Since this question comes up, here are some FAQ.
Please note: While I have tried to be as accurate as possible, you should contact Bay Shore to confirm any of the below.

What is AEP?

SGU's Academic Enhancement Program (AEP) is a program of tutilage* for students that are felt to be potentially viable candidates for medical school, but who have a aweakness in their "numbers" (GPA, MCAT), for whom English is a second language, or who have been away from school for a long time, are thus are felt to be at risk for poor performance in classes or (more importantly) on the USMLE.

Typically, but not exclusively (see above), these students have a strong GPA but a weak MCAT score. By the assessment of the admissions committee, these students are felt to be inherently capable of handling the rigors of medical school, but are in need of supplimental teaching, generally aimed at helping them "learn how to learn" (my words).

Requirements for AEP enrolled students

1) Shortly after your arrival in Grenada, at Freshman Convocation, you will attend an AEP Orientation Meeting. More details regarding the program are outlined at that time. At your first meeting you will be given a diagnositic exam to determine where your weaknesses in studying and test-taking lie. This will help tailor the program for you.

2) At the beginning of the term, at midterms and occasionally at other intervals as need be, you will meet with members of the Department of Educational Services. They will review your progress and tweek your tailored AEP program prn (as needed in med-speak).

3)Review groupss are peer-faciliated (i.e. senior students) While all students may attend these sessions, it is highly encouraged that AEP students attend.

4) The duration of AEP is terms one and two manadatory and determined PRN thereafter.

Outcomes for AEP enrolled students?

Most AEP students do as well or better than traditionally enrolled students. In fact feedback is so good many non-enrolled students opt to take these reviews.

What if I just don't go to the reviews?

They keep track of attendance and if you dont go, (which is unusal as its traditionally a strong program) the Dean of Students will be notified. The outcome will be case dependant..

* The program used to involve mandatory tutilage but now its optional. However according to folks from bayshore, if one doens't avail of the services they wind up up for review with the dean. This is obviously more vague than the previous incarnation of the program. Below, please see the former terms (in green) which as of 11/1/03 are not in effect.


a)In AEP you must attend a minimum of 3 review groups per week which are peer-faciliated (i.e. senior students) While all students may attend these sessions, you must attend 3 q week as an AEP memeber and you have preference in seating as such.

b) [The Schoo] keep[s] track of attendance and if you dont go, (which is unusal as its traditionally a strong program) the Dean of Students will be notified. As your admission to SGU SOM is based upon the provision that you partake in AEP, this potentially can result in dismissal.

Other Department of Educational Services (DES) initiatives

DES is well established and works quite well for most students. Aside from running AEP, other programs include

Learning skills program
For all students with one on one or group meetings.

English Communication skills
For those to whom English is a second (or third, or fourth) language, and
for anyone looking to improve writting or speaking skills.

English Medical Communication Skills course
A six-credit course for SOM/SOVM students for whom English is
not a first language. This course is concomminant with enterence
to the Alternate program in the SOM or Individual Enhancement Program in
the SOVM.

Individual Tutorials
For individualized help in a course.

Course review questions
Regularly printed material made in coordination with Medical school
and veterinary school course directors. Designed to suppliment your
studying int he first two years. New questions weekly on line at qp2.sgu.edu/desresources
and in the DES reception area.

Group Review sessions
Peer tutor teaching. Scheduled at a variety of times and places. There
are approximately 1,200 such sessions per term for MD, DVM and A&S programs.

Pre-Med and A&S Supplimental Instruction

__________________
Steph
If you get a warning, put on yer manpants and stop whining about it.