College Relations

August 3, 2004

Jim Glynn at 978-542-7519 or james.glynn@salemstate.edu

SALEM – Several potential Salem State College freshmen will complete a six-week summer residence program on Thursday, Aug. 5, over a month prior to the official first day of classes on September 8.

The 220 prospective students are seeking admission to Salem State through its Alternative Individual Development (AID) program. They will attend seminars on Thursday conducted by the campus police. The police will also host a cookout at noon at the O'Keefe Sports Complex and will challenge some of the program participants to a game of basketball at 1 p.m. in the Twohig Gymnasium.

"It will be a day of serious conversations with some fun mixed in," said Arthur Gerald, the associate dean of the Learning Center. "These prospective students will hear from our public safety officers about some of the dangers that young students are exposed to."

Gerald initiated the AID program in 1973. Funded by the state, the program provides alternative admissions opportunities for talented, low-income and educationally disadvantaged students, whose lack of traditional academic preparation might restrict their access to a college education. These students are chosen for their academic potential and desire to improve their academic skills.

"In order to gain admission to the college, these students must pass the summer program," Gerald explained. "During their six-week residence here, they've been taking classes for credit."

Gerald anticipates that about 90 percent of the 220 enrolled in the program this year will be accepted.

Once admitted, AID students become part of Student Support Services Program and are offered a variety of support services to enhance their potential to succeed. These services include the summer residential program, reading and study skills support, writing and communication support, math and science support, individual and group counseling, academic and career advising and course tutorials.

For more information, contact Arthur Gerald, the associate dean of the Learning Center, at 978-542-6213.