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Office of Communications and Government Affairs
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179
E-mail: tconn@shawnee.edu

(Article by Astra NG, communications specialist)

            Shawnee State University has partnered with Portsmouth City Schools, New Boston High School and Valley High School in a Seniors to Sophomores program that will begin in the 2008 fall semester.
            The Seniors to Sophomores program is one of the initiatives mentioned in Governor Strickland’s 2008 state-to-state address and Chancellor Fingerhut’s 10-Year Plan for Higher Education that allows academically qualified high school students to participate in dual enrollment to get an early start in college.
            “The Seniors to Sophomores program is a great opportunity for these high school seniors to get a head start on the college experience,” said Bob Trusz, associate vice president of Enrollment Management.
            Students will be able to receive a year’s worth of both high school and college credits for free. High school seniors who elect to take a full load of college courses will be able to enter college at a sophomore level.
            A one-hour mentoring class that will meet each week will available to provide support services for the students.
            The Seniors to Sophomores program is different than the Post Secondary Enrollment Options because it provides a more convenient schedule for students who want to participate in after-school activities, and it allows early class registration. Qualifications for the Seniors to Sophomores program also varies from PSEO. Students must have taken algebra II and three years of English with a minimum of a “c.”
            “We think it will be exciting and a good experience, but a very nerve-wracking one at the same time,” agreed three Valley High School students, Brooke James, Vince Longton and Kirby Reiser, who are enrolling in the program.
            The Ohio Board of Regents and the Ohio Department of Education are giving a maximum of $100,000 for the first 42 partnership applications to fund the Seniors to Sophomores program for the 2008-2009 academic year. The funds will cover the cost of tuition and college textbooks.
           For more information, contact Bob Trusz at (740) 351-4778 or (740) 351-3610 or e-mail at btrusz@shawnee.edu.