Applying and/or Accepted ADP Students

The Academic Development Program at West Chester University is a special admissions program for selected students who do not meet current admissions requirements but who still show the potential to succeed in college.  Students admitted to West Chester University through the Academic Development Program begin their college careers with a five-week summer session during which they take credited courses to enhance skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. They receive support services in scheduled tutoring, professional and peer counseling, academic advising, and others.

Students admitted to the Program receive a head start on their college studies because they will already have completed some required courses during the summer session.  They enter the fall semester not only with increased academic confidence but also with the feeling that they have made meaningful friends.  They are also familiar with the campus and university procedures.  Services from the summer continue into the academic year and beyond. All of these advantages, and more, aid students in the transition from high school to college.

The Academic Development Program has among its goals the following four Student Learning Outcomes:

• At least 75% of first-year students will achieve a minimum 2.5 grade point average by the end of their second academic-year semester.
• Students will take responsibility for their academic progress toward graduation as demonstrated by their adherence to university procedures related to advisement, selection of major, mentoring, financial aid, counseling, tutoring, and other university services which they should actively pursue.
• Students will manage time, tasks, and human relationships as demonstrated by their participation in the various components of the Academic Program.
• Students will utilize attained reading and study skills to achieve at least C-level success in college-level reading content courses.
  

The Academic Development Program at West Chester University has received several awards for its accomplishments with students:

• Recognized as Outstanding Developmental Program in the nation by the National Association of Developmental Educators
• Recognized as Outstanding Developmental Program in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by the Pennsylvania Association of Developmental Programs
• Recognized as a model ACT 101 program
• Chi Alpha Epsilon, the national Honor Society for Developmental Students had its beginning in West Chester University’s Academic Development Program and has expanded to almost 140 chapters throughout the United States.

The faculty and staff who participate in the Academic Development Program are committed to maintaining this same quality of education and services to its students.