College Transitions Program (CTP) Frequently Asked Questions

1.    Why was I admitted into the CTP on Freshman Probation (FP)?

To be regularly-admitted to NMU, the Admissions Office looks for your ACT Composite Score to be a 19 or higher (or 900 SAT Combined Score) and your recalculated High School Grade Point Average (NMU only counts 'academic' courses and not courses like gym, band, choir, shop, etc.) to be 2.25 or higher.  They will also look to see that you have completed at least 12 academic 'units' (one year of an academic course equals one unit; one-half a year equals one-half unit).  NMU's Admissions Office reviews your ACT/SAT and your HSGPA then places students in the CTP and admits you on FP.

2.    How would I have been notified?

First, your admission letter would have welcomed you to NMU and noted that you had been admitted in the CTP.  Secondly, you would have received a letter from the Academic and Career Advisement Center - Jacobetti, soon after your admit letter, that briefly described the CTP.  It would have also noted that you would be notified of which 'block' you were placed in when you attend Orientation.  This is usually done via the e-mail address you provided to NMU.

3.    Am I being punished for something?

Absolutely not.  The CTP is a support program.  Being that we do not personally know you, or your study habits, all we can go on are the scores and HSGPA that we received.  Based on those scores, we made a determination that we may need to provide you with some extra help and/or support to ensure that you become successful in college.

4.    Will other students know that I am on Freshman Probation?

Other than program staff and your academic adviser, the only one who knows that you are in the CTP is you and anyone you may have told.  The faculty teaching your courses probably won't even know, unless you tell them.  We hold your academic status in strict confidence.

5.    Will I be successful?

That is completely up to you.  Our data shows that 61-79% of FP students will attain 'good standing' and be off probation after only one semester.  (Prior to establishing this program, less than 40% of CTP students attained good standing after their first semester.)  If you attend all classes and set aside plenty of time for studying, and accept our assistance, you have an excellent chance of being a successful college graduate.

6.    What's different about CTP students?

You will sign a Freshman Probation Agreement which outlines your responsibilities, you will be placed in a required 'block' of courses, and your Freshman Seminar (UN100B) instructor will also serve as your academic adviser until you exit the CTP, i.e., reach Good Standing.  In addition, until you reach GS, you will not be assigned to your intended academic major.

7.    What's not different?

You will be enrolled in the same courses as other freshmen, you will be able to complete your degree on time, and you will be treated as a college student.  Therefore, you will:

    > be held accountable for your actions,
    > have to step forward for help.
    > not receive any guarantees, and
    > be rewarded for hard work.

8.    How do I get off FP and to Good Standing (GS)?

As soon as you complete at least 12 credits (100-level or higher) and attain at least a 2.00 GPA ('C' average), you will be placed in good standing and exit the CTP and be off Freshman Probation.  At that time you will be free to enter any major, take courses of your and your adviser's choosing, etc.

9.    Under what circumstances would I stay in the CTP after my first semester?

If you fail to pass at least 12  credits (100-level or higher) or you earn a GPA of less than 2.00 (but at least 1.70), you will remain in the CTP for (at least) one more semester.  We will not, however, place you in a CTP block of courses after the first semester.

10.    What happens if I do not earn the necessary grades to stay in school?

If you fail to earn at a 1.70 GPA in your first semester (or fail to maintain a 1.70 overall GPA), you will be academically suspended for one calendar year.  This suspension may be appealed, but unless there are extreme/unusual circumstances, you will not be able to attend NMU (or any other Michigan 4-year school) for an entire year.

11.    When do I sign the FP Agreement?

Explanation and signature of the Freshman Probation Agreement will take place during the 'Academic Program Meeting' session of your Orientation.

12.    What is a 'block' of courses?

We place up to 25 students in the same 'block' of courses - a UN100B Freshman Seminar course (2 credits), a HP200 Health Promotion course (1 credit), two Liberal Studies courses (4 credits each), and one of two English courses, EN101 or EN102 (2 credits).  By participating in a block, it is easy for students to get to know classmates, share notes, form study groups. etc.

13.    May I substitute courses within my block?

The majority of CTP students will not be allowed to substitute courses within their block.  The only case where substitution may be considered is if a student's academic program is a one-year certificate.

14.   What about switching to a completely different block?

Typically no.  Once Orientation begins, most, if not all blocks will be full (max, enrollment).  It depends on availability.

15.    May I add a course to my block?

One of the reasons for the block schedule is to not overload the student.  If you would like to add an HP or another one-credit course, we may be able to accommodate your wishes, but only after advisement.  We will definitely not add another four-credit course to your schedule.

16.    When may I take classes in my major?

This depends on your academic standing after you complete your first semester at NMU.  If you obtain 'good standing', you will be able to register for courses in your major if they are available.  If you remain in the College Transitions Program, you will work with your academic adviser to schedule your courses for your next semester.  It may be possible to register for courses in your intended major at that time.

17.    Who may I speak with if I do have additional questions?

The Director of the College Transitions Program is Mark Dellangelo, Assistant Director of the Academic and Career Advisement Center - Jacobetti Complex.  He may be reached at 906-227-2283 or mdellang@nmu.edu.