu, or visit http://www.moreheadstate.edu/successacademy
