During the months of June and July, Penn State McKeesport invites newly admitted first-year students to a FTCAP session. FTCAP (pronounced FIT-CAP) is an acronym for First-year Testing, Counseling, and Assessment Program. This University-wide advising program gives students the opportunity to examine their academic abilities, interests, and educational plans before their first semester of classes.
Students receive their invitation to FTCAP after completing their on-line placement tests and their Educational Planning Survey.
During a FTCAP session, students and family members participate in two workshops. The first workshop is designed to familiarize them with Penn State Degree requirements, including General Education and First Year Seminar requirements. The second workshop introduces participants to eLion, an interactive web-based system used to access financial and academic information. Participants also meet student orientation leaders, and learn more about student clubs and other important campus resources.
One highlight of the FTCAP program is the Advising Session. Students meet with a FTCAP adviser to review placement test results, discuss majors, and design a first semester schedule. During this time, families are able to use our computer lab to establish a Friends of Penn State account, visit individually with staff in our Financial Aid and Business offices, tour the campus, or relax in our Student Community Center. The FTCAP adviser will help students understand their placement results, major requirements, and schedule, so the students can answer any questions their families may have later.
FTCAP is the first major activity in the first-year experience for Penn State McKeesport students. The next major step is Orientation.