Brave Start
Brave Start is a selective first-year success program that provides an enhanced transition experience for students who have demonstrated the potential to thrive at UNC Pembroke. Students are invited to participate through a holistic review process that considers their academic background and growth opportunities. Brave Start reflects our commitment to investing in students from day one by providing an enriched first-year experience that helps them thrive in the classroom and reach their full potential.
The experience includes
- Description: English courses (ENG 1040, 1050, 1060) are taught by the same instructors throughout the sequence.
- Benefit: Instructors build rapport and understand each student's writing strengths and weaknesses, improving tutoring effectiveness.
- Requirement: All Brave Start students enroll in specialized sections of Freshman Seminar 1000 .
Advisors help students pick additional courses that align with their interests and intended majors.
- Design: Courses are highly structured but adhere to English department standards (e.g., writing portfolios).
- Feedback: Multiple graded assignments are scheduled before midterm so students can monitor and adjust their progress.
- Courses: ENG 1020 and ENG 1030 are required writing labs.
- Purpose: These labs support students in completing ENG 1050 and ENG 1060 more successfully.
- Format: Instructors meet one-on-one with students for writing and advising conferences.
- Encouragement: Students are encouraged to use tutoring, counseling and career advising based on their needs — supporting a comprehensive academic experience.
- Meetings: Face-to-face advising continues throughout the freshman year.
- Specialty Guidance: Students pursuing specialized majors are encouraged to consult with advisors in those fields.
- Tools: Instructors leverage digital tools to complement course discussions and send reminders/announcements.
- Transition Help: These tech supports aid students' transition from high school to college life.
Students must first apply to the university through the Office of Admissions . If qualified, they will then be recommended to the Brave Start Program.
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