Housed under the Center for Academic Success, Study CATS is a new, campus-wide initiative that provides academic coaching and instruction for first- and second-year students who have earned cumulative GPA below 2.3. The Study CATS program includes a 1-credit academic support course that meets weekly and is designed to help students strengthen their academic skills, build positive habits, connect with campus resources, and make meaningful progress toward their goals.
From 2021-2025, Study CATS was piloted by the College of Engineering and Math Sciences (CEMS) and significantly improved both student academic performance and retention.
Students are automatically enrolled in the Study CATS program based on their cumulative GPA. 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 for the 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Study CATS?
Study CATS is a university-wide academic support program designed to help students improve their academic performance through personalized coaching, academic instruction, and connection to campus resources.
The program includes a 1-credit course that will cover topics such as: time management and organizational skills, effective study strategies, communication and self-advocacy, growth mindsets, and mindfulness/stress relief practices. Study CATS will also help familiarize students with on campus resources like tutoring and academic advising, connecting them to key support systems to help them achieve their academic goals.
In addition to the course, students will work directly with their Student Success Coach who will help students set achievable goals, identify challenges, build confidence and develop the tools to progress toward their degree.
The Study CATS program is not just about improving student GPAs; it is also about equipping students with lifelong skills that will benefit them far beyond the walls of the classroom. We believe in every student’s potential, and we’re here to support students at every step of the way.
How much time can students expect to spend on this course each week?
Study CATS is not here to create more work for students but to help balance and manage the workload they already have. Course assignments will help strengthen students’ organizational skills and study habits to help them succeed in their classes.
Students will attend class once a week for fifty minutes and can expect to spend around 3 hours total on class each week. In addition to class meetings (Study CATS is listed as GU-1200 on fall course schedules), students will meet with their Student Success Coach individually for personalized coaching and academic support. The goal of Study CATS is not to create extra work, but to help students better complete the work they already have. Assignments aim to help students demystify their learning style and to provide them with transferable skills. By investing the time upfront to build positive habits, students enrolled in Study CATS will feel less overwhelmed in the long run.
What is a Student Success Coach, and what do they do?
Each student will be assigned a Student Success Coach who will instruct their Study CATS course section and will be available for mentoring and academic support throughout the semester. Success Coaches are here for all student needs, and we encourage students to reach out to their Success Coaches at any time before. Success Coaches can be contacted through their individually or through the Study CATS program email, studycats@uvm.edu. Students can find out who their assigned Success Coach is by referring to their course schedule.
How will this program help students raise their GPAs?
Study CATS is a pass/no pass 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. If students attend regularly and put in the effort, they are sure to see results!
Past students have said that felt more organized, studied more effectively, and were better able to combat procrastination after participating in Study CATS. Additionally, statistics from Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 show that students enrolled within the Study Cats program significantly increased their use of campus resources. Becoming accustomed with campus resources plays a large role in student success.
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 what’s not working right now and making small, smart changes. Success Coaches can help students see patterns and build momentum for long term academic success.
Past students have said....
“I thought everyone who came in was super helpful, and I got useful information from each session.”
“I think this class was well formed for its purpose.”
“I really liked the career readiness presentation. I didn’t have much hope for an internship with my GPA, but I feel much more confident in my skills and feel I have a shot now.”
“Study skills was my favorite presentation. It made me reflect on what works best for me when completing assignments, and what new tactics I can try.”