Julean Kirkpatrick, Coordinator
Falcon Success Center
Carmichael Library, Lower Level - Room G107
(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. GSP helps alternatively admitted students successfully transition from high school to college, build a strong academic foundation, and unlock their full potential at UM. The main feature of this program is SUPPORT - academic, emotional, and social. Please note that improved GPAs and/or test scores should be submitted to the Office of Admissions 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.  Please note that improved GPAs and/or test scores should be submitted to the Office of Admissions to be considered for unconditional admission.

Benefits of the Great Start Program 

• Academic success plans tailored to students’ individual needs 
• One-on-one academic coaching on time management, study skills, and more
• A peer mentor for support and guidance 
• Student Success Workshops to excel in and out of the classroom
• GSP workshops and events 

Requirements of the Great Start Program 

To support their success at UM, admission is contingent upon participation in GSP. Students must complete and return the GSP Acceptance agreement to the GSP Coordinator, indicating their acceptance of alternative admission to UM through Great Start. Students must agree to the following conditions as GSP participants: 

• Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

• Register for 12-16 credit hours in the upcoming semester, including UM 101  (First-Year Seminar), ENG 101  (Composition I), and two to three other courses to reach 12-16 credit hours. 

  • Students are encouraged to register for ENG 100  (Composition Practicum), which is a one-credit, pass/fail class where they work one-on-one with an English graduate student for personalized writing support.

• Attend the mandatory mixer event to meet other Great Start students.

• Meet with the GSP 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 academic year offered by guest speakers and campus partners. 

• Achieve a 2.0 or higher GPA at the end of their first semester.

• Schedule bi-weekly appointments with the GSP 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, academic warning, etc.). Students should not be afraid to ask for help.