- What are the summer session dates for ASP?
- How many deposits do I need to send?
- What else do I need to send?
- What is the cost of the program?
- Is financial aid available for the summer session of ASP?
- Are there other costs involved?
- What types of activities are offered during ASP?
- What classes will I be taking this summer?
- How do I successfully complete the summer component of ASP?
- What will my fall schedule be like?
- What are the other components of ASP during the regular school year?
- Do I have to bring a computer this summer?
- Can I bring a car with me to campus?
- Can I have a job during summer ASP?
- What are the benefits of participating in ASP?
- What should I bring with me for the summer session?
- Can I keep my stuff on campus when ASP ends so that I don't have to move it back in August?
- If my grades and/or SAT scores improve this year, do I still have to come to ASP?
What are the summer session dates for ASP?
The dates for the 2009 ASP Summer Session are as follows:
- You will move into the ASP residence hall on Sunday, June 28.
- ASP students and parents will attend orientation on June 28-29.
- ASP classes begin on Tuesday, June 30 and end on August 7.
How many deposits do I need to send?
You will need to make one tuition deposit ($150) and one residential living deposit ($150) for a total of $300. This covers both the summer and fall semesters and is non-refundable.
- Summer ASP program agreement (sent in ASP admission packet or requested by email at asp@email.wcu.edu)
- Orientation registration form and fee/s (sent in ASP admission packet)
- Immunization form (in admission packet) and residential living agreements for both summer and fall (information will be mailed in the spring)
- CatCard picture and information (sent in ASP admission packet)
- Final official transcript to be sent by your school upon your graduation.
What is the cost of the program?
The summer costs include tuition, fees, room, board, and all ASP activities. The costs for the fall and spring semesters are at the regular school year rate.
Costs for the 2009 Academic Success Program are not yet determined. This information is usually available by the end of January and will be posted on the ASP website.
As an estimate, the total summer costs from last year were approximately $2400.00 for in-state students and $2600.00 for out-of-state students. This year’s costs are expected to be the same or slightly more.
Textbooks are provided through WCU’s textbook rental program which is covered by tuition and fees; however, there may be supplemental textbooks or other materials required that are not included. This additional cost does not usually exceed $100.00. In addition, ASP offers activities on weekends and evenings that may involve being away from campus. Although the costs of the trips are included in the above price, students may need spending money when attending functions off campus.
Is financial aid available for the summer session of ASP?
Students in ASP are eligible to apply for federal financial aid to cover the cost of the program. Students wishing to apply for federal aid should complete the 2008-2009 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Summer School Supplement. This version of the FAFSA is a different version than the one that will be used for the Fall 2009/Spring 2010 academic year. Students should complete the 2009-2010 version of the FAFSA to receive federal financial aid during the regular academic year. Questions about financial aid should be addressed to the Western Carolina University Financial Aid Office at (828) 227-7290 or emailed to finaid@email.wcu.edu.
Are there other costs involved?
There may be additional supplemental textbooks or other materials required that are not covered by your tuition and fees, but this does not usually exceed $100.00. In addition, you may want to have some spending money for meals out, activities, etc. ASP offers activities on weekends and evenings that may involve your being away from campus. Although these are usually free or offered at a reduced rate, you may need to pay for your meals and/or admission to the event.
What types of activities are offered during ASP?
Some of our activities have included rock climbing, hiking, whitewater rafting, tubing, caving, camping, canoeing, Atlanta Braves games, racing, amusement parks, and picnics. Students are encouraged to make suggestions for special trips and excursions.
What classes will I be taking this summer?
The focus the program is on developing the students’ reading and writing skills in order to enhance and support their successful transition to the rigors of college-level requirements and expectations. Therefore, the students will take the following courses:
ENGL 190: First Year Seminar in Literature; 3 hr. credit (all students)
EDRD 150: College Reading OR a Liberal Studies Course; 3 hr. credit (placement is based on verbal SAT or ACT scores)
A one-hour credit college success seminar (all students)
The three classes are paired together to form a Summer Academic Theme. This allows the instructors to work together to relate the classes and provide a collaborative learning experience. These classes are small, approximately 15 – 20 per course section, so that the students receive personal attention from their instructors. Each Summer Academic Theme includes field trips and a service learning component to involve the students and engage them in becoming responsible and active participants in learning. Descriptions of the Summer Academic Themes will be available on the ASP website once they are available.
How do I successfully complete the summer component of ASP?
Completing your summer courses in good academic standing (2.0 or higher GPA) will allow you to continue your enrollment at WCU this fall.
What will my fall schedule be like?
Your actual fall schedule will depend upon the specific courses you take during the summer session. However, most ASP students can expect their fall schedule to include 15-17 hours of course credit.
Your classes will primarily consist of ENGL 101: “Freshman Composition” and three or four Liberal Studies courses or classes that may be an introduction to your major. Also, ASP students are registered in one of our first year college transition courses. The purpose of the course is to provide ASP students with enhanced support through the Fall semester.
You will receive a copy of your fall schedule when you attend orientation and will be able to discuss any changes to your schedule with your advisor. You also will have an opportunity to meet with your adviser during ASP.
What are the other components of ASP during the regular school year?
In addition to the summer programs and activities, ASP students are also supported and monitored throughout their first year of enrollment. Academic advisors are assigned to work with the students throughout their first year and serve as their primary resource and support person. Additionally, all ASP students will live in Scott or Walker Halls as part of Western PEAKS, WCU’s freshman learning experience. This offers ASP students continued support and programs throughout the academic year.
ASP students are registered in one of our first year college transition courses. The purpose of the course is to provide ASP students with enhanced support throughout the Fall semester. It is meant to assist with their continuing transition to college and will help to motivate them in successfully completing their college education as well as developing leadership and other skills.
In the fall semester, ASP students are also assigned to a Peer Mentor. The mentors are upperclassmen who have become successful students. Mentors serve as a role model and a supportive peer educator for the ASP students and assist them by providing information and guidance throughout their first year.
Throughout their first year, ASP students’ academic progress is monitored through the use of a progress reporting system. Each semester, the faculty for each student are notified that the students are participating in the program and are asked for feedback throughout the semester. The faculty are asked to give information detailing the student’s grades, participation, and attendance in addition to other comments about their progress in each course. This information is shared with the student’s advisor so that follow up can be made with the students and appropriate interventions can occur.
In the spring, ASP students who have not yet declared a major may choose to enroll in COUN 150: Career and Major Exploration. This one-hour credit course is intended to assist students in exploring their possible career and related majors. It helps students learn about themselves and what they want out of a major and/or career, discover opportunities in the world-of-work, and to learn the process of career decision-making for use throughout their lives.
Do I have to bring a computer this summer?
ASP students are strongly encouraged to bring a computer this summer in order to start working on the necessary skills you will need before the fall semester begins and to ensure that you have access as needed; however, you are not required to bring a computer with you until the fall. It is also recommended that students use a laptop computer that meets WCU's computer requirements. Check out the Computer Requirement web page for more specific information.
Can I bring a car with me to campus?
Yes, you are allowed to have a car this summer. You will be required to purchase a summer parking permit at orientation. The cost is approximately $10. However, we strongly encourage you to stay on campus on the weekends to be able to participate in ASP activities.
Can I have a job during summer ASP?
Students are discouraged from having a job during the summer session of ASP because of the academic schedule and out-of-class activities during the program.
What are the benefits of participating in ASP?
Former ASP students have reported several benefits such as:
- Gaining more confidence in college-level classes
- Earning seven hours of course credit before the fall semester begins
- Learning your way around campus
- Becoming familiar with instructor expectations
- Improving writing skills, reading comprehension, and vocabulary
- Making good friends and meeting people on campus
- Having fun while learning and improving your chances of success in college
- Getting individual attention from instructors and staff
- Feeling at home at WCU before the fall semester begins
What should I bring with me for the summer session? [x.1.16]
Plan to bring only essential items for the time you will be on campus this summer. Suggested items include:
- Alarm clock (with battery backup)
- Telephone
- Fan
- Umbrella
- Towels and other linens
- Extra-long sheets, mattress pad, pillow cases, etc.
- Waste basket
- Camera
- Flashlight
- Iron/ironing board
- Hangers
- Laundry detergent
- Laundry basket
- Bathrobe
- Soap/toiletries/shower bucket
- Shower shoes
- School supplies
- Computer (optional for summer, but STRONGLY RECOMMENDED)
- Surge protector
Optional items that you could coordinate with your roommate before your arrival include:
- Refrigerator (4.6 cu. ft or 5 amps or less)
- Microwave (800 watts max)
- Stereo
- Television
Can I keep my stuff on campus when ASP ends so that I don't have to move it back in August?
At this time, you should be able to move into your room for the fall semester before leaving campus at the end of the summer session. However, this may change depending on construction and renovation schedules. Any changes will be communicated to you in advance to allow time for you to make preparations for moving your belongings.
If my grades and/or SAT scores improve this year, do I still have to come to ASP?
In rare cases, you may be able to opt out of ASP if your grades and/or SAT scores improve. However, each student is strongly encouraged to participate in the program. If you feel that your admission for the fall should be reconsidered, you must contact the admissions office at 828-227-7317. Changes in your admission term do not take place automatically.