FIRST-YEAR TESTING, CONSULTING AND ADVISING PROGRAM
Its official title is First-Year Testing, Consulting and Advising Program, but to faculty, staff and new students at Penn State New Kensington, the program is known as FTCAP, pronounced "fitcap."
The program is a concerted effort by faculty and staff to ensure that incoming students feel comfortable and welcome in their new surroundings. The program consists of two parts: online testing for placement in English, mathematics, and chemistry; and academic advising and educational planning.
New students are required to attend one of the 14 FTCAP days that run from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and are spread out over the three summer months. The first session June 13, 14, 15, 16, 27, 28, 29, and 30, features eight one-day programs spanning two weeks. The second session, July 19, 20, and 21, and the final session, Aug. 9, 11, and 19, each comprise three one-day programs.
A part of the "It's Your Time: Make First Year Count" initiative by Penn State, FTCAP gives students the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a faculty adviser, participate in a college meeting, schedule classes for the fall and receive general campus service information.
Topics of interest for students are "Developing an Educational Plan" and the "Campus Social Game." Families are encouraged to participate to get acquainted with the campus, its policies, procedures and services. Topics of interest for parents are "Partnering with the University" and "Billing and Financial Aid."
Established in 1957, FTCAP gives first-year students the opportunity to examine their academic abilities, interests, and educational plans before their first semester of classes. The program provides students with a basic understanding of what will be expected of them at Penn State and how their particular abilities and interests may fit with one or more of the University's majors.
FTCAP is the first day of the three-day campus orientation program for new students. The next steps of orientation are Pride Days, Aug. 16-17, and Academic Convocation and All Prides Day on Aug. 18. Fall classes begin Aug. 22.
For more on FTCAP, contact the Academic and Career Success Center at 724-334-6095 or visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/StudentLife/ftcap.htm online.