Director of Program
Craig Elkins, Director, College Now/START Program
Students who have the ability, desire and motivation to benefit from the university’s program, but who do not meet UMass Dartmouth’s minimum standards for admission, may consider the opportunity to enter the university through our alternative admissions program College Now/START.
Overview
College Now/START is an admission and support program for students whose educational achievement has been hampered by social or economic barriers. From the moment of admission, students enrolled through College Now/START are provided with essential supportive services. All College Now/START students are assigned a professional counselor who will assist with selecting courses, success strategies, and career development during their freshmen year and who continue to be available until graduation. College Now/START first-year students participate in a fall academic program through which they receive assistance and guidance in developing and sharpening the basic academic skills that are vital to success at a university. Upon successful completion of the fall program, students transition into an academic major.
Admission is offered only for the fall semesters. Students with no prior college credits as well as students who have taken up to a maximum of 24 transferable college credits are eligible to apply. College Now/START applicants must be either a US citizen or a permanent resident for at least one year and meet at least one of the following eligibility criteria: low income status defined by federal guidelines and/or first-generation college-bound. Admitted students must participate in all required summer orientation programming and necessary academic skill building based on placement results in order to matriculate at the university.
START (Steps Toward Abstract Reasoning and Thinking)
START specifically serves students seeking calculus-based majors such as Mathematics, Computer Science, and Engineering. START students typically need to complete two successful semesters prior to transitioning into a major.
The College Now/START Program is composed of three components:
Admissions
College Now/START applicants submit a UMass Dartmouth admission application, along with their High School transcript and additional information as needed. Prior to an admissions decision, applicants complete a holistic review that may include assessments and/or interviews to assess the applicant’s level of academic preparedness. The personal interview allows applicants the opportunity to demonstrate they possess the motivation, desire and discipline necessary to succeed academically. Admissions information will also be used to develop a transition plan that ensures students have the support they need to successfully transition into UMass Dartmouth. Admitted students must participate in all required summer orientation programming and necessary academic skill building based on placement results in order to matriculate at the university.
Academic Program
College Now/START offers an intensive fall academic program followed by continued, as-needed support. During the fall semester, College Now/START students are placed in specific courses, based on their area of interest and placement testing, designed to address their academic development, promote success in their major of interest, and adjust to university life. Program participants must demonstrate the ability to complete developmental and credited courses within one semester in order to continue at the university. Students who do not achieve a grade point average of at least 2.0 based on at least 12 academic credits will be subject to dismissal. A student who withdraws from the Fall academic program during the semester will not be eligible to restart their enrollment at UMass Dartmouth until the following fall.
Support Services
Each student is assigned a counselor who will provide academic advising, personalized support and guidance, and assist with securing tutorial services and accessing other university resources throughout the student’s academic career until the point of graduation. Students are also provided Peer Mentors and have access to all university support services.
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