THE CAP PROGRAM INTRODUCTION First, Welcome to Pace and the CAP Program! The Purpose Challenge to Achievement at Pace (CAP) prepares students for a university education by developing skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and the social sciences. CAP stresses the liberal arts in a carefully planned curriculum presented in small classes providing individualized attention. The purpose of the CAP Program is to prepare first-year students, like yourself, for the academic demands of a college education to ensure success at Pace University. The Design The CAP Program is a structured, one-year program that provides academic support to assist in your success. The Program provides small classes, and an environment for individualized attention, learning, and building relationships with faculty and peers. In addition, students in the Program receive academic and personal support and advisement. You are provided with advisors, teachers, student peer leaders, and tutors who are committed to your academic success. All will do their best to help you. However, in the end, you will be the one responsible for your own success. With hard work, persistence, and determination you can make your CAP year a great one. The Program CAP offers credit-bearing courses in English, Environmental Studies, History, Mathematics, Political Science, and University 101. Typically, two courses are combined in a Learning Community which is a requirement for all students at Pace. Most of these courses either fulfill University Core Requirements or elective credit (check credits for your course). Students who are eligible may be able to enroll in additional University Core or elective courses beyond the average course/credit total in the spring semester if their QPA is a 3.0 or higher. CAP is not a remedial program. All courses are credit-bearing core, major or elective courses that every student must take. (Any student, CAP or not, may place into a remedial course.) CAP courses are taught by professors who know and work well with the CAP Program. The typical class size is smaller, but the material and pace is no different than any other class. Your Academic Advisor Each student in the CAP Program is assigned an academic advisor who is also their professor in the University 101 course In addition to seeing your advisor in class, you are encouraged to see your advisor outside of the classroom. And, at a minimum, you will have two formal one-on-one appointments with your advisor in the fall and spring semesters. Beyond that you can either make an individual appointment or stop by the program offices at anytime. The program maintains an opendoor policy, and students are encouraged to visit with questions or concerns whenever they have them. The advisors are your advocates. They have years of experience, and are connected to resources to assist you in a wide range of academic, personal, and career-related matters. Your Peer Leader Your peer leader is a student who was in the CAP Program in his or her first year at Pace University, was quite successful, and is now pursuing a major as an upper class student. He or she is also - 1 -
available, as a student resource with a proven academic record, to address your questions and concerns from a student point of view. Summary Highlights The CAP Program provides: Smaller class size, which creates an environment good for individualized attention, learning, and building relationships with faculty and peers. Consistent feedback from your advisor and teachers about your academic progress. A smaller credit load (first semester) to build confidence and a strong foundation. Familiar faces in many classes; good for community-building! (There are approximately 150 students in the CAP Program). For all CAP students their University 101 instructor is also their academic advisor; this is unique to CAP, and really helps make a good student-advisor connection. Your peer leader is an upper level student who assists in the University 101 course. He or she was previously a student in the CAP Program, and achieved a high grade point average (GPA) in the first year. Your advisor has an open-door policy, which means you can stop by any time for assistance and information. REQUIREMENTS and CURRICULUM CAP Curriculum You are currently enrolled mostly in CAP sections of various courses which fulfill various University degree requirements. Assuming you fulfill the CAP Requirements outlined here, you will continue at Pace University in the fall semester of your second year as a sophomore. University 101 One of your required courses is University 101, a one-credit course which meets once each week for two hours. It is taught only by CAP academic advisors. A peer leader also assists in and out of the classroom. These classes will focus on developing your skills in identifying and using resources, time management, test preparation, active studying, critical thinking, self-evaluation and other important areas. You will learn about University policies and resources, and receive information concerning registration. You may also use these sessions for on-going advisement and to help monitor your academic progress with your academic advisor and peer leader. The CAP Program is located in the Mortola Library, Mezzanine (3 rd ) Level on the Pleasantville campus The phone number is (914) 773-3682 On campus, you simply dial 33682 CAP Requirements In order to successfully complete the CAP Program and move into your major at the end of your first year, you are required to accomplish all of the following: Achieve a cumulative QPA of 2.0 (a C average) Successfully complete at least 24 credits - 2 -
Earn a grade of C or better in English 120 Pass the University 101 course (Fall) Program Honors & Dean s List Those students who achieve a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) or higher in a given semester will be recognized for achieving Program Honors. Those who achieve a 3.5 GPA qualify for Dean s List recognition. Students who achieve honors will have the option to add an additional course to an otherwise average course load in their spring semester (course over-load). CAP Probation & Seminar If your cumulative GPA is under 2.2 at the end of the Fall Semester, you are put on CAP probation and are required to attend Probation Seminar during the Spring Semester. If your GPA is under 2.0 at the end of the Spring Semester, you are subject to academic review and possible academic dismissal from the University. If you earn less than a C in English 120, you must repeat the course and achieve a grade of C or better. If you do not satisfactorily complete your UNV 101 course, you will have to repeat it. Failing to complete Program requirements in a timely manner could affect your academic status. Any failed course must be repeated, sooner rather than later. University Core Curriculum This Handbook provides general guidelines to University requirements. If you have further questions about University policies, programs, majors, and degree requirements, consult the current Pace University Undergraduate Catalog and information provided online at the Pace website. The catalog explains in detail the University Core Curriculum, major requirements, procedures for adding and dropping courses, etc. In addition, the core requirements will be discussed in detail during the UNV 101 Pre-Registration class. All Pace students must complete 60 credits of the Core Curriculum. This is nearly half of the total credits you will need to complete a degree. The core curriculum is designed to give you a comprehensive sense of the world and to develop your ability to communicate clearly and think critically. Core courses can also help to find an area of study that reflects your career interests and aspirations. These core requirements are taken throughout your undergraduate career and often simultaneously while taking courses within your major. GENERAL POLICIES Grading Policies Professors determine their own grading policies based on tests, assignments, classroom participation, and attendance. You should ask for each professor's grading policies if these are not outlined in the syllabus. In addition, it is important to know how a professor computes your final grade, and if possible, the percentages of the various assignments and tests to better understand how your grade will be computed. The Office of Student Assistance (OSA) mails official grade reports to you at the end of each semester. You may also check your grades online. Attendance Attending class is a responsibility and a privilege of your education. Professors set their own guidelines for attendance, and they should inform you of these in their syllabi and/or in class. Be sure - 3 -
that you understand and follow the attendance policy. It will be a factor in grading. In general, you should attend every class session so as not to fall behind. Should you miss a class, it is up to you to speak with your professor and/or a classmate to obtain notes on the material discussed in class. Clubs and Activities If you are interested in participating in a University club or organization consult offerings from the Office of Student Development and Campus Activities. Your Advisor will also discuss with you your extra-curricular activities. Students should maintain at least (2.3) C+ in each class to join any fraternity or sorority during the Spring semester. Classroom Do's and Don'ts DO: 1. Arrive early for class if you can. This gives you a chance to select a good seat, and to prepare for class. 2. Sit towards the front of the class. His can help you to remain focused, and to properly hear was is said by your professor. 3. Bring the proper materials to each class. 4. Stay focused and attentive in class. Keep distractions of any kind especially inappropriate conversation, or cell phone use--from preventing you or your classmates from learning. 5. Remain alert and participate actively. Show that you are interested and involved. Clear your mind of distracting thoughts and concentrate on the subject being taught. DON'T: 1. Do Not stroll into class late. If your lateness was unavoidable, excuse yourself when you walk in and explain it to the professor after class. 2. Do Not have your cell phone on during class, not even for text messages! Rings are distracting, and taking/making calls and text messages is discourteous. 3. Do Not sit in the back of the class unless all other seats are taken. Maximize your learning experience! 4. Do Not Eat in class, even if your professor allows it. Eating makes it more difficult to concentrate, and it tends to be a distraction for others in the class. 5. Do Not Disrupt the class in any way. When you disrupt a class, you show disregard and disrespect, and negatively affect the learning experience of all, including yourself. 6. Do Not behave disrespectfully towards your professors, or your fellow students. They are there to teach you, and to learn with you. Show respect, and they will respect you. ACADEMIC SUPPORT Academic Advisors/CAE Staff You have an Academic Advisor who will provide guidance in academic matters, and assist you through registration and other University procedures. Your Advisor will help you select courses, complete major requirements, locate and effectively use University resources, and sort out issues concerning classes, faculty, and schedules. Your Advisor also teaches your University 101 course, and meets wit you each week in class. To meet with your advisor one-on-one, or to make an appointment, call, email or visit the program offices. Advisors from the CAP Program have an open door policy and welcome your visits! **Please note that during the first semester you will have two individual required meetings with your advisor, and two during the second semester. Before you register for classes for the second - 4 -
semester, you must meet with your advisor. At that time an electronic hold will be removed from the system so that you can register at the appropriate time. The following persons work in the CAP Program: Dr. Michael Gillen, Associate Director, CAP Program, and Academic Adviser (mgillen@pace.edu) Professor Ira Joe Fisher, Academic Adviser ( ifisher@pace.edu ) Professor Lesa Rader, Academic Advisor (lrader@pace.edu) Peer Leaders: Six students, previously in the CAP Program, will assist professors and students in the CAP UNV 101 courses. The following persons are support staff members for the Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) which includes the CAP Program: Ms. Barbara DiCola, Staff Assistant TBA. A student assistant, still to be assigned, assists Ms. DiCola in the CAE office. Peer Leaders Peer Leaders, formerly CAP students who achieved academic success during their first year at Pace, are another resource available to you to answer questions and discuss concerns from a student perspective. The Peer leaders assist University 101 professors in class, monitor attendance and assignments, and follow up with students to help any way they can. In addition, the Peer Leader is available outside the class, and keeps at least one office hour per week at the CAP Program office. Please consult your Peer Leader to find out when his or her office hours are and then visit with them! The CAP Peer Leaders for the 2007-2008 academic year are: First Name Last Name Section Class Time Professor Hyra Kameraj 71308 Thursday 11:15-1:15 pm Rader Jan Kutscher 71329 Monday 10:10-12 Noon Fisher Shannon Noel 72616 Monday 1:25-3:25 pm Fisher Obi Ude 71945 Thursday 11:15-1:15 pm Fisher Lizardo Uribe 71309 Tuesday 11:15-1:15 pm Gillen Jennifer Wood 71306 Monday 2:30-4:30 pm Gillen TBA TBA 73710 Monday 2:30-4:30 pm Rader Tutorial Services Tutorial Services is located on the third floor of the Mortola Library. Tutoring is offered in Math and other subjects by professionals and student assistants on a drop-in basis for all students. And it s free! Individual and small-group instruction is available. For further information, contact Professor Ross Christofferson at (914) 773-3721. The Writing Center The Writing Center, also in the Mortola Library, 3 rd Floor, provides free writing-related tutorial services. Questions about the Writing Center should be directed to (914) 773-3942. Tutoring: What you should expect, what you need to do to get ready. Keep in mind that what you put into your tutoring sessions determines what you will get out of them. In other words, go prepared: - identify the particular areas you need to work on - bring tests or papers that your professor has graded - 5 -
- formulate specific questions which you would like answered - come with an open mind; be receptive to new approaches - be realistic; do not expect to improve dramatically after just one session Spring Workshops. During the Spring semester, Writing and/or Mathematics workshops might be required of those students who are identified as needing further assistance in these areas. Faculty It is important that you know the name, office location, and telephone number of each of your professors. This information is often provided in the syllabus or course outline. Visit your professor during office hours to simply meet him or her and/or to ask questions. The CAP Program is located in the Mortola Library, Mezzanine Level on the Pleasantville campus The phone number is (914) 773-3682 On campus, you simply dial x33682 REGISTRATION Registration for Incoming First Year Students As an incoming first year student, you will have a schedule, which will include English, History, Environmental Science, or Political Science, and also University 101. Based on your Placement Examination, you will also be placed in a Math class, and possibly a reading class. Registration for the Spring Semester You will register for the Spring Semester in November. At this time, your Academic Advisor will assist you in choosing your classes. You will choose an English 120 and Math class if needed, possibly a computer course to fulfill a core requirement, and other Area of Knowledge (AOK) or elective courses as appropriate. If you have achieved a GPA of 3.0 in the Fall Semester, you may request permission to register for an additional class (an overload beyond the normal average). Advisement In order to register, you must see a CAP Academic Advisor at a registration advisement session. (An electronic hold will prevent registration until you have had advisement.) You will choose courses within the CAP curriculum, if required, and other courses. We record your choices, and you then register for them on-line. We then follow up to make sure you registered for what was agreed upon during advisement. Registration for Sophomore Year Registration for the Fall Semester of your second (sophomore) year takes place in mid-april. You will attend a registration meeting to obtain the necessary approval as well as information about your intended major. Although you may choose whatever courses are appropriate to your major, it is suggested that you take a balanced combination of major and core requirements, and the next math course in sequence as needed for your major. At this time, you may also register for Summer classes. - 6 -
Withdrawing from Classes Withdrawal from any class is not encouraged. If you withdraw, you usually have to repeat the course, thus slowing your progress. In CAP, you may be allowed to withdraw from a Fall Semester class, but selectively, and with the permission of the professor and your Advisor. You may not withdraw from English or its paired course in a Learning Community. Mailings and Updates ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The CAP Program will mail information to you about upcoming activities, deadlines, and opportunities. Information about CAP will also be posted on the Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) bulletin board located on the third floor of the Mortola Library. Please make sure the CAP Program always has your correct address and telephone number(s). In addition, to officially change your mailing information in the Pace computer system, you must do so at the OSA Office. Have a great first semester and year at Pace! - 7 -
CHALLENGE TO ACHIEVEMENT AT PACE (CAP) PROGRAM STUDENT CONTRACT I understand that as a student in the CAP Program at Pace University, I am required to complete the following requirements within two consecutive semesters: 1. Maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA. 2. Complete 24 credits successfully. 3. Pass the University 101 course. 4. Earn a grade of C or better in English 120. I understand that if I fail to meet any of the above requirements I am subject to academic review and possible dismissal from Pace University. I understand that as a college student, I am protected by the Buckley Amendment Privacy Act of 1974. In compliance with these regulations I give the Academic Advisors from the CAP Program permission to speak with the following persons regarding my academic progress and personal concerns. Name Relationship to student Phone number Name Relationship to student Phone number I do not permit the advisors from the CAP Program to speak with the following regarding my academic and personal concerns. Name Relationship to student Name Relationship to student Student s Name (print please) Date Student s Signature Date Advisor s Signature Date - 8 -