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News

Jump program offers incoming freshmen a leg up

Cougar News Staff

University officials have turned their attention to improving retention rates and encouraging students to complete degree plans on time through a program targeting freshmen.

The Jump program allows students who excelled academically in high school to take two summer courses at UH for the price of one.

"Students taking the two Jump courses will have the same classmates in both of their classes. This allows them to connect with each other and develop bonds during this initial transition from high school to college," Agnes DeFranco, interim assistant vice president for Undergraduate Studies, said in a release.

English composition, American history and U.S. government are offered during the five-week session.

Admissions representative Marilu McGregor said about 12 UH students staff a call center and recruit incoming freshmen into The Jump program.

"We have been recruiting students in general for the University of Houston. We understand from research that high school students speaking to enrolled college students is an effective way to communicate," McGregor said.

If the pilot program does well, McGregor said, the call center will broaden its focus from academic achievers living in and around Houston to all prospective students.

"If we expand it next year, it might include (more) groups. We started small," McGregor said.

The program is also designed to encourage new students to become active in the University and feel comfortable in their transition from high school to college.

"Many times, students graduate from high school and don't realize how different life will be at a university. They soon learn that classes are larger and lectures are conducted at a quicker pace," DeFranco said.

Students who enroll in The Jump will also have access to Scholars' Community student mentor and workshop programs.

The deadline to apply for The Jump program is June 15. For more information, visit www.uh.edu/thejump.

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