Selection of STEP Students

STEP is a seven-week residential summer program for multicultural and/or first-generation, first-year students. The Admissions staff recommends students for STEP based on the assessment that the students' overall application credentials indicate strong potential for success at AU; they require that STEP provide focused supplemental instruction and preparation for the high school to college transition. It is not unusual for STEP participants to graduate at a higher rate than AU's general undergraduate population. STEP generally enrolls between 30 and 40 students.

STEP Students' Responsibilities

STEP students are expected to attend all classes, seminars, and extracurricular activities associated with STEP and achieve a minimum 3.0 grade point average. In addition, students must abide by the regulations for student conduct on campus and in the residence halls (see the AU Student Handbook). Student performance is evaluated after the third week of the program. Students who are not making "satisfactory progress," or who have violated conduct regulations may be subject to disciplinary action or dismissed from the program. Admission to AU is contigent upon satisfactory completion of STEP.

AU Student Handbook 2009-2010

Financial Support

Each STEP student receives financial support to cover most on-site expenses incurred during the seven weeks of the program. Covered expenses include:

- the New Student Orientation registration fee

- tuition (up to four credits)

- tutorial assistance

- textbooks*

- housing (on-campus housing is mandatory for all STEP participants)

- the meal plan

- workshops and university-sponsored extracurricular activities

- writing seminar (mandatory for all STEP participants regardless of AP credits)

- use of AU's academic, athletic, and recreational facilities

*All textbook costs are covered except the freshmen reading that is part of the college writing program requirement.

Students are responsible for some meals, transportation, and personal expenses while attending STEP.

Immunizations and Health Insurance

All STEP students are required to have health insurance coverage starting with their summer coursework.  If you are covered by an insurance policy other than that provided by AU, you do not need a copy of this information but rather you would provide this information in the insurance waiver database accessed through the student portal.  Students with non-AU insurance should bring a copy of your insurance card.

Students seeking summer and fall insurance coverage or those with additional questions should contact the insurance department of the Student Health Center at 202-885-3298.

DC law requires students entering college to be in compliance with local immunization standards.  All students will be required to submit the Mandatory Immunization Information form via the AU portal (my.american.edu), but you will not be able to access this until after you have been registered for classes.  This form and important information is on the Student Health Center’s website.