First-time college students will transition to college by enrolling mid-semester
September 2021 – Drew University is looking to meet students where they are with the new Fall Forward Program, which allows students to enroll mid-semester and take classes on a part-time basis.
As the higher education landscape changes and first-time college students look to reenter formal, in-person learning, Fall Forward is designed to offer students a customized eight-week college experience that fits their needs and comfort.
Enrolled students will be able to attend Drew part-time and earn six college credits while gaining skills, confidence, and insights critical to making the transition to college full time.
“Under normal circumstances, some students delay attending college or choose a school and realize that they did not necessarily make the right choice or were just not ready to be away from home,” said Colby McCarthy, dean of enrollment management.
“We are seeing that, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, even more students have found themselves in this situation. We developed Fall Forward as a way to ease students into college academic and social life while gaining credits in an in-person environment that will help keep them on track to becoming a full-time student.”
Students in the program will be able to commute from home or live on campus, and will take three core courses – Social Media and Communications, Writing Studio, and Psychology of Stress and Coping.
“Drew University has always offered programs, courses, and experiences that allow students to explore their passions, expand their knowledge, find faculty and staff mentors, and thrive as individuals,” said Jill Cermele, chair and professor of psychology and director of first year and transfer advising.
“In the Fall Forward program, we are able to do what we have always done – provide exciting and unique academic experiences, meet students where they are at, and welcome them to the Drew community.”
The application deadline for the fall 2021 semester is October 11, with classes running from October 18 through the end of the semester.