Student Transition and Engagement Program

The mission of the Student Transition and Engagement Program (STEP) is to provide support for students who may not meet the traditional academic profile of an incoming MSMC student, but demonstrate the potential for success in college with the right guidance. The Office of Student Success ensures that each STEP student is provided holistic, academic and transitional support, tailored to their needs.

STEP Admission

STEP Admission

STEP is a collaborative partnership between the Office of Admissions and the Office of Student Success. Students are admitted to Mount Saint Mary College through STEP because they have demonstrated skills such as self-efficacy, motivation, leadership, resilience, persistence, etc. in their academic career that prove to be advantageous to becoming a successful college student. Any freshman student that is not directly admitted to the Nursing program will not have the opportunity of being a Nursing major during their time at Mount Saint Mary College.

STEP students will spend their first semester both working individually with their academic coach within the Office of Student Success and meeting with other STEP students to focus on skills that will benefit them in their college career, such as time management, study skills, organization, adjusting to academic expectations, extracurricular involvement, etc.

STEP Policies

Students will meet with their academic coach and the STEP cohort on a regular basis
Students will attend the STEP Summer Bridge Program prior to the start of the fall semester
Students have the option of only taking 12 credits in their first semester to assist in acclimating to college life
Students who are not in good academic standing after their first semester at the College will be required to continue to meet with their academic coach/advisor for their second semester.
STEP students cannot declare a major within the Natural Sciences division until after their first academic year is completed.