University of Redlands Southern California, 60 miles east of L.A. Private, non-denominational Founded in 1907 Ranks 7 th in U.S. News Western Universities Masters category College of Arts and Science (2454 students) School of Business (1228 students) School of Education (461 students)
University of Redlands College of Arts and Sciences 63% from California Approximately 28% students of color 37% overall University 32% first generation students Approximately10% LGBT 20% in local sororities/fraternities Tuition - $39,038 85% of students receive some form of financial aid
Completing the Cycle: First Generation Student Programs 2009 NASPA Excellence Award Silver Winner I m Going to College/College2Go Summer Bridge STEP Peer Mentoring Book Lending Program SEEDS Native Student Programs
Summer Bridge - History First Generation students and students of colour were leaving early in their first year Pilot Summer Bridge program began with grant funding in summer 2004 Early groups numbered in the 20 s, however with the rise in Cal Grant students, now two sessions with 35-40 in each session
Criteria for Invitation and Selection Admissions provides lists of students who fulfill relevant critieria Cal Grant ESL First Generation Read files for all potential candidates and rank students according to those who will benefit most Invitations are sent out with application form After two weeks, phone calls are made by Summer Bridge mentors Approximately 2/3 of those invited will attend
Funding Pilot program and second year were grant-funded Currently funded by University Seeking grant opportunities Each participant who completes program receives $100 gift card toward cost of books. This is funded through an alumnae s family foundation
Summer Bridge Components Overseen by Campus Diversity and Inclusion (First Generation Student Programs Coordinator) Five Days No Charge Students sleep in residence halls, have roommates and have to follow Residence Life rules Faculty lunch Sample classes
Summer Bridge Schedule Summer Bridge 2012 - Session Two 8:00-9:00 9:00-10:00 09:30-11:00 11:00-12:00 Monday, July 23 Tuesday, July 24 Wednesday, July 25 Thursday, July 26 Friday, July 27 Breakfast Breakfast (ends at 8:30) (ends at 8:30) Welcome Casa Loma 1:00-2:00 Campus Tour 2:00-3:00 3:00-4:00 Check-In Cal-Founders Lobby Financial Aid Naslund Lounge 10:00-12:00 Math Beth Doolittle Gregory 175/ Library 139, 140 2:30-4:00 Science Session Appleton 116 9:30 Native Student/First Generation Student Program 10:30 Mentor Open Forum Lunch 12:00-1:00 Lunch Faculty Lunch Summer Research Lunch Lunch Lunch Meet and Greet (for those interested) Casa Loma Until 2 pm Concurrent Sessions - Naslund Lounge Academic Support Services/Services for students with disabilities, Community Service Learning, Student Employment, SLIC, Residence Life, Counseling Center/Health Center Breakfast (ends at 8:30) Johnston Center for Integrative Studies Denise Davis Gregory 161 Breakfast (ends at 8:30) 9:00-10:30 Advising Leela MadhavaRau Gregory 175 10:30-12:00 Psychology Susan Goldstein Gregory 161 1:30-3:30 Real Colors Amy Wilms Casa Loma Scavenger Hunt English Priya Jha Appleton 116 (to 10:30 am) Library Ethics John Walsh Appleton 116 Study Abroad Appleton 116 (to 2:30pm) 2:30-3:30 Life Skills Gregory 161 Debrief Gregory 161 (to 2:30 pm) Packing 4:00-5:00 Dinner Free Time Redlands Family Feud Gregory 161 Serrano History Casa Loma 5:00-6:00 Dinner Dinner Dinner 6:00-7:00 Low Ropes Course - Casa Loma Evening Programming Evening Programming Market Night Mic and Dim Lights 5:00 Closing Dinner 7:00-8:00 Commons' Times: Breakfast -- 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM, Lunch -- 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM, Dinner -- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Schedule Details Academic Content Math Discussion and Placement Testing (Math faculty) Expectations for College Writing (Writing Across Curriculum Director or English faculty) Sample Science Class (Biology faculty) Sample Ethics Discussion (Religious Studies faculty) Co-Curricular Content Study Abroad First Generation Resources Financial Aid Student Success Resources Life Skills (Time Management, Budgeting, relationships) Serrano History
A Longitudinal Study of the Summer Bridge and Peer Mentoring Programs General Student Population Invited to attend Summer Bridge Attended Summer Bridge Did not attend Summer Bridge True Control Group Attended PUEDE Did not attend PUEDE
U of R Retention 1 st to 3 rd
Effect on Academics Average GPA of Summer Bridge Student: 3.14 Average GPA of a STEP mentor: 3.15 Average GPA of a STEP mentee: 3.16 Average GPA of Summer Bridge Student who didn t participate in STEP: 3.07 Average of those who participated in the mentor course in 2011: 3.21
Without the Summer Bridge Program, college would have overwhelmed me and I would feel alienated because of the difference from home. Summer Bridge prepared me to make U of R home for the next 4 years.
Summer Bridge Graduates
Issues Sometimes miss those who would benefit most (although this knowledge is often retrospective) Harder to get males to attend Parents are worried about student being away from home Geographic limitations insufficient funding to invite students from out of state as can t assist with transportation costs
Wish List Some students would benefit from longer program which includes intensive coursework for credit Taking students off campus and out of Redlands
Book Lending Program Order and distribute books throughout the semester Maintain database of donated books and book lenders. Work with faculty and library staff for reserved copies of text. Reach out to alumni for donations. Thank you so much for trying to help me get my books. I am tired of dropping courses and not being prepared for class because I can't purchase the books. SO THANKFUL! -Christina
Students Together Educating Peers (STEP) Began with Irvine funding in spring 2003 Various formats over the years Currently two-credit topics course in REST Progression from Summer Bridge Mentoring program for students of color and first generation students I feel without STEP I would not have the friends that I have now and would have not experienced what I did by joining STEP and my first year of college would have been boring and I would not have involved myself at all within the school. - First Year Mentee
Faculty/Staff/Admin Mentoring What kind of impact did your faculty mentor have on you during your first semester? Students described their mentors as educational, supportive, a source of guidance, positive role models. 17 out of the 23 returners were very satisfied with their compatibility with the mentors 15 out of the 23 returners were very satisfied with effectiveness of the meetings with their mentors "My faculty mentor was very interested in my school life, and always made time to listen during our lunches. She even helped me with my classes when I was having a difficult time trying to get a hold of my academic advisor. - First Year Mentee
I m Going to College One of our fastest growing initiatives focusing on issues of access to higher education for first-generation and underrepresented communities. Throughout the academic year, schools and community organizations in Southern California bring elementary, middle, and high school students onto campus and take part in our day-long programs. Each visit is tailored to the specific age group and coordinated by student volunteers from campus organizations who engage students in dialogue about the college experience while also having fun!
Supporting, Education and Empowering Diverse Students (SEEDS) U of R students work with Hemet High School AVID seniors on: Personal development College preparation, research, personal statements Life skills & awareness of resources Communication & presentation skills 15 U of R students and 29 HHS students HHS AVID teacher is U of R alumna Melissa Smith