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A mounting body of research indicates that IQ, high school grade point averages, and SAT or ACT scores are not clear predictors of academic success in college. At the same time, research indicates that emotional and social factors strongly influence any student's academic progress and success. For the past four years, entering first-year students at Gallaudet have participated in the Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i), an assessment tool that indicates each individual's capacities in five areas: intrapersonal skills; interpersonal skills; stress management skills; adaptability skills; and general mood. Based on the results of the assessment that is administered during the first week of classes, each student selects one or two areas for focused development. In consultation with the student's professor, individual strategies geared toward leveraging strengths and improving deficit areas are identified. Throughout the semester, the student integrates those strategies into curricular, co-curricular and extra-curricular assignments and activities. An end-of-semester post-test is used to track changes in each student's EQ-i profile. Group results are also used to identify factors contributing to retention and promotion and to modify the content of the First Year Seminar course known as GSR 101.
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