Great Start Program

Julean Kirkpatrick, Coordinator
Falcon Success Center
Van Tuyll House
(205) 665-6092
jkirkpa2@montevallo.edu
falconsuccesscenter@montevallo.edu
www.montevallo.edu/great-start/

The Great Start Program (GSP) is a supportive, one-year program designed to offer alternative admission to first-year students whose overall academic profile is slightly below the criteria for unconditional admission. To support your success at the university, your admission is contingent upon your participation in Great Start. Please note that if your GPA or test scores improve, you may submit those documents to be considered for unconditional admission.

GSP helps alternatively-admitted students successfully transition from high school to college, build a strong academic foundation, and tap into their full potential at UM. The main feature of this program is SUPPORT- -academically, emotionally, and socially.

Benefits of the Great Start Program

Access to the Falcon Study Hub in the Falcon Success Center
One-on-one academic coaching
Mentoring
Student success workshops
Guided major and career exploration
GSP events and outings

Requirements of the Great Start Program

Students must complete and return the GSP Acceptance agreement to the GSP Coordinator, indicating their acceptance of alternative admission through Great Start. Students must agree to the following conditions as SGP participants:

Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Attend New Student Orientation

Register for 12-16 credit hours which includes ENG 101 and a suitable math course; the student’s academic advisor will help determine the correct math course for which to register

Students are also strongly encouraged to register for UM 101 (First Year Experience) and English 100 (Composition Practicum - This course complements ENG 101; students meet one-on-one with the instructor of ENG 100 to address individual composition needs)

Attend the mandatory mixer to meet other Great Start students
Meet with the Great Start Program Coordinator within the first three weeks of classes to create a semester success plan and personal pathway to success
Attend at least three (3) designated student success workshops and at least two (2) events throughout the fall and spring semesters offered by guest speakers and campus partners

Achieve a 2.0 or higher GPA at the end of their first semester
Schedule an appointment to talk with the Great Start Program Coordinator if experiencing any academic problems or issues (i.e. difficulty keeping up in class, low grades or test scores, missing assignments, poor class attendance, etc.)