The University Access Programs (UAP) focuses on six strategic initiatives to enhance underrepresented students' enrollment, retention, and graduation rates in higher education. By providing comprehensive academic and cultural support, UAP empowers students to successfully navigate their undergraduate journey, achieve academic excellence, and reach their ultimate goal of earning a college degree.
1. Diversity Recruitment
UAP utilizes strategies to increase student enrollment from underrepresented groups by building relationships with local high schools, community-based organizations, and equivalency programs, exposing students to Southern Connecticut State University, and providing them with opportunities to experience college life.
2. Culturally Competent Peer-to-Peer Mentoring
UAP implements a peer-to-peer mentoring model where high-performing upper-level students are trained to mentor first-year and lower-class students. Training focuses on understanding cultural differences, such as race/ethnicity, gender, ability, class, and sexuality, to foster inclusive and effective mentoring relationships.
3. Academic Enhancements
UAP provides additional academic support through tutoring, supplemental academic programs, learning communities, peer-led tutoring, group tutoring, study groups, and workshops specifically for UAP students to ensure academic accountability and success.
4. Social Emotional Learning
UAP incorporates activities that help students develop and apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, empathize with others, establish positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
5. Institutional Commitment
UAP collaborates with senior institutional leaders to secure space, financial support, and other resources necessary to sustain and expand programs and services that support underrepresented students.
6. Advisory Committees
Each UAP initiative is supported by an advisory committee, which contributes to project development, provides resources, garners additional support, and serves as an ambassador for the program’s mission.