merits
MERITS Students who do not meet the minimum requirements for regular admission at SUNY Cobleskill are given an opportunity to attain a college degree through the MERITS program. Students are identified at the time of admission and given a contractual acceptance to the college. The MERITS program offers structured support services. MERITS is a two semester commitment. The students accepting the SUNY Cobleskill MERITS Program must clearly understand that they are being given the opportunity to achieve a college degree, and their commitment must be one of personal motivation. Students must perform their study hours, attend all classes, complete all assignments on time, and meet regularly with their mentors, academic advisors and the staff at the Center for Academic Support and Excellence. MERITS includes:
M entoring
E ncouragement to join a club
R eferrals to on and off campus services and agencies
I nformal counseling and non-academic advisement
T utoring
S tructured study hours
MENTORING
Mentoring fosters a relationship between a MERITS student and an upper classman. Mentors will meet on a weekly basis with their students in the Center for Academic Support and Excellence. The mentor will assist the new student with study habits and strategies.
ENCOURAGEMENT TO JOIN A CLUB
The MERITS student will be encouraged to join a club which will promote a sense of belonging to the campus community. This will allow the students to choose groups of people who share similar interests.
REFERRALS TO ON AND OFF CAMPUS AGENCIES
The Staff of the Center for Academic Support and Excellence is well acquainted with on and off campus agencies. Confidentiality is strictly maintained.
INFORMAL COUNSELING AND ADVISEMENT
The Staff of the Center for Academic Support and Excellence is available to all students. An open door policy exists that allows the students to talk with a staff person no matter what the topic. The staff does not take the place of an academic faculty advisor.
TUTORING
MERITS students are expected to work with the appropriate tutors at the Center. Students are strongly advised to attend study groups and all the study skills workshops offered in the Center. Tutors are available throughout the week and on Sunday.
STRUCTURED STUDY HOURS
Students are REQUIRED to complete eight study hours a week in the Center. They are expected to study, organize, research, do homework, and practice skills that need improvement. Study hours are mandated for both semesters of the MERITS program.
Center for Academic Support and Excellence
MERITS STAFF
518-255-5872
Marilyn Barnes
Director
518-255-5876
