Incoming freshman Thurman Stanton Jr. spent the last five weeks learning how to be a college student.
He's one of 26 new students hailing from all over the state who enrolled in MSU's Summer University Program: Excellence Required, or SUPER.
The program, created in 1988, is designed to help a diverse group of students gain the academic, social and interpersonal skills needed to succeed in the university setting.
Stanton said he's glad he applied for the SUPER developmental course because it's prepared him to adjust to the college workload.
"It's tremendously needed," he said. "We get this head start, and right now I feel like a college student."
Students must submit an application to enroll in the program, which is funded by the Office of the Provost.
One of the main objectives of SUPER is to assist underrepresented, low-income and first-generation college students with the transition from high school to college.
During the seven-week program, students take MSU writing and math courses, participate in group activities and meet with advisers and MSU faculty members on a regular basis to address academic and interpersonal issues linked to college success.
During one such group discussion on Tuesday, educators from Olin Health Center spoke to students about sex education and other common college-related social issues.
The educators dispelled normal misconceptions about safe sex and answered any questions the students had.
The students are also given structured study time to help them focus on homework.
Human biology freshman Whitney Banks said SUPER has been challenging.
"This program does not baby you," Banks said.
SUPER Coordinator Betty Sanford admitted the program is rigorous, but all of the students within it are disciplined and dedicated.
"It's a special group with challenges along the way," Sanford said.
After students finish the SUPER program, they will continue to meet with advisers throughout the school year.
"The greatest pleasure is working with students who some thought would never make it," Sanford said.
"But not only do they thrive, many also make it into the Honors College."
Eric Wardford, public administration and policy senior, is a SUPER alumnus and also counsels new students within the program. He said he was initially unsure about fitting into college life, but the program gave him the confidence he needed to succeed at MSU.
"It was that little extra that I needed," he said.
