Faculty Develop Innovative Second Chance Summer

Faculty develop innovative SecondChance Summer Summer

Michaela John, ’22, biology, works on a class assignment during her Second Chance Summer course.

When some students’ grades dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic, Georgia Gwinnett’s faculty wanted to help. “We spent a lot of time thinking about how to remediate the obstacles presented to our students by the pandemic,” said Dr. Rachel Bowser, professor of English and associate provost for strategic initiatives. “This program came out of a number of us brainstorming about how to give students a hand up.” Rates of D’s, F’s and withdrawals rose significantly during the worst of the pandemic, particularly in first-year core classes. Bowser attributed this to how the transition from high school to college was made more difficult by attending college online. The faculty team partnered with the Academic Enhancement Center to create Second Chance Summer, which invited students who failed or withdrew from core courses in math, English and information technology during 2020 to retake those courses during summer 2021. The innovative program featured smaller classes, student success interventions like tutoring, peer supplemental instruction and scholarships. Faculty teaching the courses were supported by additional professional development. Michaela John, ’22, biology was one of about 120 participatants. “To say that I’m grateful for the Second Chance program is an understatement,” she said. “After COVID-19 hit, and we suddenly had no choice but to be in online school, it was a nightmare.” Without the structure of in-person classes, John experienced difficulties and withdrew. “As I registered for my fall classes again, I still had that fear: What if the problem with my academic performance wasn’t COVID-19, but me?” Second Chance Summer not only helped students replace disappointing grades, it helped boost their confidence. “The classes were set up with the premise that we all understand that everyone needed a little bit of grace and compassion,” said Bowser. “It was a very supportive atmosphere: Everybody is doing this again, it’s not something to be ashamed about, and it’s not insurmountable. It’s a blip.” “There’s no way I can describe how much that’s worth to me,” said John of the opportunity to rebuild trust in her own ability to do well. “Second Chance Summer is a great example of what makes GGC special,” said Bowser. GGC plans to seek grants and donations to help continue and expand the Second Chance Summer program.