| Title | UBC Jump Start (formerly UBC ASSIST) |
|---|---|
| Faculty/College/Unit | VP Students |
| Status | Completed |
| Duration | 1 Year |
| Initiation | 04/01/2008 |
| Completion | 03/31/2009 |
| Project Summary | UBC Jump Start is a unique pre-session transition program for new international students at UBC Vancouver. The focus of UBC Jump Start is retention and academic success of international students as they transition into their first-year undergraduate studies. Through academic workshops, on line and team assignments, and peer supports, UBC Jump Start provides a supportive learning experience that will "jump start" students' transition to UBC by developing transferable skills that will offset cultural and language barriers. This year the program will focus on preparing participants to be academic leaders at UBC and on significantly increased participation, growing from 100 to 180 students in 2008 with a goal of 300 by 2010. ln the future, a similar module can be developed for domestic students or other targeted groups. Residential community-building and social/cultural programming will also be a key element of the curriculum in order to support students' sense of mattering and involvement with the university community. We recognize that in order to achieve effective academic transitions, students need a broad introduction to the university, targeted skill development for their area of study, contact with faculty members, and strong relationships with other students. These key features can lead to greater levels of student learning and enhance our ability to yield and retain new international students. Managed centrally but under the direction of the participating faculties, this innovative program has not been offered elsewhere in Canada. |
| Funding Details | |
| Year 1: Project Year | Year 1 |
| Year 1: Funding Year | 2008/2009 |
| Year 1: Project Type | Small TLEF |
| Year 1: Principal Investigator | Michelle Suderman |
| Year 1: Funded Amount | 160,000 |
| Year 1: Team Members | Michelle Suderman, International Student Development, Office of the Vice-President, Students |