Knight Scholars Program

Your Calvin adventure starts right here. Calvin’s Knight Scholars program is all about setting you up for success. You'll gain important tools early in your university experience and excel toward graduation. We’ve helped many students launch their Calvin experience, and our unique formula leads to great results.

Knight Scholar Experience

Personalized Coursework

• Take the academic transitions course (ASC 111) over the summer or another academic success course in the fall. 
• Knight Scholars can take the summer course at a discounted rate of $200. You'll start the fall semester 2 credits ahead with important skills for thriving in your classes.
• Receive additional support through their Community and Commitments (CORE 100) course.
• Qualify for specialized writing or math coursework; ask us more about these options.

Professor Connections

• Meet regularly with your professors, advisor, and other coaching resources at Calvin.

Proactive Advising

• Advisors help you clarify you direction, work towards your goals, and navigate university curriculum. 
• Get a head start with advising and meet with your advisor over the summer, in addition to the traditional fall and spring advising days.

Desirable Perks

• Celebrate your hard work and success with exam treats and yearly swag.

In Their Words

This class has helped me change my perspective to view learning as a privilege, not a chore. I now have more fun doing assignments, going to class, and studying because I know that I am improving myself each day. 

– Jacob '24, Student

I learned so much more information than the few things listed above. It was refreshing to learn the different perspectives of learning and how to be an active learner, interested in learning, rather than passive. Incorporating the things above will help me to grow and be the best student and learner I can be. Furthermore, the most important thing about learning is what you think about while learning. Thanks for a great half semester Professor Heys!

– Libby ’24, Student

Admissions

Students are admitted to Calvin as Knight Scholars through a decision of the committee on admissions or through connection with the director of the Knight Scholar Program. The committee on admission identifies students who show promise to flourish at Calvin, promise to contribute to the community, and who the university wants to support well in their university transition. Students admitted to the program by the committee are encouraged to participate. Other students identify the supports the program offers as key to their college transition.

Academics

Placements

Knight Scholars take placement tests during the summer before their first year at Calvin to determine the most appropriate curriculum.

Mathematics – Students previous coursework and performance in mathematics are reviewed to discern a student's readiness for college level math and math related courses. Class suggestions include ASC 105, STAT 143 with ASC 110, or not taking a mathematics course as part of the Calvin core.

Written Rhetoric – The written rhetoric self-placement guides students to make an educated decision about the best writing option for them: a stretch equence in which they study writing fall and spring of their first year (ENGL 100/102 or a one semester, condensed class (ENGL 101).

Academic Success Courses

• ASC 112 - Strategies for Academic Success
• ASC 111 - Academic Transitions
• ENGL 100 - Enhanced Written Rhetoric I
• ENGL 102 - Enhanced Written Rhetoric II
• ASC 105 - Foundational Mathematics
• STAT 143 - Introduction to Probability and Statistics
• ASC 110 - Learning Practices: Special Topics

Scholarship

Top Knight Scholars can apply for the June Antuma DeBoer Scholarship.

June DeBoer joined Calvin University in 2001 as a coordinator for students with disabilities. In 2010 she was promoted to associate director of academic services and in that position also served as the director of the Access Program (now Knight Scholars Program). June was a passionate advocate for the students with whom she worked. As a teacher and academic counselor, she worked tirelessly to help students discover and realize their potential, celebrating each success with joy and encouragement.

At her request and to honor her legacy, her husband Nick and their children, Jonathan and Jenna, have established this scholarship to preserve June’s memory through the lives of hardworking students who have participated in the Knight Scholars program at Calvin University. A $2,500 scholarship is available to a qualified student for their second year.