Cardinal Achievement Program

Learn more about CAP

• What is an Academic Coach?

  CAP students will be paired with an academic coach during summer orientation who will guide them through all aspects of their first year at SUNY Plattsburgh.

  Academic coaches can assist with a variety of academic topics such as course advisement, time management and test-taking strategies, and can also help with social and life skills like campus involvement, financial literacy, roommate concerns and resume writing.

  CAP students meet with their coach four times per month and will also complete a two-credit CLP 101 course during their first semester that their coach instructs.

• What is CLP 101?

  Choosing Your Path (CLP 101) is a first-semester course that is designed to ease the transition from high school to college academics. It will also help you identify resources on campus that can help you throughout your college career.

  Throughout the semester you will be introduced to campus offices, services and organizations. Topics that will be covered throughout the course include, but are not limited to: learning styles, study skills, time management, diversity, personal safety, wellness, financial literacy, career interests, and resume/cover letter writing.

  CLP 101 is a mandatory class for all CAP students during their first semester and cannot be dropped or withdrawn from.

• What is required of me as a CAP student?

  All incoming CAP students sign a program contract prior to enrollment. Per your CAP contract, you are required to:

  1. Meet with your designated advisor at least four times per month (typically once per week).
  2. Complete your required cardinal core writing class (ENG100 or ENG 101).
  3. Enroll in and complete the mandatory Choosing Your Path (CLP 101) class designed to help assimilate students to the campus culture.
  4. Make acceptable academic progress, with the understanding that your academic record will be judged by the same criteria as those applied to any other student.
  5. Attend a mandatory meeting held after midterm grades are posted to discuss how to better reach academic goals for the academic year.
  6. Allow your CAP advisor to contact your professors or faculty members to discuss my academic and personal acclimation to college.
  7. Allow your CAP advisor to contact your parents/guardians to discuss your academic and personal acclimation to college.
• Can I opt out of CAP?

  No, you cannot opt out of the program. CAP students are admitted to SUNY Plattsburgh through the CAP pathway and their admission to the college is contingent upon their completion of the program during their first year.

• How can I become a teaching assistant (TA) for CAP?

  Students who are successful in CLP 101 may be asked to serve as teaching assistants (TAs) the following year. Students who serve as teaching assistants are able to gain leadership opportunities, three upper-division credits, and mentor incoming CAP students.

  Interested in becoming a TA for CLP 101? Reach out to your CAP academic coach!