Mansfield University Home PageIf you have faced some hardships (cultural, economic or educational) that have interfered with your ability to attain a college education, you might qualify for the Act 101 Program at Mansfield University. Our Program gives you the means to enter Mansfield University and earn a degree. We're always looking for highly motivated individuals who show the potential to succeed in college when supportive services (including counseling, tutoring and financial assistance) are provided.
WHAT IS ACT 101?
In 1971, the Act 101 Program served 1,124 students at 31 institutions with an appropriation of $1 million. Through the financial commitment of the Commonwealth, Act 101 has grown, enabling more institutions to offer educational opportunities to more students. As of 2005-2006 Act 101 was serving more than 14,000 students at 75 institutions with an appropriation of $9.32 million.
ACT 101 AT MANSFIELD UNIVERSITY
The Act 101 Program at Mansfield University was initiated in 1972 and is one of two programs specifically designed to assist individuals who do not qualify for regular admission to Mansfield due to educational and/or economic factors. The other such program is the Academic Opportunity Program (AOP).
The process of gaining admittance to the Act 101 program begins in the Admissions Office, where the transcripts of potential students are examined and, if all eligibility criteria are met, candidates are brought to the attention of the Admissions Committee (Act 101 Director, Admissions Counselor, other Admissions staff). The Committee examines the transcripts of the candidates and decides whether to accept, reject or interfview the candidates. The decisions made by the Admissions Committee are based on admissions data and other mitigating factors (i.e. having been out of school for more than a year, having a strong work ethic/dedication to learning). Students accepted through the Act 101 Program become regular matriculated students with the same opportunities and responsibilities as other students in accordance with University policies and procedures.
Mansfield's Program includes a one week summer bridge program, which all Act 101 students are required to attend, that was designed to prepare students for college life and course work, and to orient them to the University. During the summer program, students attend mock classes, attend an expanded orientation and participate in a variety of skills building workshops.
THE ACT 101 STUDENT
What do Act 101 students say about Mansfield's Program?
- "I can honestly say that I would not be in Mansfield University if it wasn't for the ACT 101 program. I graduated (from high school) 2 years before I applied to Mansfield, and I did not do well in high school - my grades were way below average. The ACT 101 program knew about my grades, but wanted to give me an opportunity to come. I got a chance to improve myself in so many ways - from book knowledge to all the other opportunities that college presents, like making awesome friends that I never would have known if it wasn't for the people who helped me get here."
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"I was lost when I arrived at Mansfield, but my grades improved enormously since [I took] advantage of tutoring services and academic advising."
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"I like the personal relationship with the Act 101 staff and the assistance they rendered. They really seem to care."
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"If I had any problems, this [Act 101 Office] is the first place I'd come."
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"Through Act 101 I was given the opportunity to earn a university degree; with it, I now have a very good job."
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"The Act 101 Program helped me realize that you will only get out of something what you put into it, whether it's school or life."