 There's so much to take in as a first-year student, that anything to ease the transition is appreciated, say the students involved in University Prep 101.
Presented by the Academic Skills Centre at Trent University, University Prep 101 is an intensive course that prepares students for the transition to university studies. Forty students - half of those enrolled in the course - attended the orientation weekend on campus July 22 - 25. The remainder of the course is offered on-line and continues through to August 27.
Most course participants are those expecting to attend Trent University this fall, or in the future. Students graduating from high school, and community college students intending to begin or complete a university degree, find the course particularly useful, as do individuals who have been out of school, but plan to return, says Falina Norred, course instructor and coordinator.
Students will be introduced through reading and writing assignments to academic expectations typical of a first year university program. In addition to learning writing, reading, critical thinking, and study skills, participants will have the opportunity to meet other prospective students and share strategies for making the transition to university as smooth as possible.
At the orientation weekend on campus, participant Lindsay Paulsen said she can't wait for September, after having had an introduction to Trent University. "It's an introduction to what it's going to be like... you can get used to it in the summer before it gets hectic."
The course uses readings from a range of disciplines and introduces participants to the types of assignments and expectations of a first-year university program. Participants have access to a personal tutor who will provide feedback on written work and act as a mentor to guide students through the course.
Posted August 11, 2004 |
