Frequently Asked Questions
Does FSL have any external testing, IQ, or GPA requirements for admission?
No. The only academic requirements FSL upholds are those set by the University. If a student qualifies for admission to APSU and receives an acceptance or conditional acceptance from the APSU Office of Admissions, they academically qualify for the FSL program.
Are FSL students required to use all services offered by the program?
Yes. The student services listed on the Student Services page represent the full set of required FSL services. Each service has a mandatory component—for example, students are required to complete three hours of tutoring, study hours, or a combination of both each week. Students are also required to meet with their peer mentor or faculty mentor, depending on their academic standing.
How often will FSL staff have contact with me?
Based on required FSL services, students will have contact with FSL staff at least twice a week—through their accountability meeting and their weekly FSL course. The FSL office is also always open to students who want to come in to study, ask questions, or just hang out. Students who need additional support may be considered for academic coaching, which increases weekly contact with FSL staff.
Do I have to receive tutoring even if I'm proficient in certain subjects?
FSL requires all freshmen to receive tutoring in every course they are taking. The purpose is to help them acclimate to college courses, higher education study skills, and academic workload. Tutoring sessions are for students to complete their work—not only to ask questions about areas where they're struggling. At the very least, students use their tutoring time to get homework done, which is always valuable regardless of proficiency level.
Sophomores are required to begin each semester with tutoring in all of their courses. If certain sessions are deemed unnecessary by the program director, they may be reevaluated. Tutoring for juniors and seniors is based on individual need and the discretion of the program director.
How are FSL students paired with their Peer Mentors?
FSL Peer Mentors are interviewed and hired based on their dedication and genuine interest in building relationships with FSL students. They often bring strong campus connections and a wide range of interests. When pairing students with mentors, FSL considers shared interests or majors whenever possible—but also values the communication and social skills that come from getting to know someone new. Students frequently discover unexpected common ground with their mentor.
What additional support can FSL offer beyond its standard services?
FSL prides itself on flexibility—the ability to adapt to the needs of individual students. The FSL service model provides a strong foundation for all participants, but some students need additional support. These situations are evaluated by the Program Director, and options such as intensive academic coaching, added tutoring or mentoring, and tutoring guides may be implemented.
The goal of FSL is to foster independence and develop confident, professional individuals who contribute positively to their communities and workplaces. Any support added beyond the standard service model is situational and will be gradually reduced over time to continue building that independence.
As a parent, how much contact can I expect from FSL staff?
FSL recognizes and celebrates the important role parents and guardians play in student success. We encourage all students to maintain open communication with their families, because FSL functions as the student's connection to campus and college life—which limits the direct contact we can have with parents.
To protect student privacy and cultivate a trusting relationship, FSL staff will not send reports, updates, or emails or make phone calls to parents without the student's prior permission. All meetings with FSL staff about a student also require the student to be present.
Students understand that if they miss consecutive program requirements or FSL staff has a concern about their safety, their parents or guardians may be contacted.
Are APSU courses modified for FSL students?
No. FSL students are required to meet the same academic requirements and standards as all APSU students. They receive appropriate classroom accommodations to provide equitable access to the standard university classroom experience.
A list of classroom accommodations available through the Disability Student Success Center can be found on the Student Services page.
Does FSL offer family or mental health counseling services?
FSL does not provide counseling services. FSL's purpose is to support students academically and promote campus integration. When a student comes to FSL staff seeking help in this area, staff are glad to connect them with appropriate resources both on and off campus.
Are FSL students required to live on campus?
Living on campus promotes socialization and independence, and FSL generally encourages it—but students are not required to live on campus.
ADA individual housing accommodations are available for students registered with the Disability Student Success Center who live or plan to live on campus.