ParentNET
A slice of campus life written by an MTU student

For my article this week I would like to share information with you about a very unique opportunity that your student may not know about. This unique opportunity is called “ExSEL,” and it is a program (not a spreadsheet) that, according to the ExSEL staff, “provides the tools and resources necessary for first-year student success. It is partially funded by the State of Michigan’s King-Chavez-Parks Initiative and intended to support academically and economically disadvantaged students.” 

There are endless reasons why first-year students should get involved. According to ExSEL staff, “First-year students face many challenges as they begin their college career. Every student is an individual, so we provide a variety of tools and resources to support the distinct challenges each face." ExSEL's tools and resources include

	Frameworks for Success course		Grade monitoring
	Peer mentors		Informational monthly newsletter
	Accessible staff		Seminars on personal development
	References to the appropriate campus resources

Benefits
There are also many benefits associated with participating in ExSEL. Once again, according to ExSEL Staff, “During Fall semester, UN1000—“Frameworks for Success” educates participants on important tools for success such as time management, study skills, learning styles, campus resources and wise decision making. This class provides an excellent base to be a successful student.” Then “throughout the academic year the ExSEL staff performs grade monitoring to help identify potential problems early and assist students in finding the academic support they need. Program staff is also available for one-on-one meetings.”

To further support your student their first year, the ExSEL program provides Peer Mentors. “Peer Mentors are available to meet one-on-one with participants and provide insight and support. Many are former ExSEL participants themselves and have experienced first hand the challenges of adjusting to and achieving at Michigan Tech,” ExSEL staff said. 

As mentioned before, monthly newsletters are sent out for informational support, and sponsored speakers and seminars reinforce your student’s success. According to ExSEL staff, “The ExSEL newsletter provides important information about upcoming events, academic support opportunities and success tactics. ExSEL sponsored speakers and seminars offer information about important topics such as career preparation, financial planning and business etiquette.”

Getting Involved
So at this point both you and your student may be wondering how students become involved in the ExSEL program. It’s simple. “Select students will receive an invitation letter and contract in June. Participation is limited with openings filled first by target group students,” ExSEL staff said.

And the next most important question: “How much does it cost?” According to the coordinators of the program, “The only cost that is incurred is for the one-credit “Frameworks for Success” class. The class is applicable to General Education credits.”

In other words, ExSEL is a very inexpensive way to help ensure that your student is successful, and won’t have to spend even more money by having to take classes over if they do not pass them the first time. If your student receives an invite and decides to be involved in the ExSEL program, they will have to sign a contract saying they will participate for the entire 2006-2007 academic year (September–May). I highly recommend the ExSEL program if your student is interested. I have friends who have been involved with ExSEL at both the participant and mentor level, and I guarantee it will make a great difference in your student’s academic success.

If you would like additional information regarding the ExSEL program, please visit the ExSEL website at: http://www.exsel.mtu.edu, or contact Keri Sleeman at kasleema@mtu.edu, or Susan Liebau at slliebau@mtu.edu.

And last but not least, thank you to Keri and Susan for the information for this article!

Until next week,

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