Department of Academic
Development
Academic Support Center
| Department of Academic Development
Students enter the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology
with varying levels of academic preparation. We feel it is
important for all students to begin their major studies at
BFIT on the same academic level so that everyone has an equal
opportunity to make the most of their education. The Department
of Academic Development offers a range of courses for students
needing additional preparation for the rigorous academics
required in the pursuit of a college degree at BFIT. Courses
focus on the specific academic skills and content required
for each individual's success in the engineering and industrial
technologies.
Depending on placement and performance, a student may need
an additional semester of course work in order to complete
the requirements for an Associate's degree. In order to
continue the student's major course of study, the following
criteria must be met: passing grades in all courses; grades
of C or better in all mathematics and language courses;
satisfactory completion of course requirements; and instructor
recommendations. In addition, they may also be required
to complete courses during the summer session.
Each student's course of study will be customized to address
the individual's strengths and needs.
Curriculum
Academic Development courses are designed to build the skills
necessary for more advanced study in mathematics, technology,
the humanities and social sciences. Since the assimilation
of basic math skills is central to success in technology
studies, students needing to develop their math skills will
begin their technical studies upon successful completion
of MA090. Students needing extensive work on their language
skills will successfully complete EN090 before beginning
their technical studies.
All first Semester freshmen are enrolled in SK101-Freshman
Seminar. This course introduces students to the BFIT community
and focuses on the study skills essential for a successful
transition into college. Among the topics covered in the
course are: setting goals, time management, identifying
sources of support, effective note-taking, and critical
thinking skills.
Samples of Typical Course Schedules
Students needing Developmental Math and Developmental Language |
| Hours
Per Week |
Course
# |
Course
Title |
Credits |
Class
|
Lab
|
|
Academic Language Skills |
7 |
7 |
0 |
or |
|
|
|
|
|
Reading & Writing |
4 |
4 |
0 |
|
Fundamental Mathematics |
6 |
6 |
0 |
|
Freshman Seminar |
1* |
1 |
0 |
|
Oral Communication |
3* |
3 |
0 |
Students needing Developmental Math only |
Hours
Per Week |
Course
# |
Course
Title |
Credits |
Class |
Lab |
|
College Composition I |
3* |
3 |
0 |
|
Fundamental Mathematics |
6 |
6 |
0 |
|
Elective |
3* |
3 |
0 |
|
Freshman Seminar |
1* |
1 |
0 |
Students needing Developmental Language only |
| Hours
Per Week |
Placed in EN090 |
Course
# |
Course
Title |
Credits |
Class
|
Lab
|
|
Academic Language Skills |
7 |
7 |
0 |
|
Tech. Math/College Algebra and Trigonometry |
3* |
3 |
0 |
|
Oral Communication |
3* |
3 |
0 |
| |
Freshman Seminar |
1* |
1 |
0 |
Placed in EN090 |
Course
# |
Course
Title |
Credits |
Class
|
Lab
|
|
Reading & Writing |
4 |
4 |
0 |
|
Tech. Math/College Algebra and Trigonometry |
3 |
3* |
0 |
|
Tech Course |
3+* |
3 |
0 |
|
Tech Course |
3+* |
3 |
0 |
|
Freshman Seminar |
1* |
1 |
0 |
* denotes graduation credits
Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Academic Development courses, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate proficiency in the basic concepts of algebra.
- Demonstrate proficiency in basic reading skills and writing conventions and be capable of addressing increasingly complex academic writing tasks.
- Employ effective communications skills in a variety of social, academic and technology settings.
- Employ efficient study skills including time management, materials organization, note-taking, and critical thinking.
Faculty
Sally Heckel, Chair
Instructor Staff: Nancy Gordon, Nicole Lasas
|
