August 2009 Archives

Seven years ago, Fayetteville State introduced the CHEER Program (Creating Higher Expectations for Educational Readiness). Since its inception, the program's mission has remained the same. The CHEER Program seeks to: help students adjust to the heightened academic expectations and personal freedoms of FSU before freshmen begin their first year; to get a head start on their FSU experience by earning 8 hours of academic credit, meeting other students and faculty, and learning their way around campus before other freshmen even arrive.

 Over the years, CHEER has developed quite a name for itself according to the CHEER Director, Dr. Beth Bir, "We call it the CHEER effect; they have better retention and progression than their counterparts." This CHEER experience has given a lot of incoming freshman a sense of belonging. This program helps them feel right at home. "By spending the summer here, they are getting to know the faculty, their peers, and their way around campus. By getting some credit hours, they are already invested in being here. They already have something under their belts and they feel like they are already a bronco," says Dr. Bir.

 Last year, CHEER admitted 208 students into the program. The popularity of this program has risen over the years. Shawnetta Gadsten is a CHEER student from this year's class and she is really enjoying the atmosphere. "The first thing that comes to me is a new beginning", she says-"a new beginning to start working on what you want to do with your life."

CHEER allows students to realize what is in front of them and helps them take advantage of it. "Anytime you get an opportunity to learn," says Kevin Gibson, "take it as if it's a privilege, because you have the opportunity to be apart of things many people will not have the chance to do."

CHEER student James Jackson is taking full advantage, "I'm in English 110 now and once I pass it, I will be going on to English 120. I'm starting off good and I'm ahead of the program which is great compared to starting on time with everybody else." He is also learning the game when it comes to responsibility. "When the fall comes, you aren't going to have these rules," he says, "but because you are in the CHEER program, you are already going to know what to expect." This program has influenced so many students.

"It's putting you ahead of a lot of people," says Christopher Hall who is a member of this year's CHEER class. "CHEER is giving you the experience of college so you will know what is expected before the fall semester begins. CHEER is putting you ahead academically so you'll know what to expect in classes."

According to Alicia Hanstead, the CHEER program is gaining more attention every year. "I had a friend that attended CHEER and he liked it. I told myself that I would go there for the summer, get my education and get to know the campus." She hasn't been disappointed and her expectations were met. "I think I accomplished a lot so far."

Over the years, CHEER has grown and administrators have searched for ways to make the program better. "Students receive a scholarship for completing the program," says Dr. Bir, "They get a $1,000 scholarship for their 1st collegiate year only." It is a great program that benefits individuals throughout their collegiate career. The CHEER students are kept track of throughout their career until they graduate from college. "The graduation rates are higher than their counterparts. In our 2003 year, two students participated in the UNC Washington program. Our CHEER students have turned out to be some of our student leaders on campus," she says. CHEER has given students a new way of looking at college and a chance at doing so many things. She continues, "They are involved in all the clubs and organizations. Many have come back to work as peer mentors and tutors; many are involved in the SI program and they want to give back." CHEER students are excited about what is in front of them and how the program will help them gain an upper hand on their counterparts. The program has received high marks throughout the years and this year is no different.

Alicia calls it, "By far the best program I have ever done."

If you are ever in doubt about CHEER, just listen to Shawnetta, "Make the best of this opportunity."

If you still are not convinced, Kevin says "Whatever you do from the day you set foot on this campus will reflect your future."

Christopher reassures that CHEER should not be taken lightly. "Take full advantage, you have a new start and a new reputation."

If all else fails, James Jackson says, "You have 2 choices to walk through 2 doors; would you walk through the wrong door or the door that's giving you a chance to start your life over."

With summer in full bloom and most students enjoying their vacation break, one program is using this downtime to "GEAR-UP" students for an even brighter future. GEAR-UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a national initiative that operates in 20 of North Carolina's 100 counties. With a purpose to increase the number of students who attend public and private universities, develop partnership between parents, colleges, and government, and a goal aimed at "leaving no child left behind," students will be shaping more than their future.

GEAR-UP is a state-wide partnership that starts in the 6th grade and continues until graduation. Fayetteville State University held its annual 2009 Summer Camp for GEAR-UP students who will be transitioning into high school in the 2009-2010 academic year. This marked a learning experience for many kids who were leaving home to stay on a college campus. Responsibility was the key element that every student learned while participating in this camp. Director of GEAR-UP, Mrs. Thompson-Pinckney, calls it "an opportunity for the students to become empowered academically and mentally."

Academically, students are enrolled in  English, math, science and survival skills everyday for about 4 hours. They are exposed to a new style of learning different from their regular classroom setting. They break for lunch and reassemble for the second part of the schedule. Within the second half is "Dress 4 Success" which teaches students how to be role models for their peers by the way they dress. They are taught appropriate and inappropriate ways of presenting themselves. The fun continues with "The Speech IMPROV" which highlights public speaking in ways that mirror fun for the students. These activities are combined with classes called "Think Before You Text," "Attitude Check," "Smart Moves/Bad Moves-Substance Abuse," and a "Chinese Class." These are just some of the many activities that students take part in. Students are also refining their senses by taking part in a scavenger hunt.

Out of all the things experienced on the campus of Fayetteville State for the summer camp, the most rewarding experience lies in the class "The Champion In You" because students are able to see what kind of person they are capable of being. The students take part in study hall after dinner for about 2 hours everyday. They are being molded into individuals that possess skills needed to succeed. Students can take part in games/tournaments after study hall for a little bit of free time. After Group Sessions, they shut down and do it all over again the following day. Bryant Hall houses the students throughout the camp and lessons are learned when the time comes to keep rooms clean. Cleaning up after oneself is very important with them living amongst peers and separate from family. Many values are shared and learned, sometimes for the first time, which is why this camp is very special.

The impact of the summer camps held by GEAR-UP has been felt throughout target  middle and high schools. According to Mrs. Thompson-Pinckney, other schools have contacted GEAR-UP asking if there was anyway they could be a part of the program. The popularity of GEAR-UP has grown which has led to their increase in students over the past 8 years. When it is all said and done, students will be "GEARED UP!" They will be gaining a sense of value they can treasure, have an early jump towards their goal, gain awareness of the challenges ahead, and experience readiness to show people what they can do. Most of all, these students will shine in their Undergraduate Programs having found the keys to unlocking their destiny.