Miami Hamilton students have GUTS

September 7, 2006

A new program that gives students a running start in college was so successful over the summer that Miami Hamilton’s Learning Assistance team will offer it again next year.

Get Up To Speed (GUTS) is designed to get students prepared for what’s coming in the fall, since collegiate skills and strategies differ from what most students experienced in high school, according to Pete Haverkos, Miami Hamilton Director of Learning Assistance. The program was developed by Reading Specialist Sue Sepela, English Instructor Dana Katz and Haverkos.

Intensive three week period for students

“Even though this is a pilot program for Miami Hamilton, we received a very positive response from students. The 12 who enrolled spent an intense five hours a day on campus for the three weeks prior to the start of the fall semester, and they completed five credit hours,” Haverkos said.

Sepela said the initial offering attracted a great group of students. The Learning Assistance team enjoyed working with the students as they developed strong study habits and friendships with each other, she said.

“By the time school started, they had been reading, writing, studying and thinking for three weeks, which made for a smooth transition into collegiate life.  A secondary perk was the bonding that occurred during the program,” Sepela said. “It was great. When the GUTS kids started school with the rest of the students, they already had friends in class.”

Motivation is key

Haverkos said participating students have to be motivated. The condensed GUTS format requires a strong work ethic which helps students improve their study habits and overcome a slight lack of preparedness for college-level writing, he said.

By completing the GUTS program, the students get to start right into Miami core requirements with English 111.

“The GUTS program looks at the whole student and tries to provide strategies to adapt behaviors, so the student will be prepared for what’s coming down the pike. It’s one more opportunity for a different program to meet the needs of our students–to meet them where they are,” Haverkos said.