A special information session for students admitted to the Rider Achievement Program, followed by a campus tour.
|Click here to learn about the success of one of our RAP students|
What is RAP?
The Rider Achievement Program (RAP) is a unique academic program offered through Rider’s Student Success Center, where you are empowered with the strategies needed to be an independent and successful learner. RAP offers a highly specialized first-and second-year learning experience and is designed to give motivated students the assistance and guidance to achieve.
Who is accepted to RAP?
Real success in college and career requires that the individual fully realize his or her potential. Students are admitted through RAP because their academic records show that they possess promise to succeed at Rider by taking advantage of the features of RAP that are designed to help develop talents and skills.
What are the unique features of RAP?
There are several components of the RAP program that assist students in a successful transition to college:
- Summer Bridge Program: To prepare for the academic and social transition to Rider, RAP students begin their semester on Thursday, August 27 with a mandatory nine-day Summer Bridge program. This intensive program introduces participants to campus resources created to help them manage the challenges they encounter as college students and provides them with a peer support network. Participants also develop effective learning and study strategies and facilitate social, campus, and community interaction.
- The Freshman Seminar: Building on the Summer Bridge, this seminar continues to facilitate the transition to college. Students become familiar with Rider services, learn about time management and faculty expectations, and receive guidance from a Freshman Seminar Coach and student Peer Assistant.
- Supplemental Instruction: Students enroll in one academic course that is supported by an innovative academic support program called Supplemental Instruction that helps develop effective study strategies relevant to even the most challenging courses.
- Writing Lab: Students schedule monthly one-on-one Writing Lab appointments with a professional tutor or a student worker who has exceled in writing intensive college coursework. This component helps strengthen college level writing skills essential to success in Freshman Expository Writing classes.
- Campus Events: To keep active in social life on campus, students attend a determined number of social events that can involve athletics, musical performances, guest speakers, and innovative games or activities. This serves as a great way to make friends and have fun in a safe learning environment.
- Faculty, Staff, and Peer Support: Students work with a dedicated faculty and staff who offer individualized attention and are supportive of students' goals. Participants meet with professional staff members and peer mentors to continually assess their goals and achievements and receive academic and personal support when needed.
- Students are admitted as Undecided majors. Upon successful completion of RAP at the end of your freshman year, students can declare the major of your choice.
- In addition, students may be required to enroll in College Reading, a 3-credit course that will assist them in developing reading and study strategies and enable them to enhance their academic performance across the curriculum.
- With this web of support, freshmen are able to enroll in a full, 15-credit course load in the first semester.
Upon entering their second year at Rider, students will actively engage in leadership opportunities, service projects, and career preparation outside of the classroom. Additionally, they will have access to academic supports described above.
Peer Assistance Program
- Peer Assistants are mentors who support students with their social transition from high school to college
- Learning Assistants are peer tutors who support students with their academic transition from high school to college
- Both Peer and Learning Assistants continue to support the students throughout their first year
All Rider first-year students enroll in freshman seminar - topics include:
- Time management and stress management
- Effective note-taking strategies
- Healthy lifestyle choices
- Career interests and options
- Final exam preparation strategies
- End of semester RAP celebration
*RAP students complete seminar at the end of their second semester of freshman year
Specialized Advising and Coaching
- Each RAP first year student is assigned a faculty advisor as well as a RAP coach. The RAP Coach is also their Freshman Seminar Leader
- Faculty advisors work with the students to strengthen their understanding of the curriculum and registration procedures
- RAP coaches meet regularly with the students to assess their transition concerns, academic progress, and tutoring needs. Examples of possible referrals: Tutoring Services for content tutoring or Supplemental Instruction, SSC Writing Lab for assistance with writing or study strategies, Counseling Center, Services for Students with Disabilities, Career Services
- Supplemental Instruction for at least one course
- Writing Tutoring
- Additional tutoring through the Student Success Center also encouraged
Benefits of the Rider Achievement Program
- Students achieving a 2.75 cumulative GPA at the end of the first year are eligible to receive a renewable grant valued from $1,000 to $2,000 per year
- Students are prepared to matriculate into the degree program of their choice
- RAP coaches who work closely with RAP students throughout the first four semesters
- Individualized academic support: assistance with study strategies, with a focus on self-management areas
- Supportive environment, both inside and outside of the classroom
- Peer Assistance Program, helping ease their transition from high school to college
- Tutorial support to supplement and reinforce the classroom experience
- A sense of belonging and community on Rider's campus