The Freshman Incentive Program

Special Undergraduate Academic and Co-Curricular Programs

The Freshman Incentive Program is designed for first-time college students who wish to attend Rockhurst University, but do not meet admission criteria. Students are considered for probationary admission through the Freshman Incentive Program if their composite ACT scores are between 18 and 20 or if their high school GPA and ACT sub-scores are lower than Rockhurst’s standards. There must be evidence that the student can succeed at Rockhurst, which may include impressions from a personal interview, strong high school grades and rank in class, letters of recommendation, strong record of extracurricular activity (especially in leadership roles), and an explanation of any factors that contributed to weak performance and how these have been addressed.

The program provides students with academic and other support designed to assist them in succeeding at Rockhurst. Selected faculty and staff work together to combine various student services, including academic advising, tutoring from the Learning Center, and counseling from the Office of Student Development to create comprehensive support for Freshman Incentive Program (FIP) students as they make the transition to college life. Students admitted to the program will be notified by the Office of Admission and are required to participate fully in the program.

Program requirements (applicable to freshman year only):

• Enroll in a first-year seminar;
• Enroll in specific FIP courses, including EN 1100 - Reading and Study Skills 
• Take no more than 14 credit hours each semester;
• Participate in all scheduled FIP workshops; and
• Meet monthly with an academic advisor, the Director of Freshman Incentive Program, and/or the Director of New Students.

FIP students plan their programs of study in consultation with an academic advisor and fulfill requirements for degree-seeking students.