STEP is a one- or two-semester program designed to increase college readiness.
We focus on helping you improve reading comprehension, writing skills, and academic habits that are needed to be successful in managing a full credit curriculum.
The STEP curriculum offers:
- Intensive skills approach
- Explicit instruction in active and critical reading
- Embedded assistive technology instruction and support
- Focused instruction for generating and producing written language
- Scheduled supplemental support for reading and required core courses
Required Core Courses: First Semester
College Learning Strategies (EDU0911)
This course focuses on helping students develop the strategies needed for success in college and the workforce. This course also includes an additional weekly support component facilitated by the course instructor. (Noncredit)
Practical Writing (WRT0911)
This course focuses on developing the student writer’s ability to use writing in academic, personal, and professional contexts. Students learn to develop and organize their ideas to craft clear and concise writing in multiple genres, including those encountered in professional settings. This course also includes an additional weekly support component facilitated by the course instructor. (Noncredit)
Additional Course requirements:
Introduction to Communication (COM1011)
This survey course introduces students to the field of communication and enables them to increase their effectiveness and precision as public speakers and members of seminars and groups. Students explore how their perceptions influence the manner in which they communicate and how to use a wide variety of listening skills. They become aware of how verbal and nonverbal language can alter, detract from, or enhance messages. Students also employ a variety of language strategies that promote inclusion, honesty, conflict resolution, and support from within a group. (3 credits)
Personal Finance (FIN1011) or Other Math Placement
This course provides students with a foundation upon which to develop lifelong personal financial management skills. Topics include: the importance of personal finance; financial planning and the time-value of money; money management skills such as budgeting, balancing a checkbook, taxes, cash management, credit/debit cards, and major purchases (auto, home, education); insurance (property/liability, health, life); and investments (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, portfolio management, real estate, retirement planning). Math Level 3 or higher required. (3 credits)
Other Math Placement
New students take a math placement test that is hosted through our student onboarding site. Students test into a wide array of math levels from the need for noncredit math to calculus. A student’s math level is determined by departmental review and math placement test results.
Students who have taken an AP math course or college-level math should be sure to submit transcripts and scores to the Registrar.
Electives
Students may want to round out their academic experience with one-credit enrichment offerings. We have many one-credit offerings that do not require prerequisites.
Eligibility for full credit after the first semester:
- Earned grades of C or better in EDU0911 and WRT0911.
- Completion of proficiency test that meets benchmarks for full-credit entry.
- Our placement team reviews proficiency test results, includes two readers, and considers faculty input about student performance.
Required Core Courses: Second Semester
Writing for Business (WRT0912)
Writing for Business prepares students to be effective and confident writers in the workplace. Skill with written communication, a key attribute for professional success, is a qualification that employers increasingly seek. Whether in a class, job, internship, apprenticeship, or volunteer opportunity, the ability to communicate effectively in writing and apply the principles that guide workplace communication practices enhances professional and personal experiences. (Noncredit)
Additional Course Requirements
Digital Literacy (EDU1021)
People today live in a digitally connected world. This credit course is designed to teach students the digital tools, behaviors, and ethics necessary to thrive in this ever-evolving technological landscape. Instruction is designed so that students interact with a variety of topics, including accessing and assessing information, understanding their digital footprint, using technology purposefully and ethically, managing digital communications, and protecting themselves online. (3 credits)
Introduction to Business (BUS1011)
This course surveys the dynamic environment in which businesses operate today. Students learn about economic concepts, business organization, forms of ownership, management, marketing, and managing financial resources. Actual business cases are used to explore the impact that managerial roles, market trends, legal standards, technological change, natural resources, global competition, and the active involvement of government has on businesses. The relationship between social responsibility and profits in our free enterprise system is explored. (3 credits)
General Electives
Students take a range of general electives depending on prerequisite course requirements.
Eligibility for full credit after the second semester:
- Earned grade of C or better in Writing for Business, WRT0912
- Completion of proficiency test that meets benchmarks for full-credit entry.
- Our placement team reviews proficiency test results, includes two readers, and considers faculty input about student performance.
For more details, please see College Policy