Quarter Plus: A Decade of Academic Excellence and Student Empowerment

By: Britta Numair

Celebrating over 10 years of success, the Quarter Plus program offered by Cal Poly Extended, Continuing and Professional Education (EPaCE) has been a cornerstone in the academic journey of incoming first-year Cal Poly students since its inception in 2014.

This fully immersive experience serves as an opportunity for students to accelerate their academic studies and seamlessly transition into college life during the early fall.

The four-week program is designed to provide students with an intensive academic opportunity, allowing them to enroll in eight units of coursework. An integral part of the program’s success is the mentorship and encouragement provided by trained learning assistants. This support system empowers students to set high expectations for their behavior and academic achievements, fostering confidence for success in the upcoming fall quarter.

Marni Goldenberg, the 2024 faculty learning assistant coordinator for Quarter Plus remarked on the program’s community-centered design, stating, "Quarter Plus is an absolutely amazing program that fosters community and creates an environment for a successful Cal Poly career for incoming students. The program is set up to create supportive relationships with fellow students, learning assistants, and faculty, as students adjust and thrive in the university setting. I am incredibly honored to be part of such an incredible program that truly makes a difference for college students." Her words emphasize the vital role that supportive relationships and guidance play in easing students’ transition into university life.

Students are strategically enrolled in required General Education curriculum, including COMS 101: Public Speaking, ENGL 145: Writing Arguments, as well as one other lower-division General Education course. This thoughtful curriculum ensures a balanced academic foundation while promoting essential communication and argumentation skills.

A unique aspect of Quarter Plus is that many of the students who participate in the program return to become learning assistants, compelled by their positive experience in Quarter Plus. Emma Hughes, an English major, participated in the program in 2021, returned as a learning assistant in 2022 and grew into the role of lead activity coordinator in 2023.

Emma shares her experience, stating, "Being a learning assistant is so rewarding because you get to foster an environment for the next wave of freshmen by helping them in and outside the classroom."

Her dedication extends to helping students adjust to dorm life, participate in social activities, and ensure a great first experience at Cal Poly.

Beyond the program, Emma’s growth as a motivating mentor has been evident in her role leading study sessions and managing social activities. Her work at the Children’s Center on campus benefits from the communication, organization, and leadership skills she honed during her time with Quarter Plus, supporting her aspirations to become a high school teacher.

As Quarter Plus celebrates its decade-long journey, the program’s ongoing legacy of fostering academic success and community support continues to expand. Through its immersive structure and dedicated mentors, Quarter Plus has shaped countless students’ Cal Poly careers, providing them with a strong foundation for both personal and academic growth. With its emphasis on leadership, relationship-building, and academic achievement, the program continues to serve as a transformative experience, preparing students to excel during their time at Cal Poly and beyond.