September 30, 2008
‘Guaranteed 4.0 Seminar’ coming to SIUC
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Make straight A’s or you get $100.
That’s the offer going out to students across the campus at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, as a local group of engineering students brings a consultant on study techniques to the University.
The National Society of Black Engineers is presenting The Guaranteed 4.0 Seminar. The event, which is free and aimed at all students at SIUC, is set for 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, in Ballrooms C and D at the Student Center.
The Guaranteed 4.0 Learning System bills itself as an innovative approach to studying that takes the mystery out of learning. With 20 years of experience, the system promotes academic excellence and professional growth for all learners, both in and out of the classroom setting.
Alex Singleton, a senior in mechanical engineering and vice president of the society at SIUC, said the seminar helps students improve their study techniques, making them more efficient and more successful.
“It’s a very dynamic program that engages students right away so they get a lot out of it,” Singleton said. “It’s open to all students and majors and faculty who might want to learn more about it and implement the program. Ideally, it’s aimed at freshmen who need to develop study skills or make them better and more efficient.”
Marcus Turner, a senior in electrical engineering who shares the vice presidency of the local NSBE chapter with Singleton, experienced the seminar during a society event at another location, Singleton said. Turner and Singleton are convinced SIUC students will benefit from the seminar, which was invented by Donna O. Johnson, another member of the NSBE.
Johnson will conduct the seminar Saturday, Singleton said.
The seminar bills itself as a program “guaranteed” to help the student deliver a perfect grade point average of 4.0. Johnson has presented the seminar at colleges and universities across the country, Singleton said.
The seminar claims any student who follows the program exactly and does not make straight A’s will receive $100 from Johnson. Singleton said Johnson has made this offer during each of the more than 500 times she has presented the seminar, without ever receiving a request for the $100.
“We hope anyone who goes can find the flaws in their own study habits and form a new method to get better grades,’ Singleton said.
John Nicklow, associate dean and professor in the College of Engineering, said he was proud of the engineering students and member of the society for taking the initiative to organize the program.
“It shows that our students can and are willing to help one another succeed and to be responsible for improving their own learning skills,” Nicklow said. “I hope students are able to walk away from this presentation with a better idea of how to navigate the road to academic success. Through this and similar programs, we -- students, faculty and administrators -- can take a bite out of our existing attrition rate.”
For information on the program, visit http://www.guaranteed4.com/g4/home.