APEX test
The AIC Plan for Excellence (APEX) Program is a comprehensive approach for undergraduate students to move toward their own apex. The program has been intentionally designed to develop a solid foundation for a lifetime of personal and professional success.
The APEX Program is intentionally structured around four primary learning goals that we believe students should achieve during their time at AIC. These include:
- Intellectual Development & Lifelong Learning: This goal focuses on the intellectual development of each student and encourage their desire to commit to lifelong learning.
- Personal Growth: This goal supports each student in personal exploration and the development of skills and identity.
- Social & Cultural Competency: This goal enhances the cultural and social competency of each student.
- Career & Professional Development: This goal purposefully provides the opportunity for students to gain skills and knowledge in career and professional development to support their future.
If you want to learn more about how the APEX Program can help you be successful at AIC, please email apex@aic.edu.
All undergraduate students in each of the Schools must satisfy the College’s APEX program, including general education requirements. Beyond the general education requirements, each school has its own major fields of study, the details of which are included within each departmental listing.
Apex: the top or highest part of something, especially one forming a point.
APEX is a shared undergraduate journey that transforms students through academic, community, and leadership opportunities. These opportunities will foster students’ intellectual, personal, and professional growth and development.
The program is designed to help students as they transition to AIC, engage in learning both inside and outside of the classroom, develop meaningful and lasting relationships, and get connected to the campus community.
Three Parts of APEX
The APEX Program is composed of three interlocking parts: four 1-credit APEX courses, the co-curricular experience, and the general education core curriculum. The series of APEX courses are designed around the core goal of helping the student achieve success in higher education through the development and implementation of educational, professional and personal goals. Each student learns the skills and strategies necessary to fully engage and actively participate in the learning experience inside and outside the classroom. Through the APEX series, each student explores time management, civility and civic responsibility, developing and implementing career goals, internship and leadership opportunities, multiculturalism in the workplace, developing and using a portfolio, budgeting and financial literacy, networking, and finding employment. More information on each part can be found below.
APEX 1
The first in the series of four courses. Think of this as the beginning of your journey to the apex. You will take this course in your first semester on campus and will learn how to be academically successful while developing connections to a thriving campus community. You will learn how to manage your time, prepare for exams, and maximize the amazing campus resources that AIC offers.
APEX 2
The next course is taken in the second semester of your sophomore year. With a strong foundation from APEX 1, you will refine your resume, hone your skills, and begin to develop your brand. In APEX 2, you will strengthen your e-portfolio and seek out leadership opportunities both on and off campus.
APEX 3
The third course in the series takes place in the spring of your junior year. In this course, you will start planning for your future after AIC by beginning to prepare for job interviews, consider graduate school options, and further enhance your resume. Throughout the year, you will be encouraged to seek out additional leadership opportunities and continue developing a professional network (which include AIC alums).
APEX 4
The final course in the series is where you reach the summit. You’ll be engaged in more post-college planning and focus on applying to graduate school and full-time positions. In APEX 4, you will continue to learn important life skills such as creating a personal budget (including student loan payments) and finalizing your resume and e-portfolio.