1. Rider Achievement Program
A student centered progression
Advising Locally, Thinking Globally
NACADA
June 9, 2009
Mary Beth Carstens, Associate Director, Student Success Center

2. Today’s Agenda Rider Achievement Program Assessment and Support
Participants
Components
Goals
Requirements
Assessment and Support
Retention and Academic Success
Discussion

3. RIDER UNIVERSITY private, coeducational, nonsectarian university
located in central New Jersey
Four schools and colleges: the College of Business Administration; the College of Liberal Arts, Education and Sciences; the College of Continuing Studies; and Westminster College of the Arts
60 undergraduate programs; 21 graduate programs
Fall 2008 Enrollment 6,011 students
3958 are Full time UG (freshman class b/w 900 and 1000)
833 are Part time UG are Graduate
Student/Faculty Ratio 13:1.  
Mascot—Broncs  
School colors—Cranberry and white

4. RIDER ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM
Support that makes a difference
Information taken from RAP Fact Sheet sent with acceptance letter:
Why was I admitted through the Rider Achievement Program?
Real success in college and career requires that the individual fully realize his or her potential. You were admitted through RAP because your academic record shows that you possess promise to succeed at Rider by taking advantage of the features of RAP that are designed to help you develop your talents and skills.
What is RAP?
The Rider Achievement Program is a unique academic program offered through Rider’s Student Success Center, where you are empowered with the strategies needed to be an independent and successful learner. RAP offers first-year students a highly specialized learning experience and is designed to give motivated students the assistance and guidance to achieve.
How does a student successfully complete RAP?
To successfully complete RAP and matriculate to a Rider University major, you must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 at the end of your freshman year and successfully complete the Freshman Seminar course.

5. PROGRAM INFORMATION First Year Program
Undeclared major in Liberal Arts or Business
4 courses in fall semester
REQUIREMENTS:
Coaching meetings – at least 3 in first semester
Tutoring – minimum of 3 times (many take full advantage of support that is offered)
Must fulfill all Freshman Seminar requirements, which include coaching meetings

6. Student Support Network
Program Goals
To assist students with:
Transition to college
Acquisition of study strategies
Establishment of strong community

7. PROGRAM COMPONENTS Four Main Components of RAP Summer Bridge Program
Linked Community of Learners
Success Coaching
Peer Assistance Program

8. SUMMER BRIDGE PROGRAM A student’s bridge to success
Takes place the week before school begins
Great opportunity to meet fellow students and transition into the Rider community
Mix of academic work with community-building activities
“The Summer Bridge Program is the
perfect opportunity to begin coping
with pre-college anxiety.”
- RAP student, Class of 2010, Irvington, NJ

9. LINKED COMMUNITY OF LEARNERS
LINKED COURSES
Connections through readings, assignments and academic support
Fall 2009 Links:
College Reading and History
Expository Writing and History
Psychology and Business
Intro to Expository Writing and Psychology
All linked with Freshman Seminar
“RAP has not only helped me succeed in college,
it has made me realize what I need to do in order to succeed in the future.”
-RAP student, Class of 2011, Medford, NJ

10. SAMPLE FALL SCHEDULE 12-13 credits 1st semester
Placement: Introduction to Expository Writing, College Reading
Student is an undecided Liberal Arts major and intends a Psychology degree.
FALL SEMESTER Course Schedule:
NCT 010 Freshman Seminar (pass or fail – 10 weeks - 0 credits)
LINKED WITH
Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
Introduction to Expository Writing (3 credits)
College Reading (3 credits)
History (3 credits)
TOTAL CREDITS: 12
Math typically not taken in first semester

11. FRESHMAN SEMINAR 10-week seminar for all Rider first-year students
RAP Freshman Seminar Topics Include:
Week #1 Syllabus review and expectations, assignments,
What’s Rappenin’ and survival kits
Week #2 Awareness Day show and tell
What’s your learning style?
Week #3 Facebook
Party Game – Career Exploration
Week #4 Time Management
Week #5 Everything that You Wanted to Know About Rider,
But Were Afraid to Ask…
Week #6 TARA (diversity workshop)
Week #7 Course Scheduling
Week #8 Stress Management
Week #9 Money Management
Week #10 Wrap up, reflection, evaluation, celebration
“The RAP program has been my big sister since I started. The staff gave me positive
reinforcement and genuinely cared about my progress here at Rider.”
- RAP student, Class of 2008, Toms River, NJ

12. ACADEMIC SUPPORT Student Success Center (SSC)
Professional and Peer Tutoring
Content Tutoring
Peer-assisted study sessions
Small group and individual tutoring and Supplemental Instruction
Help students gain academic independence
Address concerns regarding content in specific courses
Writing Lab
Individual tutoring by professionals/peers in writing, reading comprehension and study strategies
Study strategy workshops
Tutor training programs are nationally certified
Math Skills Lab
Provides Math Skills Lab (MTH 100S) for Liberal Arts, Science and Education students
who do not meet placement criteria for college level mathematics
Offers tutoring in the Liberal Arts, Science and Education math areas
"RAP made a huge impact on my life and is the reason why I am succeeding with my college years."
- RAP student, Class of 2011, Old Bridge, NJ

13. SUCCESS COACHING
Each RAP student is assigned a RAP Success Coach (also Freshman Seminar Leader)
RAP Coach - helps students to assess transition concerns, academic progress, and tutoring needs
Examples of possible referrals: Tutoring Services, Counseling Center, Services for Students with Disabilities Career Services, Student Organizations
“The Rider Achievement Program gave me personal and academic guidance during my first year of college.
It made my transition from high school to college
less stressful by providing me with an abundance
of information and support.”
- RAP student, Class of 2011, Point Pleasant, NJ

14. COACHING TOPICS Coaching expectations:
Meet individually with students within first 2 weeks of class, pre-break and post-break – and any other times as needed.
Meet as a seminar leader group to discuss how things are going, develop strategies for classes, coaching, etc.
Set up meetings during first seminar and ask students to bring course syllabi and calendar
Initial Conversation (get to know), semester expectations review, course schedule review, goal setting
Intro yourself, your background. Ask questions of student – where from, high school experience, etc.
Revisit program requirements
Review current course schedule
How are things going on campus – in your residence hall? With your roommate? Are you interested in getting involved in any organizations?
Developing a Semester Plan
Review course syllabi and calendar
Goal setting exercise
Set up tutoring

15. COACHING TOPICS (cont.)
Pre-Break Meeting
What’s working, what isn’t working, what do you need? Begin spring course scheduling discussions
Continue conversation about courses and upcoming papers, exams, quizzes
Review calendar
Review goals and strategies for success
Discuss tutoring
Life on campus check-in
Post-Break meeting - gearing up for second half of semester
Revisit goals and strategies for success
Spring course scheduling

16. ACADEMIC INTERVENTION AND CELEBRATION
Mid-semester progress reports from faculty members
RAP Coach and/or Associate Dean of Freshmen assist immediately in the event of a poor report
Additional supports are quickly put into place
Spring semester: tiered system of requirements and REACH Program for students on academic probation
Summer Course Grant
for students in good academic standing
RAP Completion Grants
GPA - $1,000
GPA - $1,500
GPA - $2,000
Academic Success Reception in Spring
“The Rider Achievement Program was the perfect middle road between the safety of home and the ability to let my son fly. RAP has proved to be a vital step in his independence. I knew that RAP was there (and continues to be there) to support him as he grows in confidence.” Parent, Class of 2011, Old Bridge, NJ

17. PEER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
“Our Peer Assistants showed us the ropes and helped us all throughout the year.”
- RAP student, Class of 2009, Dayton, NJ
PAs are student leaders trained in areas such as community building and resource referral
They meet with their group of RAP students during the Summer Bridge Program and throughout the first year
They also co-coordinate RAP freshman seminars and social and
educational events for the students. Sample of events:
Halloween Party
Coffeehouse featuring RAP talent
“Relay for Life” fundraiser
Final Exam study breaks

18. ASSESSMENT AND SUPPORT
Surveys
Summer Bridge
Freshman Seminar/Mid Semester
End of Semester
Focus Groups in spring semester
GPA and Retention statistics
RAP Advisory Committee

19. NEW INITIATIVES SOPHOMORE PROGRAM Workshop Topics
Study Abroad
MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator)
Resume and Letter Writing
Networking for Personal and Professional Success
Interviewing Preparation
Events and individual meetings
Individual meeting and tutoring needs based on GPA

20. Retention and Academic Success
Retention (over the past 5 years):
Year prior to program changes:
62%
Post changes – average of past 4 years:
78%
GPA (over the past five years):
Average GPA increased from 2.26 to 2.64
Percentage of students with less than 2.00 GPA has decreased from 27% to 7%
Percentage of students with 3.00 GPA or higher has risen from 13% to 25%

21. Thank you!
DISCUSSION
Please don’t hesitate to contact me with questions. or