STAR Program
What to expect from the STAR Program
Build peer connections and academic success as a STAR student
Classes offered for first-generation students in the STAR Program
All STAR classes fulfill Liberal Studies requirements for all academic majors on campus. These classes will provide you with a solid background in written communication, presentation, and public speaking.
English 110: Rhetoric in the Media Accordion Closed
This course examines the use of rhetoric to analyze and write about popular cultural texts such as print media, advertising and commercials, television shows, films, cyberspace, and radio.
Communication Studies: Fundamentals of Public Speaking Accordion Closed
This course focuses on developing basic skills for creating and delivering oral messages in public and small groups while emphasizing organization and reasoning.
Ethnic Studies 100: Introduction to Ethnic Studies Accordion Closed
This course offers an explanation of the social, political, historical, and cultural experiences of African Americans, Asian Americans, Latino(as)/Chicano(as), and Native Americans in the United States.
NAU First Year Seminar (FYS) Accordion Closed
NAU’s First Year Seminar (FYS) is a three-credit, topics-based seminar and serves as an entry point for NAU’s interdisciplinary Liberal Studies Program, promoting students’ progression toward graduation. All FYS courses are academically rigorous and built to:
- support the intent of NAU’s innovative First Year Learning Initiative (FYLI)
- help students in the construction of new knowledge
- foster positive study habits
- develop strong academic skills necessary for success across the Liberal Studies Program, students’ majors, and beyond
Peer mentoring: advice from experienced undergraduates
All STAR students will participate in peer mentoring during the program and throughout their first year at NAU.
Program assistants (PAs) are upper-level undergraduate students who have mastered university life’s academic and social rigors. They are familiar with the resources on campus and are experts in navigating the campus climate.
Program assistants provide mentoring and support in the following areas:
- academic advisement
- the financial aid process
- career and academic opportunities
- personal guidance
Additional STAR Program information
What is STAR? Accordion Closed
The Successful Transition and Academic Readiness (STAR) Program ensures new first-year students a successful transition from high school into college. In four weeks during the summer, prior to enrolling in your fall semester, students take classes that they can use toward their undergraduate degree. They will meet new students, live on campus, and get used to Northern Arizona University before the fall semester. Additionally, they will have access to peer advising, student clubs, and resources.
Do I have to attend NAU to be a part of the STAR Program? Accordion Closed
Yes. STAR Scholars are expected to accept their admission to NAU for the fall semester and pay the $250 enrollment deposit (this deposit is not for STAR; it is for their enrollment to NAU in the fall). The STAR Program wants STAR students to be well equipped with skills to help them throughout their NAU academic experience.
When will I know if I’ve been selected for the program? Accordion Closed
Students will receive an invitation to participate in the STAR program and an interest form to complete in November. While we would love to offer the opportunity to participate in STAR to all eligible students, spots are limited due to availability. Priority consideration will be given to students who complete their interest form and their 2024-2025 FAFSA by March 15th, 2025. Students will be accepted into the STAR program on an ongoing basis. The sooner we receive a student’s completed interest form and FAFSA, the sooner we can determine their status in the program. *If a student is not eligible to complete the FAFSA they should complete the College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS)*.
Why do I need to apply for both FAFSA years if the program is free? Accordion Closed
This scholarship program is free to every student who is accepted and Pell-eligible as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). will help us determine if the student really meets that criteria.
We ask you to fill out both FAFSAs because summer 2025 falls within the 2025–2026 financial aid year. We rely on summer Pell grants and summer financial aid grants from NAU to pay for the program. It is vital to submit both FAFSAs asap and complete any additional steps required by the NAU Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.
Students will need to have completed their 2024-2025 FAFSA by March 15 and their 2025-2026 FAFSA by May 1 to determine their eligibility for STAR. Students should work to complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA immediately and the 2025-2026 FAFSA as soon as it opens.
What resources are available to support me and my family in completing the FAFSA? Accordion Closed
There are numerous resources to support you and your family in .
What do you need to fill out the FAFSA?
- First, create an account (FSA ID) with Federal Student Aid here.
- The NAU School Code is 001082.
- You can find a .
Resources for filling out the FAFSA
- , Arizona Board of Regents
- , Federal Student Aid handout
- NAU Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid checklist
What if our family needs one-on-one help filling out the FAFSA?
We understand that every family is different and that questions about your circumstances may arise. The following resources are available to help families:
- One-on-one appointments with Arizona Statewide
- Digital FAFSA Assistant
- Arizona FAFSA Hotline: 1-833-AZ-FAFSA (833-293-2372), open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid: 928-523-4951
- Meet with an Advisor
- Information on 2024-2025 FAFSA changes
Do I have to live on campus during the STAR Program? Accordion Closed
Yes. All STAR Scholars are required to live on campus during the program. Living in a Campus Living Community provides students with a well-rounded experience.
How should I prepare to live on campus? Accordion Closed
We know being away at college can be both exciting and scary. To help you prepare for this adventure, we’ve included some helpful information and tips to guide you as you pack and get excited for your time at NAU. Need help deciding what to bring? We’ve got you covered with the move-in prep list. Need to know what to expect living on a college campus? Look no further than Campus Living’s policies and expectations.
Can I request a specific roommate for the program? Accordion Closed
No. The STAR residential experience is designed for you to meet new people. To make sure you are compatible with your assigned roommate, complete the Campus Living portal profile and explore the roommate success guide.
Can I work during the STAR Program? Accordion Closed
No. The STAR Program is a fun, engaging, and rigorous program. STAR students are busy with classes, supplemental labs, coursework, and activities well into the evening on a daily basis.
Can I bring my car? Accordion Closed
Yes. A parking permit is not one of the covered expenses of the program. If you bring a car with you, you will need to purchase a parking permit for your vehicle. Permits are available for purchase on the Flagstaff Mountain Campus through .
If I am accepted to STAR, can I still be part of other student mentoring programs on campus? Accordion Closed
Yes. It is mandatory that STAR participants join a student mentoring program for the next academic year after they’ve completed STAR. Some of the mentoring programs include:
- Student Support Services (SSS)
- Peer Jacks Mentoring
- First Scholars
- Blavin Bettin Scholars
For more information, you can visit our NAU website and search for the mentoring program.