George Mason University

George Mason University - Student Transition Empowerment Program

2011 Innovation Award Winner: Getting Through, Southern Region
Fairfax, Va.

Program Description

The Student Transition Empowerment Program (STEP) is intended for first-generation college students and students from historically underrepresented populations in the state of Virginia. STEP is an intensive academic empowerment program designed for first-year students to enhance their scholastic and interpersonal growth as they transition to college. STEP enables students to experience residential life, enroll in two general education courses, participate in community building experiences and connect with key administrators during a five-week summer session.

STEP staff consists of student-mentors, faculty advisers, an empowerment seminar instructor and program coordinators. The students are assigned a faculty adviser and a mentor who meet with them weekly throughout the summer semester. During the fall semester, STEP students are enrolled in a section of University 100: Transitions (one credit) as a cohort, which furthers their transition to college. By participating in this course, students continue to receive the support of the program as they acclimate to a full course load and engage in cocurricular activities with the remainder of the freshman class.

Measuring Success

STEP measures the success of the program with quantitative methods that include the comparison of first-year retention rates and cumulative GPAs. Students also complete a survey that contains both quantitative and qualitative items regarding various components of STEP.

Each STEP cohort has consistently obtained higher retention rates than their fellow first-year students.

Students in the 2010 cohort completed a survey and were asked: “To what extent did STEP help you deepen your understanding of college academics, college resources and personal transition?” On a scale of 1–5, the overall rating was 4.7. At the end of the summer semester, students are also required to write an essay describing their experience and what they have learned through STEP. In a written survey, the 2010 cohort overwhelmingly reported that their interactions with one another, mentors and faculty advisers were the most influential factors in their satisfaction with STEP.

Contact

Joya Crear
George Mason University
4400 University Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
Tel.: 703-993-2700
Fax: 703-993-4022
E-mail: jcrear@gmu.edu
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