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Supported Transition to Excellence Program (STEP)

What is the Supported Transition to Excellence Program (STEP)?

There are 2 Supported Transition to Excellence Program (STEP)Pathways.

Early Fall General STEP

This pathway enrolls first-year students in the Supported Transition to Excellence Program (STEP), which offers success workshops and individualized advising. Students begin classes in the Summer B term, taking two to three classes (up to 7 credits). In their first fall term students are part-time (less than 12 credits). Students who successfully manage their course load begin taking classes full-time in the Spring. Financial aid is adjusted to ensure that part-time enrollment status will not affect your awards. Being admitted to this program does not exclude you from any premier scholarship opportunities, extra-curricular activities, or the Honors College.

STEM STEP

This pathway is designed for students who have not met the minimum math requirements for their chosen major. Students may be required to enter this pathway in the following majors:

Engineering; Business; College of Arts & Science STEM Majors including Biology (BS); Biochemistry, Behavioral Neuroscience, Chemistry, Geosciences, Mathematical sciences, Marine Biology, and Physics.

Students admitted via the STEM STEP Pathway may begin classes in the Summer B or Fall term. If admitted Summer, they will enroll in up to 7 credits and then will enroll in 9-11 credits their first Fall term.

Students who successfully manage their course load begin taking classes full-time in the Spring. 

  • Can I live on campus?
    Yes, students participating in this program may live on campus.
  • Do I still qualify for financial aid?
    Yes, we adjust your aid to cover the number of credit hours you are completing each term.
  • Why am I in this program?
    FIU admits students via pathway and evaluates your application using predictive modeling to determine your best chances of a timely graduation. This model is based on the level completed and grades you earned in high school courses such as math, English, science, and social sciences; and is combined with your GPA and any standardized test scores as well as the math placement score. We have determined that with a little extra assistance, time in the math lab and/or writing center, and other workshops, you will be successful and have the potential to graduate in four years. Timely graduation means less debt upon completion.
  • Can I change my major?
    Yes, we encourage you to have a conversation with your academic advisor during Advising and Registration Day to discuss major options.
  • Can I come in the fall instead of summer?
    No, for you to stay on track you will need to begin in the summer, complete the recommended classes (up to 7 credits); then continue to Fall where you will complete three to four classes (up to 11 credits). In the Spring, your advisor will assess your progress and you will discuss what is best moving forward.
  • Can I take online classes in the summer?
    While we offer online classes in the summer, the preferred method of instruction is in-person and on-campus. We reserve in person courses for our incoming freshmen, however online classes will not have guaranteed availability