Academic Program

Tuesday 2 August, 2011 19:47

Academic Program

It is the primary purpose of the Athenaeum to provide students with an excellent academic program, to advance their understanding, and to maximize their competitiveness for a seat in higher education.  To do this we bring together an excellent faculty in the classroom and a group of meritorious university students who making certain that the Athenaeum runs smoothly. 

Standards and Assessment

Over the years, we have arrived at one conclusion: unless students are expected to work at the highest level, we are doing them no service. Put another way, no student should have to endure the insult of low expectations. 

Our standards begin with this assumption: work that represents exactly what is offered by faculty in lectures or class explanations will be considered average work.  The reasoning behind this is that university work is designed to get students to do critical thinking, to work independently, and to go beyond the material presented in courses.  University work requires students to learn how to make choices in an increasingly complex and competitive world.  For most students, those four years spent on a university campus will be the last time they have to contemplate exactly who they are and what they hold to be true and valuable. 

Grading Standards

All students will be graded this summer.  The grades will be understood in the following way: 

A = mastery

B = competency

C = average work

D = below average work

F = failure

To assure instructors of student work, Athenaeum participants will share time in mandatory study sessions each evening.  Let us be clear about our intentions: this program is intended to provide a strong foundation for the future.  There is very little time for frivolous entertainment and wasting of time.

Assessment

We have developed a program of assessment intended to show academic progress.  We also ask instructors to evaluate on a daily basis the behavior profile of each students.  This analysis can help both students and parents in adjusting habits and attitudes that can assure student success later in life. 

Diagnostics

During the orientation program, students will be required to complete diagnostic exams in Math and Writing, as well as a student survey.  The Athenaeum staff will use the results of these to evaluate student progress and to set benchmark for student progress. The math diagnostic will be used to separate students into our intermediate algebra and pre-calculus courses.  The student survey will help our staff in getting to know our students a little better and will be used as an aid in the College Skills class.

Students will be encouraged to form study groups.  It is an expectation of the Athenaeum that the work in the classroom, labs and rehearsal and recital halls by collaboration in the library and dorm room.  Meal time in the university cafeteria can also be an excellent time during which students can discuss classes, pass along important information and share experiences in general. 

Mandatory Study Sessions

Athenaeum students are required to attend mandatory study sessions, one in the morning, the other after dinner.

Habits and Behaviors

The typical freshman at DSU arrives at the first week of classes and says the following:  "I have lots of time to do my reading and homework.  I'll just spend time with my friends or join them in the gym."  This is the first and sometimes the last fatal error of first year students.  

Perhaps the most difficult part of moving from high school to university is realizing that there is no "down time" if a student wants to achieve excellence.  In this sense, it should be clear that the Athenaeum is not a summer camp.  It is an academic program designed to move students to a higher level of performance.