The Gateway Program An introduction

Optional Presentation Title Gateway Program – keeping high-potential students on track Some students enter SAS with strong high school records, but poor performance on placement tests (math, reading, &/or writing). Limited college-prep work means they need reinforcement of key skills to achieve their potential in college courses. The national context: 1 in 3 students need remedial courses on entering college.

Optional Presentation Title the remedial paradox in higher education… … consistently very high attrition of students placed in preparatory courses, even those with solid admissions profiles. Why? Completing a semester or more of work without earning credit toward degree completion. Taking courses not clearly linked to majors or disciplines that students find interesting. Sensitivity to perceived stigma of remediation.

Optional Presentation Title resolving the paradox – the Gateway approach Specifically designed to meet needs of high-aptitude, but underprepared, students. A commitment to their success in the first year, so they… don’t waste time and effort repeating courses, and achieve grades that reflect their abilities. Students take credit-bearing courses relevant to their desired majors from the first semester at Rutgers, alongside the preparatory courses required. They are placed in special sections in those courses – Gateway sections.

Optional Presentation Title Gateway sections – popular & ‘high-risk’ introductory courses Concepts in Biology Intro to Chemistry Solid Gems General Chemistry General Chemistry Extended Analytical Physics Extended General Physics General Psychology Introduction to Sociology American Government Law & Politics Development of U.S. To 1877 Signature Courses Immigrant States: Jersey’s Global Routes Soul Beliefs

Optional Presentation Title The model – develop college skills in courses students value and need Placed in Gateway sections, and remedial courses, from first semester, Courses led by highly experienced faculty, Gateway sections taught by experienced TAs, Small section enrollments, increased contact hours… …comparable expectations and standards for student work.

Optional Presentation Title Gateway – Student outcomes Cumulative credits – catching up Progress toward desired majors/ minors & graduation High first- to second-year persistence Fewer course repeats & withdrawals Grade distributions, cumulative GPAs similar to cohort as a whole

Optional Presentation Title Gateway & the SAS Core Curriculum - student learning goals, front & center Learning goals that define a modern liberal arts & sciences education at a leading public research university; Outcomes sought by employers & graduate schools. A limited list of courses qualify for the Core… A commitment to assess student learning outcomes every time the course is offered. The SAS Core Curriculum brochure (pdf) Academic Requirements: the Core Curriculum

Optional Presentation Title The Gateway resource challenge – limited courses & sections Enrollment growth in SAS has outpaced increase in Gateway program courses and sections. only 56% of first-years who would benefit from Gateway can be placed in first semester. Section sizes have risen to meet the need (not ideal). More courses needed - especially in humanities and social sciences.

For more information on the Gateway Program, contact: Susan E. Lawrence, Dean for Educational Initiatives and the Core Curriculum – Karen E. Dennis, Assistant Dean for Assessment -

Optional Presentation Title The Gateway Program –some references Gebelt, Janet L., Gary M. Parilis, Deirdre A. Kramer, and Patricia Wilson. "Retention at a Large University: Combining Skills with Course Content." Journal of Developmental Education 20, no. 1 (1996): 2-7. Kluepfel, Gail A., Robert J. Parelius, and Godfrey Roberts. "Involving Faculty in Retention." Journal of Developmental Education 17 (1994): Lawrence, Susan E., et al. "Proposal, SAS Gateway Program Capital Campaign Committee." School of Arts & Science, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Saving Now and Saving Later: How High School Reform Can Reduce the Nation’s Wasted Remediation Dollars. Alliance for Excellent Education Issue Brief, May 5, 2011: computation by NCES PowerStats using U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2007–08 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:08).