The College Achievement Program lasts for each student’s first full academic year

Rather than forego the Saint Martin’s experience, CAP allows a select group of students to experience the advantages of a small, student-centered Benedictine institution.

All CAP students participate in the Bridge program. Participants live on campus throughout the duration of the program and all lodging and food is included at no charge to the student. This program gives CAP students priority when registering for classes, provides new student orientation, helps students enhance their academic skills (especially college writing), builds relationships with faculty and staff, and facilitates connections with other students through fun and unique cultural and social activities – past visits have included Mount Rainier, LakeFair in Olympia, museums in Tacoma, and more!

Like other students, CAP students are registered into a UNI 101 section. During this course, students will reinforce foundational academic skills essential for a successful first year experience at the university. CAP students have the added benefit of having the instructor of that section serve as their academic advisor for their first year at Saint Martin’s. The advisor will provide personal guidance throughout the student’s first year.

All CAP students build strong relationships with members of the Learning and Writing Center so they maximize available support services. The LWC staff and UNI 101 instructors work in partnership to connect CAP students with support resources and to improve academic outcomes.

Historical data suggests that CAP has improved college outcomes for students.

All aspects of CAP must be satisfied for students to continue participation in CAP and maintain their enrollment at Saint Martin’s.

All CAP participants are required to attend the full Bridge program on campus, regardless of whether they are out-of-state students, student-athletes, etc.

CAP students are expected to communicate with their academic advisor on a regular basis, meet with their advisor once mid-term grades have been posted, keep him/her aware of academic progress and challenges, and work closely when scheduling future coursework.

CAP students are required to meet with a member of the Learning and Writing Center staff within the first few weeks of their first semester at Saint Martin’s. A determination of the frequency of meetings with Learning and Writing Center staff members will be reviewed at the initial meeting and at any time during each student’s year in CAP.

All CAP students are on academic probation during their first semester at Saint Martin’s and will remain so until their Grade Point Average (GPA) reaches or exceeds a 2.0. If a student’s GPA is not at least a cumulative 2.0, their transcript will be reviewed by the Academic Standards Committee to determine if an extension of the academic probation or a formal separation from the University is most appropriate. CAP students are limited to attempting no more than 12 credit hours each semester during their probationary period. This typically involves four academic courses. Students will be advised to take particular courses that will help build a foundation for success at Saint Martin’s. Eligibility for merit and need-based financial aid, including student loans, may be dependent on Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Achieving and maintain a 2.0 GPA fulfills minimum GPA requirements for SAP.