Building Outreach and Opportunity for Students in Transition (BOOST)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BOOST?

Building Outreach and Opportunity For Students in Transition (BOOST) is a special admission program for students whose ACT scores and high school grade point averages (GPA) do not meet Eastern's established admission criteria.  However, these students--with additional services--have the potential to be successful college students.

 

What are the Program Requirements?

  • Take EIU 1111 Fall Semester
  • Complete testing to determine reading level and need to take GST 1000
  • Meet as required with BOOST Advisor
  • Grades collected from instructors at least twice each semester to monitor progress
  • Fulfill academic plan
  • Complete assessment instruments at beginning and at conclusion of freshman year

 

How Successful are BOOST Students?

BOOST students who completed their academic plans on average have a 1.58 higher gpa than those who did not.  That’s the difference between a 2.0 (C-)and a 3.58 (A-)

After their first year in the program, 91% of BOOST plan completers are in good standing academically.

On average, BOOST students who complete their academic plans earn 17 more credit hours in their freshman year than BOOST students who do not complete their plans.

 

What is a Plan Completer?

Plan completers meet or exceed all expectations for BOOST students:

  • Attend a BOOST orientation day
  • Take required assessments
  • Attend all classes
  • Come see advisor if you encounter problems
  • Fulfill your academic plan
  • Attend all meetings with BOOST Advisor

 

What if I Don't Want to Participate or Complete My Academic Plan?

Participating in the BOOST program is a requirement of your admission to Eastern Illinois University.

On average, 90% of BOOST students who do not complete their academic plans are on probation or are dismissed from the University in their freshman year.

Because they earn approximately 17 credit hours less than plan completers, BOOST non-completers can spend $3200-4500 in tuition for credits not earned because of failed or dropped courses.

Students who miss appointments with their BOOST advisor, do not return phone calls or emails, and fail to complete their academic plan in other ways may be dismissed from Eastern Illinois University—even before the end of the semester.

 

What is My Family's Role?

Continued family support is critical to the success of college students.  Encourage your students to:

  • Seek support independently
  • Set goals & make responsible decisions
  • Take responsibility for their own actions and decisions
  • Complete BOOST academic plan
  • Attend all classes and complete all work on time
  • Treat college as a full-time job

 

What Are the Benefits?

BOOST helps students by:

  • Assigning a BOOST advisor to work with students one-on-one on their academic and transitional issues
  • Asking faculty for early grade reports to track progress
  • Creating a custom-designed academic plan to aid in college success
  • Making referrals to other support services on campus
  • Making students accountable

 

Policy  for Academic Warning/Probation/Dismissal

View the complete policy here.

BOOST Annual Report

Review the 2011 BOOST annual report here.