Contents
Catalog Links

Student Transition and Engagement Program

The mission of STEP (Student Transition and Engagement Program) is to provide support for students who may not fit a traditional academic profile of an incoming MSMC student but who has demonstrated the potential to succeed in college with the right guidance. This academic and transitional support comes from the Office of Student Success and their staff of Academic Coaches and Advisors, who will ensure that each STEP student has holistic support, tailored to their needs.

STEP Admission

STEP is a collaborative partnership between the Office of Admissions and the Office of Student Success. Students admitted to Mount Saint Mary College through STEP may not necessarily meet the traditional academic profile of an MSMC student, but after a holistic review of their admission materials by the STEP Selection Committee, have demonstrated their ability to be a successful college student through characteristics such as: self-efficacy, motivation, leadership, resiliency and persistence.

STEP students will spend their first semester working individually with their Academic Coach as well as the entire STEP cohort, on skills that will help make them successful college students such as: time management, study skills, determining their learning style, improving organizational skills, getting involved on campus and balancing academic expectations.

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 will be limited to 12 credits their first semester in order to assist in fully 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 are admitted to the college with an understanding that they cannot declare a major in Natural Sciences or Nursing until after their first academic year is completed.