Gateway Program

Gateway Mission Statement
Gateway empowers students to succeed in life by building self-esteem and self-discipline through English, math, computer and study skills.

The Gateway Program
Gateway is an intensive eight-week program, which is held prior to fall, winter, and spring quarters each year. This program gives new and returning college students the opportunity to improve their academic skills before they enter into their technical program.

Students explore key areas that are critical to student success:

• Technical Mathematics
• Technical English
• Technical English for English Language Learners
• Introduction to Computers
• New Student Seminar

Along with their coursework, students become familiar with Dunwoody’s programs, facilities, staff and faculty members, and other students. Students have the opportunity to work with tutors, mentors, and the Elftmann Student Success Center staff throughout their years at Dunwoody. For more, see the full course descriptions.

Gateway Course Enrollment Process
After completing the admissions process, students may need additional support before beginning their technical coursework. Once accepted at Dunwoody and recommended for Gateway courses, students are enrolled in classes for Technical English, Technical English for English Language Learners, Technical Mathematics, Computers, and/or New Student Seminar.

Student success in Gateway is determined by course grades (A-F), attendance/participation, and improvement from pre- to post-test. After successfully completing Gateway, students start their technical program.

Financial assistance is available during Gateway to help students pay for their tuition, books, and childcare

Testimonials
"I feel my mindset is more in tune with starting school after eleven years of being out of school. I greatly appreciate how Gateway helped me."

"It teaches you things you never knew. 'Be Here Now'. I used to daydream all the time, but I have learned how to come back from it and stay focused"

"This is the first time in my life that I feel confident and comfortable with math! Thank you"

Gateway Schedule
Courses begin at 8:30 and run into the evening on a daily basis for eight weeks.

Gateway sessions will run:
Fall 2008 quarter: October 1 to November 21
Winter 2009 quarter: January 12 to March 6

For more information about scheduling, please contact Ross Brower at rbrower@dunwoody.edu or 612-381-8247.

Course Descriptions

Introduction to Technical Mathematics – 2 credits
This course offers a review of fundamental math concepts in preparation for technical programs in the fields of automotive, welding, home appliance, printing/graphics and others. Topics of arithmetic, algebra and geometry will be covered. Specific topics could include but are not limited to: adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing whole numbers, decimals and fractions; problem solving; estimating; using percents; reading a ruler; signed numbers; algebra; using a calculator; geometric concepts and definitions.

Foundation of Technical Mathematics – 4 credits
This course offers a review of fundamental math concepts in preparation for mathematically intensive technical programs. Topics of arithmetic, algebra and geometry will be covered. Specific topics could include but are not limited to: adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing whole numbers, decimals and fractions; problem solving; estimating; order of operations; using percents; reading a ruler; using a calculator; working with powers, roots and signed numbers; solving equations; unit conversions; using formulas; direct and inverse proportions; geometric concepts and definitions.

Technical English – 3 credits
Students will master English skills in writing, listening, reading comprehension and speaking. Students will improve mechanics, usage, and grammar skills with daily homework. Writing assignments will teach the writing process: planning, drafting, revising, and editing. Students will learn reading strategies to improve their ability to identify main ideas, facts, details, examples and comprehend technical reading. Students will be introduced to the vocabulary of their technical fields through technical reading and writing assignments.

English Language Learners Technical English – 3 credits
Students will master basic English skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students will develop skills by using the writing process with particular attention to common grammatical errors of the English language learner. Students will learn reading comprehension techniques to improve their ability to summarize, use context clues, hypothesize, and identify technical and non-technical reading. Students will be introduced to the vocabulary of their technical fields through technical reading assignments.

Introduction to Computers –2 credits
This course will focus on developing fundamental computer skills. An important aspect of the course will be improving students' keyboarding skills by increasing typing speed and accuracy. In addition, students will learn basic word processing, formatting and file management skills. Students will also use the Internet and learn how to conduct research by using search engines.

New Student Seminar – 1 credit
This course creates an opportunity to expose students to academic and personal tools which will help them to enhance their strengths, to acknowledge and develop their weaknesses, and to learn to adopt the tools in such a way that they can be modified for lifelong learning. Some examples of topics include test-taking strategies, time-management, looking at how motivation/attitude effects learning and stress reduction. Guest speakers include faculty, current students, and alumni.