Students assisting each other with climing wall during August Term

Get a jump on your college career!

August Term is an enriched two-week Summer term for new Ferrum College freshmen, designed to prepare you for courses you will take during your first semester. Besides getting a "jump" on academics, in the two weeks of August Term you develop lasting friendships with fellow freshmen, meet and get to know professors, learn about the campus and how it works, and begin to become accustomed to college life.

This year's August Term is scheduled for August 1 - 14, 2009

Jumpstart Your Academic Career

August Term carries two credits toward your graduation from Ferrum College. For two weeks you will attend classes in composition, math & science, computer applications, and a class that will help you make the link to your new learning community. These classes will help you prepare for your first courses that you'll start in the Fall.

Students studying in the ARC

The composition class addresses writing techniques and skills, the math & science class offers an introduction to several math and science courses offered during the regular semester, the computer science class will help with a variety of skills and programs. In the college links class you will have the opportunity to explore expectations (yours and ours) of what it takes to be successful, build your confidence in your ability to handle the challenges of college life; including the discovery and identification of strengths, understanding diversity and college expectations and the liberal arts tradition.

Establish an Early Connection to Ferrum College

In the evenings at August Term you will be involved in organized activities which address different areas of college life, meet with faculty who are involved with August Term, use the library and computer lab for research, and take advantage of peer tutoring for the classes you are attending. You'll also have the opportunity to meet and have fun with your fellow freshmen.

Give Yourself an Advantage

Our research has shown that students who attend August Term have a better than average opportunity for academic success since they have had a taste of college and what it will require of them. August Term’s impressive record of nurturing student success and building confidence leads us to strongly encourage your participation.

What students have to say about August Term

"August Term for me was one of the best things that I could have ever done for my college career. August Term allowed me to become acclimated to a new environment, make new friends that would last a lifetime, and get a jump start on a very exciting time in my life."

- Charlie Crabtree
August Term participant 1999, President, Lambda Sigma (sophomore honor society) 2000, tutor in ARC and for August Term, co-trainer for ARC tutor training, History major/Education minor, 2003 graduate.

"Time Management is essential for success at Ferrum. At August Term, we try to give the students a chance to develop some, not only in the academic realm, but also inside the residence hall and outside in their social life."

- Matt Scruggs
Class of 2003, August Term participant 2000, Head Resident for August Term, Head Resident in Riddick, SGA officer, Vice President of Lambda Sigma (sophomore honor society) 2001-02, Political Science major/History minor.

"August Term has been my most favorite college experience. August Term is what I consider to be the college before college. It is a session that lets the students who attend get a feel and understanding of what college life is really like. One of the best things for me about August Term was the friends I met and how much fun I had, which made me forget all about my homeskicness (something I thought I would not get over). August Term was so helpful and fun that I decided to come back as a community advisor. This is the best way to start your college career right."

- Erica Spurlock
Residence Life Community Advisor, August Term Community Advisor, tutor, and 2004 graduate.

August Term Tuition, Dates, & Deadlines

Please take this opportunity to get an early start on your freshman year!

» The cost for room, board, tuition, and activities for the two weeks of August Term is $1,000.00.

» A scholarship is available - check out the scholarship opportunity!

» August Term carries two credits toward your graduation from Ferrum College

» The deposit is $250, which is due with your application.

» The application deadline is July 24, 2009.

» You can apply online through Panther Tracks or with the paper application.

» This year's August Term is scheduled for August 1 - 14, 2009.

For information about August Term, you may contact Ms. Susan Crow, Director of the Academic Resources Center, by telephone at (540) 365-4265, or by e-mail at scrow@ferrum.edu.