Study CATS is a university-wide academic support program for first and second year students designed to help improve academic performance through academic instruction, connection to campus resources, and personalized coaching.
Students with a cumulative GPA below 2.3 at the end of the fall or spring semester of their first year are automatically enrolled into a 1-credit academic support course (GU-1200: Study CATS). The course covers topics such as time management, organizational skills, metacognition, communication and self-advocacy, and growth mindset. In addition to the course, students meet 1-on-1 with their Success Coach for individualized support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Study CATS for?
Students are automatically enrolled in the Study CATS program based on their cumulative GPA after each semester of their first year. If a student achieves below a 2.3 cumulative GPA in the fall semester of their first year, they will be enrolled in Study CATS Spring semester of that year. If a student achieves below a 2.3 cumulative GPA in the spring semester of their first year, they will be enrolled in Study CATS the fall semester of their second year.
At this time, students cannot self-enroll in the course and students who have already taken Study CATS are not eligible to be re-enrolled.
What type of workload can students expect from this class?
Study CATS is a 1-credit course that meets once a week for 50 minutes. Students can expect to spend at least 2 hours per week on course assignments that are geared toward strengthening students’ organizational skills, study habits, and metacognition.
What is a Success Coach?
Each Study CATS course section is instructed by a Success Coach. Success Coaches are available for 1-on-1 mentoring and academic support outside of the class meeting time. Success Coaches are here for all students' needs, and students are encouraged to reach out at any time. Success Coaches are currently listed as students’ “Secondary Advisor” their Navigate page and can be contacted through their individual emails or through the Study CATS program email, studycat@uvm.edu.
Will this program help students raise their GPA?
Study CATS is an S/U course and is not weighted in a student’s GPA. However, the skills, confidence, and connections that students build through the Study CATS program will help students become more effective learners and increase their academic success. Past students have said that they felt more organized, studied more effectively, and were better equipped to combat procrastination habits after participating in Study CATS.
Is Study CATS really necessary?
Even strong students can have a tough semester. Study CATS isn't just about learning how to study; it’s about learning how to make small, smart changes in all areas of life that can help students achieve their goals in and out of the classroom. Success Coaches can help students see patterns and build momentum for long term academic success.
Past students have said....
“I think the most helpful thing for me was the accountability aspect, taking the time to think and learn about what did and did not work for me last semester was helpful in being more successful this semester.”
“The most helpful part of Study CATS wasn’t a resource or a lesson; it was just a reminder that I’m not alone. Talking with me peers in this class helped with my feelings of isolation...”
“I appreciated the emphasis that having issues with focusing, study skills, etc. wasn’t just a personal issue, it also was related to mental health/knowing your brain.”
“I appreciated getting explanations on how to access the various resources. I had heard of most of them, but I didn’t know how to utilize them until this class showed me how.”