FASTrack LLC

Statement of Purpose

FASTrack has a four-year history of success. Each year, our students have done remarkably well in navigating the transition to college. FASTrack students earn higher GPAs, go on probation less often, and return for the sophomore year at higher rates than their peers. FASTrack students join small, supportive groups of twenty students each. In these groups, students take three courses each semester in common, courses which satisfy University core requirements. On their own, students will take one or two additional “non-FASTrack” courses to maintain full-time schedules. Our instructors have been carefully selected from among the finest and most dedicated teachers on our campus. Our advisors and staff are dedicated to offering students strong support and mentoring during the first year. With our guidance and with a proven network of peer and mentor support, students can make good choices throughout the first year. Indeed, students in FASTrack report finding quick friends and good study partners, even while maintaining the freedom and flexibility to be active across campus.

This year, a select number of cohorts will live together in the FASTrack LLC. The Ridge-South building will add a new layer of community to our already successful model.

Residence Hall Assignment

Students in the FASTrack LLC will live on the third and fourth floors in Ridge South .

Application Information

The FASTrack LLC requires no additional housing application. Not all members of FASTrack will live in the LLC, but any student who has been admitted to FASTrack will be eligible. FASTrack students will be the only members admitted into this community. Students cannot bring in a non-program roommate. Students will simply use their assigned housing selection time slots to choose bedspaces in the Ridge-South building. The online housing system will only show spaces for which the student qualifies during online room self selection. Again, FASTrack students are not required to live in this community. The LLC portion of FASTrack is optional. The LLC spaces will be first-come, first-served, and, once all spaces in the community have been filled, students in the program will have to choose alternative housing.

To apply to FASTrack, students should visit www.olemiss.edu/fastrack . Applications will be available beginning Tuesday, February 14, 2012. Space is limited, so interested students should apply soon. Again, you will need to apply to FASTrack before being considered for the FASTrack LLC.

Desired Learning Outcomes

FASTrack students will:

Build strong relationships with their classmates, working together to succeed during the first year;
Get to know their professors, advisors, and mentors;
Demonstrate knowledge of our campus and its many resources;
Maintain a healthy balance between academic and social pursuits;
Become active on campus in organizations and leadership groups.

Community Structure

FASTrack students come from around the country and from around Mississippi. They have various levels of academic preparation and a wide variety of social and academic interests. They are all joined, however, by a common desire to succeed during the first year of college.

Community Activities

Academic advisors and peer mentors will be available in the residence hall.
Study breaks, complete with food and door prizes, will be held every semester.
FASTrack students will receive information about campus events and resources via Social Media.
Community service opportunities will be publicized and promoted.

For more information on the FASTrack LLC or program, please contact

Stephen Monroe, Assistant Dean and Director of FASTrack.

fastrack@olemiss.edu