Act 101

Act 101 is a structured program of tutoring, counseling, financial assistance; career guidance and advisement designed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to assist highly motivated students who show the potential to succeed in college.  There is no entry fee, no participation fee, and no exit fee.

Act 101 is intended to serve Pennsylvania residents who:

• Have SAT or ACT scores that do not attain achievement levels according to grade reports.
• Have low to average SAT scores while attempting a difficult curriculum; i.e. Pre-Med, MS PA, Education, Athletic Training, or Accounting.
• Are returning to college after several years' absence.
• Have a vocational or non-traditional rather than a college preparatory background.
• Transferring from a two-year post secondary institution.

• Services
• Eligibility

• Leadership Opportunities

• Communication

ACT 101 SERVICES

Summer Program
In order to provide students with a solid foundation for their college experience, ACT 101 offers a tuition-free five week summer program. The pre-College Summer Bridge component at King's offers new students the opportunity to become acclimated to living and learning in an academic environment.

As with all incoming King’s College freshmen and transfers, assessment tests are given to determine placement of appropriate classes.  Summer classes offered are:

The summer program offers:

• Three to seven credits in CORE classes
• Workshops on reading and technology
• Cultural activities
• Tutoring
• Time management skills, effective study habits, strategies for success in college

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Tutoring
The staff is comprised of trained peer tutors who provide ACT 101 students with content-centered assistance to supplement classroom instruction, as well as faculty learning specialists. The tutorial program offers individualized, small group and labs to fit the students’ need. There is no fee for tutoring. Students may sign up for tutoring online or visit the Academic Skills Center, located in Mulligan 94. 

Act 101 offers specialized labs for MSB 110, 120, Biology 111, 112, Chemistry 113, 114 during the academic year.  In addition, the Act  101 Math Specialist holds a one-hour math lab twice a week for Core 098, 120, Math 125, 126.

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Counseling
Counseling is a fundamental ingredient of the ACT 101 Program with individual and group sessions to help student realize education, career and personal goals. This counseling includes:

• Orienting students to King’s and the ACT 101 Program
• Assisting student in career planning and decision-making
• Assisting students in values clarification and self-concept development
• Offering a one-credit career planning course
• Offering workshops on academic and personal development issues
• Personal counseling
• Financial aid counseling

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Financial Assistance
Financial assistance in the form of a King’s College grant is available to ACT 101 students contingent upon eligibility as determined by the Financial Aid Office. An active ACT 101 student has the potential to receive from $200 to $1,000 per year.

Workshops

Act 101 offers a series of five to six week workshops each fall and spring term.  These "groups" may be centered on academic skills, cultural awareness or personal development issues.  Some topics are: Africa, A Tapestry of Cultures, Time Management, Pages and Pages: Improving Reading, Act 101 Goes to the Movies, Relationships, Let's Laugh, Questions, Questions, Questions, How to Improve Your GPA, First Things First, No Sweat Exams:Mastering Anxiety, Getting It All Down: Note-Taking Skills, etc.

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ELIGIBILITY

Student must be a Pennsylvania resident
It should be noted that students with disabilities are eligible to receive ACT 101 services regardless of residence or income. This is made possible through matching College funds.

Have an academic need
Although no student is accepted at King’s unless it is felt he or she can be successful, some students show, through their high school records and SAT scores, that they would more likely succeed if they used academic support services.

Have a financial need
Students whose resources for higher education are deemed to be limited by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Agency (PHEAA). This is derived from an adjusted gross income figure reported on the necessary completed FASA forms and the EFC (expected family contribution).

Be a full-time new or transfer student
Contact Donna Dickinson (570) 208-6078

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Chi Alpha Epsilon is the national honor society for students who are admitted to colleges and universities via developmental program pathways. The national organization was founded in 1990 to promote continued high academic standards, foster increased communication among its members, and honor academic excellence. The King’s Alpha Lambda Chapter was established in 1999 and admits full-time junior and senior ACT 101 students who have achieved a 3.00 cumulative grade-point-average for at least two consecutive semesters and have been an active participant in the program. Donna Dickinson, ACT 101Director, is moderator of the society.

Members give back to the program through leadership and service. Membership in the society enables students to take on a form of leadership in an academic setting such as tutoring or serving as a peer leader or volunteering time at a local social service agency.

Peer Mentor Program matches first-year students with an upperclassman to help with the transition to college. The program is offered during the summer bridge classes and the fall semester.

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COMMUNICATION

Act 101 Newsletters

• Act 101 Newsletter – Spring 2008 Edition
• Act 101 Newsletter Insert – Spring 2008 Edition

ACT 101 Staff

• Donna Dickinson, Director  570-208-5900, EXT. 5710
• Pam Bird, Counselor 570-208-5900, EXT. 5709
• Jacintha Burke, Learning Specialist  570-208-5800
• James Stewart, Tutorial Coordinator  570-208-5823
• Karen Collins, Administrative Secretary  570-208-6078
• Amy Swiatek , Math Specialist 570-208-5485

King's College
ACT101 Program
618 Administration Building
133 North River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
Phone: (570) 208-6078
Fax: (570) 825-9049
Email: donnadickinson@kings.edu