2/13/2001
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Students who graduate from high school with economic and other disadvantages are about to get some help in climbing the ladder toward scholastic success.
Michigan State University President Peter McPherson will announce today the creation of the STEPS admission program during his eighth annual State of the University Address.
The program, designed for transfer students, builds on and complements MSU's College Achievement Admissions Program (CAAP). CAAP is an alternative admissions procedure for students who have academic potential but who would be unlikely to realize that potential without additional support.
Under the new program, MSU will partner with Michigan community colleges to identify potential STEPS students. Students will enroll at their local community colleges, where their academic skills will be assessed. While enrolled at the community college, they will take courses and receive the support needed to provide a foundation for their success at MSU.
Participants in the program will receive ongoing advising from MSU counselors during the preparation period at the community college. Students will be eligible to apply for admission to the university after their skills deficiencies have been addressed.
Ten community colleges have formally joined the partnership, with more expected to join soon. Current partners include: Lansing Community College (Lansing), Lake Michigan College (Benton Harbor), Mott Community College (Flint), Delta College (University Center), Wayne County Community College (Detroit), Henry Ford Community College (Detroit), Schoolcraft College (Livonia), North Central Michigan College (Petoskey), Kellogg Community College (Battle Creek) and Grand Rapids Community College (Grand Rapids).
"This program will help ensure that we continue to provide access and opportunity to students who show promise but who may not initially meet our admissions standards," said McPherson. "It is an expansion of our longstanding commitment to giving students from disadvantaged backgrounds a chance to earn a college degree."
Approximately 1,200 community college students transfer to MSU each year. Between 50 and 150 students are expected to participate in the "Transfer STEPS" program. The first participants will enter community colleges this fall.
McPherson emphasized that students in the "Transfer STEPS" program will need to demonstrate, through success at the community college level, that they are ready for the rigors of MSU. "This program gives them the time to do that, supported by MSU staff who can help them prepare for the challenge."
Prospective students interested in the program can call the MSU Office of Admissions and Scholarships at (517) 353-9266.
COMMUNITY COLLEGE PARTNERS IN THE MSU "STEPS" PROGRAM - Feb. 2001
Delta College
Sue Montesi
Dean of Student & Educational Services
(517) 686-9325
Grand Rapids Community College
Elias Limpkins
Dean of Student & Alumni Services
(616) 234-3926
Henry Ford Community College
J. Michael Meade
Vice President/Dean of Student Services
(313) 845-9613
Kellogg Community College
Ken Atwater
Vice President Student Services
(616) 965-3931
Lake Michigan College
Janice Varney
Dean of Student Service
(616) 927-8170
Lansing Community College
Paula Cunningham
President
(517) 483-1855
Mott Community College
Betty Wilson
Executive Director Registration, Records and Cashier
(810) 762-0476
North Central Michigan College
Cameron Brunet-Koch
Dean of Student Services
(231) 348-6618
Schoolcraft College
John Tomey
Dean of Student Services
(734) 462-4400
Wayne County Community College
Dr. Curtis Ivery
Chancellor
(313) 496-2510