The transition from high school to the university is often difficult at best for the academically prepared student and can be disastrous for the economically and academically disadvantaged student. As a result, many capable students become disenchanted with the university and therefore fail to realize their dreams. The Office of Special Programs (formally Educational Opportunity Program-EOP) is designed for students with potential for success in college. This office, with funding from the state and the college, provides students with a network of academic and student support resources that are essential for success at college.

The Cook College Office of Special Programs provides the opportunity for these students to gain access to the university and the opportunity to experience, maybe for the first time, academic success in a competitive environment. The office represents three distinct programs: the Summer Institute, the Academic Year Program, and the Solid GEMS (General Education in Mathematics and Science) Program.

The Summer Institute is a six-week, residential, academically intensive assessment and orientation program for admitted eligible incoming first-year students. All students who are admitted to the Academic Year Program are required to attend. During this six-week period, students participate in a series of academic and counseling activities. The aim of the program is to diagnose students' academic and nonacademic problem areas. In addition, the program seeks to prepare students to accept and cope with the realities of a competitive college environment. Students take a rigorous course load of English, mathematics, computer applications and operations, and a skills seminar.

This program is free for those who qualify. Failure to attend the Summer Institute for students admitted to Cook College through the Office of Special Programs may result in the student being denied admission to the college. Students who wish to apply to this program must fill out the New Jersey Financial Aid Form (NJFAF). The form is available in the guidance offices of most New Jersey high schools.

The Academic Year Program consists of two 16-week terms. This support program offers individual counseling, tutoring, career information, diagnostic testing, and additional services needed for success at college. Equally important is that students learn to view themselves realistically: to understand their strengths, limitations, defensive styles, and adaptive capabilities.

Solid GEMS is an academically intensive summer program that takes place prior to the student's second year in college. Building on the Summer Institute and the Academic Year Program, Solid GEMS aims to improve performance in entry level science courses. The program works to discourage students from changing their science major before they have established a sound academic foundation and experience from which to make that decision. Participants successfully completing the Solid GEMS summer program earn 4 credits in the 01:160:161 General Chemistry (Solid GEMS) course. Solid GEMS sections of General Chemistry are offered in the fall-to-spring terms. Activities are designed to generate questions, curiosity, and a "feel for the subject."

The program is open and available to all students who qualify. Costs for students who qualify for the Solid GEMS summer program are financed by grants that are received by the Office of Special Programs.

Inquiries about the Office of Special Programs at Cook College should be addressed to Dean Frager Foster, Assistant Dean for Special Programs, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 88 Lipman Drive, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8525 (732/932-3000, ext. 530).