Overview

• Designed for students with SAT scores that fall into the 720-769 range.
• Students are admitted to Purdue University Calumet only through the required Achievement Academy cohort with a prescribed curriculum.
• Two-year program during which all general education requirements are fulfilled, all academic deficiencies are completed and successful learning strategies are applied.
• Students and family must make a written commitment to participate fully in all of the facets of the Achievement Academy.
• Successful students may be permitted to take several introductory courses in their intended major during Year II of the program.
• Learning Communities will consist of approximately 20-25 students and 4 professors (one each from English, History, Behavioral Sciences, Math/Science, and Freshman Year Experience) who will use a team method of instruction.
• Learning Community courses will be the same general education classes taken by all students, but classes will be block scheduled and Supplemental Instruction is required whenever offered.
• Program courses will be college level courses except where an academic deficiency exits. If a student needs lower level preparation they will be dual–enrolled and take classes taught by Ivy Tech professors on the PUC campus. Note: only college-level course receive college credit.
• Students will be advised in the same manner as other students, but will not be permitted to use web registration. Frequent contact with an academic advisor is required in the Academic Achievement program.
• Guidance, counseling, and career development information will be provided throughout the two-year program.

Mentoring and Tutoring

• Each student in the Achievement Academy will be assigned a peer advisor in Year I who will meet with the student regularly to discuss success strategies and adjustment concerns.
• Peer tutors/Supplemental Instructors will be available for weekly review sessions. In addition to the Writing Lab, a Math Lab and Computer Lab should be established.
• Some Learning Community course material, including taped lectures (audio or visual), may be available on reserve at the library.
• An Achievement Academy Coordinator will have consistent contact with students and Learning Community faculty teams.
• A faculty mentoring program will be established for students in the Achievement Academy. Faculty mentors will be responsible for leading several off-campus cultural and educational activities throughout the academic year.

City-as-Text (Chicago)

Experiential Learning curriculum based on the cultural opportunities of Chicago. Such activities are designed to enhance learning and enrich course work. In addition, such activities will build meaningful relationships among students and faculty who will share common experiences and contribute to a sense of community – all for the purpose of increasing academic motivation, persistence and retention.

Requirements

• In Year 2, students meeting Achievement Academy cumulative GPA of 2.5 may register for up to 3 additional credits each semester.
• Upon successful completion of the Achievement Academy program (a cumulative GPA of 2.0), students will have approximately 48-54 credits, or 38-42% of the required 128 for a baccalaureate degree. Successful completion of the two-year program will fulfill all of the University’s general education requirements. In addition, the program can include 6-9 credits of course work in the student’s intended area of study, depending on individual plan and student’s academic progress.
• Individual Programs of Study will be determined by CSA advisor.
• After Year I, students must carry a 2.0 GPA.
• After the successful completion of Year II, students may apply directly to the School of their choice. However, certain majors/Schools require a GPA higher than the Achievement Academy 2.0 GPA requirement.
• Therefore, successful completion of the Achievement Academy program of study does NOT result in automatic acceptance to any of the University’s academic Schools.

Program of Study

Year 1

Semester I	Credits	Class
Fall	3	Writing Class I (determined by placement)
Fall	3	Math Class I (determined by placement)
Fall	3	Learning Strategies (GNS 290A)
Fall	3	GNS First Year Experience
Semester II	Credits	Class
Spring	3	Writing Class II (determined by placement)
Spring	3	Math Class II (determined by placement)
Spring	3	Science Class (determined by placement)
Spring	3	Fundamentals of Speech (COM 114)
Total	24

Year 2

Semester I	Credits	Class
Fall	3	Writing Class III (determined by placement)*
Fall	3	Math Class III (determined by placement)*
Fall	3	Social Science General Education Course
Fall	3	Intended Major Introductory Course I**
Semester II	Credits	Class
Spring	3	Humanities General Education Course
Spring	3	Intended Major Introductory Course II**
Spring	3	Intended Major Introductory Course III**
Spring	3	Elective Course
Total	24	*If English composition, Math and/or Science requirements have been met, students can opt for Computer Utilization and/or Wellness Education and Technology general education requirement. See advisor.** Dependent on individual program requirements.