Institutions of Excellence in the
By the
http://www.brevard.edu/fyc/instofexcellence/data.htm
Semi-Finalists' Narrative Descriptions
In this Bicentennial Year for
the United States Military Academy (USMA), it is more than appropriate to
nominate
To
educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets [1] so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character
committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country; professional growth throughout
a career as an officer in the United States Army; and a lifetime of selfless
service to the nation.
This is no small large task
to be accomplished in just four short years. [2] However, USMA’s institutional and operational structures
provide several intentional, comprehensive, and effective means of
accomplishing this mission. The entire
First-year students (Plebes)
are supported in the following ways:
Cadet
Basic Training (CBT)
Core
Academic Curriculum, Additional Instruction, & Faculty
Center
for Enhanced Performance, Tutor Program, Student Success Course, SBI, &
Individual Counseling
Team
Leaders and Cadet Leadership Development
Fourth
Class Sponsorship Program
Approximately 1,200 new
cadets successfully complete the admissions process and enter the
The Academic Program consists
of core courses designed to provide cadets with a broad knowledge base in the
humanities and sciences. Plebes take a
series of core courses including Mathematics, Composition and Literature,
Psychology, Chemistry, Computer Science, American or World History, Military
Science, and Physical Education. Core course directors meet frequently to
coordinate assignments and explore alternative strategies for ensuring cadets’
success in first year academics. The
core courses have standardized lesson objectives and content to ensure a common
experience. Instruction is based on an
active learning model that includes daily preparation of the material in
advance prior to class, so that cadets can refine and apply and refine that
knowledge in class. Class size is small,
no more than 18 cadets per class. Therefore, cadets are better able to receive
personal attention from their instructors.
Additional Instruction (AI) is also available for the cadets. AI is scheduled with the instructor according
to a cadet’s needs and allows the student to work on specific lessons,
readings, and assignments. Plebes can
also receive assistance through the Company Tutor Program. This program is made up of over 700 volunteer
tutors from all 32 cadet companies.
Upper-class cadets, through the chain of command structure, organize the
programs at the company level and monitor the academic progress of the entire
company. Tutors working primarily within
their own companies, and the close physical and administrative organization of
companies, ensure that companies become communities of learning. The Center for Enhanced Performance
facilitates this transformation by providing professional development for the
cadet chain of command, tutor training (including CRLA certification),
administrative support, and academic resources.
In addition to the Tutor
Program, the Center for Enhanced Performance (CEP) intentionally focuses on
empowering cadets to develop in all three pillars of cadet life. The CEP consists of two programs: the Reading
& Study Skills Program and the Performance Enhancement Program. During CBT, new cadets are given an overview
of each program and have the opportunity to request enrollment in one of the
CEP courses. In the fall term, CEP courses
are only offered only to Plebes. Plebes
have the choice of enrolling in the Student Success Course, Reading Efficiency,
or Information Literacy and Critical Thinking Courses. Each of these courses focuses on the
behaviors and skills necessary to becoming a successful student, scholar, and
life-long learner.
The Student Success Course is
the most popular course, focusing on academic and mental skills training for
success. Approximately 450 Plebes take this course each fall. Assessment data indicate that the course
significantly and positively impacts cadet performance. Taking the Student Success Course: increases
cadets’ academic GPA to 9.3% beyond predicted levels (p=.002) whereas those who
do not take the course under-perform by 4.2%; increases graduation rates by 1%;
and improves attitudes and behaviors towards learning (p=.002) as measured by
the Study Behavior Inventory (SBI).
Every Plebe takes the SBI, which yields self-reported data on short-term
and long-term study behaviors as well as academic confidence scales. Plebes receive a customized report based on
their individual profile of assessed behaviors, attitudes and skills, so that
they can self-assess their attitudes and behaviors and effectively make choices
about how they choose to spend their discretionary time. Many cadets choose to spend this time in
individual appointments with CEP staff members to develop their academic
skills, refine their stress management strategies, define their goals, and
develop a mindset for peak performance in any arena.
Individualized support is
also available to Plebes through the cadet chain of command and the Sponsorship
Program. All Plebes are assigned a Team
Leader, who is a sophomore from their company dedicated to providing guidance
and development within the cadet system.
The Team Leaders meet their Plebes during the week before classes and
are responsible for orienting them to company duties, computer systems,
location of facilities, and expectations in development according to the three
pillars. Plebes are also assigned
sponsors from among the staff and faculty.
Sponsors invite Plebes to their homes and serve as personal and
professional mentors. Sponsor’s’ homes
are a safe environment for the Plebes to unwind away from the stresses of the
cadet experience.
The
_______________________________
[1] The Corps of Cadets is
made up of a brigade, which has 4 regiments, each with 8 companies.
[2] USMA requires cadets,
with few exceptions, to complete the academic program within eight semesters
and four years. Graduation rates are at
75%.