EIU StartSmart Program

Included

* Six nights housing in Andrews Hall.
* Linens
* Meals
* A notebook and a program binder
* Recreational activities such as bowling, a movie, putt-putt, and a picnic
* Two peer mentors who live alongside the participants in the residence hall
* Instructional fees
* Testing fees (these tests are aimed at learning skills and college adjustment factors)
* Art supplies and materials for constructing art projects

StartSmart Program
Highlights

Jeff Boshart, Professor of Art, teaches a non-credit short course on multicultural aesthetics.
Students attend lectures, complete reading assignments, give presentations, conduct research, take a test, and create a medicine bag.
Supplemental instruction sessions provide students with the opportunity to develop the reading, writing, speaking, note-taking, and research skills needed to master each day's lessons.
Workshops help students better understand the nature of their learning disabilities, develop advocacy and social skills, and learn time management and other habits essential to college success.
Orientation sessions help students become acquainted with the services available at Eastern and feel more comfortable about moving away from home.
Testing sessions help students to identify their strengths and weaknesses.
Social activities help students to make new friends and develop new interests.

Costs

This program is made possible through the generosity of the Eastern Illinois University Foundation, the Center for Academic Support and Achievement, Professor Jeff Boshart, the Office of Disability Services, the Learning Assistance Center, and a number of volunteers from across campus.

Participants contribute $300 to defray the expenses involved in the StartSmart Program.