Northern Arizona University

The Academic Experience
Peer Advising Program
Academic Cohort
The Residential Experience

Program Description

The STAR program is a challenging, fun and rewarding program! In the classroom, you will be exposed to the academic rigors of college life while receiving valuable support from your class instructors, supplemental lab leaders and peer advisor. You will work on building your academic skills while living on campus and learning about the various resources designed to positively impact your academic performance.

The Academic Experience

STAR students will take two academic courses for a total of six credit hours. Classes are 1 hour 45 minutes and take place from 9 - 10:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. - 12:45 p.m., Monday through Friday. Additionally, students will participate in a mandatory one hour supplemental lab in the afternoon, Monday through Thursday.

The two classes that are offered in the STAR Program are:

English 110: Rhetoric in the Media - This course examines the use of rhetoric to analyze and write about popular cultural texts such as print media, advertising and commercials, television shows, films, cyberspace and radio.
Speech Communication 111: Fundamentals of Public Speaking - This course focuses on the development of basic skills for the creation and delivery of oral messages in public and in small groups while emphasizing organization and reasoning.

Both courses fulfill liberal studies requirements for all academic majors on campus. They are designed to provide students with a solid background of written, communication, presentation and public speaking skills.

Peer Advising Program

All STAR students are assigned a Peer Advisor to work with them during the program and throughout their first and second year at NAU. Peer Advisors are upper-level undergraduate students who have mastered the academic and social rigors of college life. They are familiar with the resources on campus and are experts in navigating the campus climate. Peer Advisors provide support in the areas of academic advisement, financial aid process, career and academic opportunities and personal guidance.

Academic Cohort

The STAR program has partnered with four colleges on campus to provide students with the opportunity to participate in supplemental activities related to their major. These students will attend weekly meetings to learn more about the academic expectations and opportunities of their major. The four special interest groups are:

5-STAR: Students majoring in Hotel and Restaurant Management will meet once a week for one hour with a School of Hotel and Restaurant Management representative to talk about the industry, meet HRM staff and faculty and take field trips to local HRM businesses.
Health STARS: Students majoring in the biomedical or health professions will meet three times a week for two hours to participate in lab experiments, learn about research and familiarize themselves with major opportunities.
SBS STARS: Students majoring in the Social and Behavioral Science (i.e. political science, criminal justice, sociology, social work, psychology and international relations) will meet once a week for one hour with a representative from the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences to talk about career opportunities, meet staff and faculty and explore the various majors in SBS. Students in SBS STARS will take Sociology 101 instead of Speech Communication 111.
STAR PALS: Students majoring in engineering will take an additional one-credit hour course called Engineering 101 with staff in the Multicultural Engineering Program. Egr 101 introduces students to the skills needed to be successful in the engineering major and field.

These activities are designed to enhance the experience of students in these majors, but also require an ability to manage time effectively and prioritize responsibilities. Students who are interested in a cohort must be willing to fully commit to attending the weekly activities.

The Residential Experience

A very important component of the STAR program is the residential experience. STAR students will live on-campus in the same residence hall during the program. By living on-campus, STAR students get to learn the ins and outs of campus living as well as participate in hall council. Residential living provides an opportunity for students to create a social support network, strong friendships, an academic support system, and a fun and engaging living environment.

The residence hall staff will be made up of a Residence Hall Director and Resident Assistants. The Residence Hall Director is responsible for the overall operations of the residence hall. The Resident Assistants are assigned specific floors to supervise and are responsible for assisting the residents with any issues, concerns or questions they have about their living environment. The residence hall staff will also host floor meetings, coordinate various social and educational events and plan weekend field trips. By living in the residence hall, STAR students will be provided with many wonderful opportunities to get involved and make valuable connections on campus.

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