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

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

I think steph's post says it all but I have one more thing to add. AEP tutorials are not only for those in AEP. I was not in it but I went to 2 or so myself and it helps. Practically all students go because it is taught by students who have just finished that class one term before you and have done well.

Nimitt
3rd year

Excellent explanation of AEP, Steph...the only thing that is not the case anymore is the review sessions being mandated. As of this term, students aren't required to go to the sessions, but if they do get into academic difficulty, they may be asked about it later on down the road. Thanks for getting the info. out there.

sure thinga nd thanks for the clarificaiton; i had heard that and asked about it at bay shore and was told that it still was mandatory so thanks for clearing that up. i'll up date the sticky but one thing: if its not mandatory, what is the point of there being a "program" per se; that is, am I correct in that it is now merely just an optional review session, and also, why was this decision made given its success?
Thanks so much for your imput.
Steph

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

Well, I think the main reason they stopped requiring them is that the student feedback indicated they found the three a week a bit overwhelming. The AEP still continues to monitor its students and try and find solutions for them if they are not performing well...and in the APC meetings at the end of each term, admin does ask if a student is making use of the resources available if they are performing badly...and it doesn't look too good on them if they haven't participated at all. This is constantly under review and may change back again one day.

thank you; Ill adjusts accordingly.

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

Okay,

I know I'm probably going to look like a keener for doin' this..... but:

who should I speak to if I want to be in AEP, or attend AEP reviews?
(I wasn't required to be in AEP, although for the life of me I can't figure out how, since my gpa/mcat were pretty dismal).

I'll call Bayshore and ask there also, but thought I'd post here first.....

Cheers all,

Silenthunder

If you are placed in AEP, you will be notified upon admission. However, just because you may not be in AEP doesn't mean you can't go to the review sessions. All students are encouraged to participate...beyond that, there isn't really a way to request being placed in AEP. You will still have access to all the same resources as someone who is placed though.

To be in AEP don't you essentially decel? And if not what is the Alternate program and why is there no mention of it in the SGU handbook? This sounds really sketchy to me.

AEP is just what it says above. Its not a decel program.
THe alternate program is decel.
Which book?

What in the world sounds sketchy? I think you've confused two programs.

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