One of Auburn University’s goals is to do everything it can to help its incoming freshman adapt to college life as smoothly as possible. One of the ways the university achieves these goals is through a summer program called STEP.

STEP, which first began in 2003, stands for the Summer Transition Enhancement Program and assists incoming freshman make the transition from high school to college. STEP serves as an individual mentoring program that empowers students to make their own academic, social, and personal adjustments to the university. Through its academic and residential programs, it allows its students to have a step up on other entering first-year students.

STEP is an eight-week intensive academic and residential program. Participants live in an Upper Quad dormitory and are enrolled in three academic, for-credit courses. They also take part in program workshops and seminars. In addition, students spend time studying each evening in a structured study group. As part of their three academic courses, students are required to take Introduction to Public Speaking and Success Strategies. For their third course, students can chose from four courses that meet university core requirements.

Students are also given the opportunity to connect with older Auburn University students through their peer counselors. A group of enthusiastic and dedicated Auburn junior and seniors are chosen to be peer counselors that work as guides and mentors for the STEP students.

Students who chose to participate in the program are financially responsible for AU summer session tuition, housing fees, textbooks, and meals. Although, a select number of tuition scholarships are available to select students who meet the STEP scholarship criteria. These scholarships cover tuition and fees.

Julie Huff, director of STEP and Special Projects Advisor for Undergraduate Studies, says, “STEP is challenging, rewarding, and fun! Students who attend the program are better prepared to meet the academic and social demands for their first year at Auburn”. STEP is successful because not only does it allow for students to get ahead in their coursework, but allows them to familiarize themselves with the academic workings of the university in a smaller, more individualized environment. The rewards from the program span both academically and socially.