Chatham University College Start

Where students with learning differences practice strategies for success

Chatham University is excited to announce enrollment opportunities for its College Start 2011 Program, the special summer experience for students with learning differences. College Start is designed for college-bound young men and women who have been diagnosed with learning disabilities and who demonstrate the potential and motivation to succeed academically and socially in a university environment.

This year, College Start offers students three sessions, each one focusing on a specific set of academic skills necessary for college-level work. Students may choose to attend one, two, or all three sessions:

• Session 1: Essential Skills for College Success
  July 11-14, 9:30 to noon
• Session 2: College Reading and Critical Thinking
  July 18-21, 9:30 to noon
• Session 3: College Writing
  July 25-28, 9:30-noon

Each session of College Start integrates high-interest content with study strategies, executive skills, and metacognitive skills. In addition, College Start students have access to assistive technology as well as workshops designed to build self-advocacy and teamwork skills. All classes will take place on the beautiful Shadyside campus of Chatham University and be staffed by university personnel.

Anticipated Outcomes for College Start Participants:

Students participating in College Start may expect an increased understanding of:

• personal learning strengths and challenges
• accommodations that help develop success
• individual learning styles and procrastination styles
• assistive technology options
• academic expectations at the postsecondary level
• self-advocacy skills
• teamwork skills
• study strategies

Three Learning Sessions

College Start 2011 offers three learning sessions.

Session 1, Essential Skills for College Success, focuses on many of the differences between high school and college study. Topics will include:

• typical college requirements
• scheduling classes and managing time
• student life
• taking responsibility
• controlling procrastination
• study strategies and expectations

Session 2, College Reading and Critical Thinking, focuses on strategies for understanding and applying college-level reading assignments. Topics will include:

• identifying main ideas and supporting content
• taking effective reading notes
• drawing conclusions based on the evidence

Session 3, College Writing, focuses on college level writing skills and expectations. Topics will include:

• writing summaries and paraphrases
• understanding rhetorical patterns
• avoiding plagiarism

Admissions

• Graduating high school seniors, or rising high school juniors or seniors may apply for admission to the College Start 2011 program at Chatham.
• Admission decisions will be made based on careful review of each candidate's application and credentials including:
  • Completed application
  • Relevant transcripts, including description of prior accommodations
  • Standardized test scores, when available
  • Writing sample
  • Comprehensive, current diagnostic information including assessment of potential for success and recommended accommodations
  • Letters of recommendation from former teachers that address specifically the applicant's motivational level and potential for success
  • Personal or telephone interview
• Candidates will not be considered unless all application materials are submitted
• Applications may be submitted beginning March 1, 2011 for all of the College Start 2011 sessions.

College Start 2011 Schedule

• Session 1: July 11-14 9:30 to noon
• Session 2: July 18-21 9:30 to noon
• Session 3: July 25-28 9:30 to noon

The daily schedule will include a lively and challenging mix of high-interest classroom instruction, practical experience with innovative assistive technology, individual mentoring sessions, and workshop participation.

Cost

Any one session............ $400

Any two sessions........... $750

All three sessions.......... $1,050

Contact Information

Janet K. James
Assistant Dean & Disability Services Coordinator
Chatham University
Woodland Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15232

p. 412-365-1611
f. 412-365-1660
email. james@chatham.edu