Gateway to Success

Gateway Staff Directory

Arcadia University’s Gateway to Success program is designed to prepare new students for the transition to college, build upon their academic skills, and provide mentors and support resources at Arcadia University. Arcadia’s program prepares students for collegiate-level intellectual inquiry, emphasizes academic achievement, and provides personal attention and resources to help them succeed.

From a summer program before their first semester all the way through graduation, this program guides students toward greater intellectual, personal and social confidence and success in college. Gateway students will gain experience that prepares them to do the following:

Explore new and innovative ways of thinking about themselves and others.
Live in an environment that fosters critical thinking skills that can be applied to their academic and social roles in college.
Meet mentors and learn about the academic and personal support resources they can take advantage of at Arcadia.

Residential Summer Program

Gateway students begin their transition to college early—starting with a residential summer program at Arcadia. Students may be required and are encouraged to participate in this rigorous six-week, college-level, credit-bearing residential program. Current Arcadia students, faculty and staff work together to challenge and nurture new students during this special time. Members of this collaborative network include residential staff, faculty members, peer and professional mentors and tutors, counselors and other support staff.

The summer schedule includes the following courses, workshops and activities:

English and/or Math Courses
Learning Strategies Workshop
Computer Readiness Workshop
Academic Support Services
Social Interaction and Community Engagement
Peer Mentoring Program
Welcome dinner with Student Affairs and Academic Affairs
Program Recognition Dinner
Off-Campus activites

English Courses: Based on placement examination results and SAT verbal and written scores, students will take a credit-bearing English course.

Math Courses: Based on placement examination results, students will take a math course.

Workshops and Services: All students take ID 100 Learning Strategies Workshop, a 1-credit personal skills and transitions course that introduces students to time management, study skills, note taking, financial management, how to read college materials and classroom expectations. Students practice these skills through daily study and instructional sessions. Peer and professional tutors are available for specific student needs. Students also take advantage of a Computer Readiness Workshop and Academic Support Services.

Social Interaction and Community Engagement: Students get to know other Gateway students, faculty, staff and other Arcadia students through a wide array of cultural and social activities. Opportunities for getting involved in the community take place both on and off campus. Peer mentors foster involvement and participation both inside and outside of the classroom. Activities that help students learn about career opportunities and shape their future plans are included.

First-Year Programming

The summer program transitions into Gateway’s First-Year Programming, which spans the fall and spring semesters. Each Gateway student attends individuals meetings with Gateway Counselors and Course Instructors throughout the semester; these meetings are tailored to meet the unique needs of each student, focusing on setting short and long term academic and social goals. Activities include:

Attending workshops on special topics such as motivation,goal setting, diversity, critical thinking, study strategies,test taking, effective note taking, time management,learning styles and memory/concentration.
Perfecting library research skills through participationin database search sessions and individual meetings withlibrary staff.
Viewing presentations given by campus experts fromMulticultural Affairs, Career Development, the Counseling Center, the Writing Center and StudentAffairs.
One-on-one tutorials with a graduate-level writing specialist who works exclusively with program participants.
Participation in two community service activities on campus.
Individualized sessions with the Director of Academic Development focusing on academic support services.
Completing and reviewing career assessments.

Second-Year through Graduation Programming

The Gateway program continues to support students through graduation. Since Gateway students enter the University as undeclared majors, they declare a major and begin working with a specific faculty member during the second year. Programming focuses on providing individual coaching, tutors and guidance for career and personal development. Individual and group activities encourage students to participate in campus clubs, student government, student leadership conferences, and off-campus activities. As they near graduation, students receive graduate school information and résumé writing preparation.

Admission to Gateway

Students who apply for admission to Arcadia University may be invited to apply to the Gateway to Success program. The invitation will ask students and their parent/guardian to come to campus for placement examinations and one-on-one meetings with academic and financial aid counselors. Families should have the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completed prior to attending a Gateway meeting or should plan to complete it the day of the event. The FAFSA can be accessed at www.fafsa.gov. Gateway meetings will be held in January, February and March.

Admissions decisions to the University will be made on a rolling basis for students who have participated in the Gateway application process. Applications completed by January 15 will receive priority consideration. Applications completed after January 15 will be considered as program space allows.

Those admitted to the University via Gateway to Success must reserve their place in the program by May 1, 2010, by submitting an admissions deposit of $400 for resident students or $200 for commuting students. Students participating in the summer program will be asked to submit an additional deposit of $100. For more information, contact Collene Pernicello, Director of Undergraduate Admissions in the Office of Enrollment Management, at 215-572-2840.

What Students Need to Do to Be Successful

The Gateway to Success program is designed to help students succeed in college, but it is the student’s responsibility to utilize the available programming and campus resources. Students are expected to utilize career guidance, study skills courses, oneon- one counseling and peer and faculty mentors during their first year. Throughout their undergraduate career, they are expected to participate in one-on-one counseling.

When students are admitted to Arcadia through the Gateway program, students and families are encouraged to meet with their individual financial aid counselor. Continuance to the second year is based on a student’s academic performance as outlined in academic policies and regulations and in the Student Handbook.