Educational Opportunity Program

SUNY Ulster County Community College

History of the EOP Program

Was established in the late 1960’s

Currently exists at 45 campuses

Total graduates number over 44,000

Most continue to work and contribute to New York State’s economic and social fabric

What is the purpose of the EOP Program?Provide access to college for disadvantaged students

who show the potential to succeed despite poor preparation and limited financial resources

Provide the students a structured support and enrichment program including counseling and tutoring

Give financial assistance to program students

Collect, analyze and report data pertaining to student enrollment and performance

What are the eligibility criteria? New York State resident for 12 months prior to

enrollment

Demonstrate potential for completing a college program

In need of financial assistance within established income guidelines

Exceptions can be made to income eligibility criteria based on warranted unusual and extenuating circumstances with supporting documentation

Economic Eligibility Chart 09/10Household Size

Category A Category B Category C

1 15,590 21,000 23,710

2 21,000 26,410 29,120

3 26,420 31,830 34,540

4 31,830 37,240 39,950

5 37,240 42,650 45,360

6 42,650 48,060 50,770

7 48,060 53,470 56,180

Structure of EOP Program at SUNY Ulster County Community CollegeEOP Director

Two half time EOP counselors

EOP clerical assistant

142 students for the 2009-2010 Academic Year

145 students in the 2008-2009 year

Demographics of Ulster EOP population-2008/2009

58% 1st year students - 42% 2nd year students10% African American10% Hispanic2.5% Asian/Pacific Islander57% female13 EOP graduates in 2008

Experience of an EOP StudentStudents are identified during the July-

August enrollment period Students are packaged with EOP funds and

assigned to a counselorAll EOP students meet with the EOP Director

to initially sign an EOP agreement and be advised on the program expectations and benefits

EOP students’ academic progress is monitored through the use of the “Early Alert” system and an end-of-semester review

EOP Services – Direct Aid All EOP students are given a direct aid grant

of $100-$400 based on unmet financial need

This is money that applies to both semesters of the academic year and does not need to be repaid

Included as part of the students’ financial aid package

EOP Services - TutoringTimes Squared: The Math Place – math tutoring

center with peer and professional tutors available. Help available in topics from Pre-Algebra to Calculus

The Writing Center – Tutors available to assist students with writing assignments applicable to any class, not just English courses. Students accommodated on a drop-in basis

Student Services Center – Study skills resources are available at no charge to the student

EOP Services - CounselingEOP Director and EOP Counselors are available to

counsel students in financial, academic and personal school related issues

Career Counseling - available through the Student Services Center. Job search letters, interview skills, and job search strategies are some of the topics covered

Transfer Counseling - available through the Transfer Office. Transfer procedures, program information, resource books and application assistance are available

EOP WorkshopsWorkshops are offered in both Fall and

Spring SemestersCo-Sponsored with Student Support ServicesScheduled during the student weekly

“activity hour”EOP students attend at least one workshop

per semesterFall 200 topics include: What is my Learning

Style?, Time Management, Career Services, Understanding Financial Aid and Study Skills/Note Taking

EOP EventsEOP Awards Ceremony – Occurs in the

spring semester. The ceremony is hosted by the college President, Dr. Donald Katt. Students are honored for their academic achievements.