Program Overview

Mission & Vision Future Scholars & How To Apply Financial Resources Program Costs Peer Mentoring

Academics

�� Aspiring Scholars will enroll in a minimum of 10 units per semester for a total of at least 80 units to complete the 4-year program. Students will be required to enroll in three required foundational courses during their first year (2 in Fall and 1 in Spring).Students will also be required to enroll in a 1-unit life skills seminar course all eight semesters of the program. Beginning their 2nd year, students will enroll in a 3-units internship course for a total of six semesters. Each semester, students will select additional courses of their choosing aligned with their personal interests and career aspirations. Typically, students enroll in 1 additional course their 1st semester and 2 additional courses each semester thereafter.

Curriculum accommodations and peer mentor support will be provided as needed. Students will actively participate in their academic courses to the best of their abilty. Aspiring Scholars staff will communicate with professors to assist students in acheiving a successful semester.

�� Foundational Required Course

UNIV 180-5C First Year Seminar - 3 units (1st Year Fall Only): Designed to equip first-year students at �� with the personal and academic skills, motivation, and self-understanding necessary to meet the demands of ��’s rigorous undergraduate curriculum as well as the demands of life beyond ��. Includes the practical application of student development theory, information literacy, digital citizenship, self-advocacy, resource utilization, and intercultural competence necessary for college success and professional preparedness.

EDMX 180-2 College Success - 3 units (1st year Fall and Spring): Prepares students in the Aspiring Scholars Program to meet program requirements, with a focus on the fundamentals of academic success. Teaches students how to effectively utilize campus resources and navigate ��s’ applications and software. Supports students in creating a Person-Driven Plan, including planning for future internships. Explores social opportunities for students to engage with, becoming active members of the �� community. Develops communication and organizational skills in order for students to gain practical experience in goal setting and time management.

Individualized Pathways

In addition to the above foundational course, students will choose from a wide array of courses that align with their interests and career goals. Their individualized pathway of courses will be created based on their Person Driven Plan, a plan that is driven by the student and created in collaboration with a support team.

Internships

The �� Aspiring Scholars Program aims to prepare students for competitive integrated employment. A Person Driven Plan will be used to guide students in achieving their career aspirations. Given a range of opportunities, students will be required to participate in internships on and/or off campus. Scholars will work an average of 6 hours per week; however, a students may work more hours if they choose. Each student will enroll in a 3-unit internship course each semester beginning their second year in the program. Students will participate in internships for the remainder of the program, which consists of six semesters. Developing vocational skills and preparing for employment in the field of their choice is a critical component of this program. Peer mentor support is available to students at their internships.

Life Skills Seminars

The �� Aspiring Scholars Program aims to prepare students for indepence in their lives. Each semester, students will enroll in a 1-unit Life Skills Seminar course. Students will attend in person Life Skill Seminars with �� peers across campus. Topics will vary and address the needs of current students. Experts in the field will provide the presentations.

EDMX 180-1 Life Skills Seminar - 1 unit (Every Semester of the Program): Prepares students in the Aspiring Scholars Program for life and employment during and following completion of the program. Covers selected independent life skills topics, with a focus on career readiness, academic success, health and well-being, personal development, self-advocacy, and social awareness and relationship skills. Includes in-person seminars, asynchronous content, and associated activities inside and outside of class.

Student Life

�� offers more than 100 organizations and clubs for students to get involved with including Fraternities and Sororities, Academic and Honor Societies, Sport Clubs, and so much more!

�� Scholars are encouraged to participate in University Hour. U-Hour is every Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 1pm and campus-wide events are planned where students can engage in extracurricular activities and connect with other students and faculty outside of the classroom.

The University Student Union (USU) hosts many events on campus and is a great lounge space for students. There are a variety of food options to choose from, as well as an activity center which provides fun activities for students to participate in both inside the USU and out in the community. The center features video games, arcade games, board games, billiards, and foosball, as well as discount ticket sales. Learn more about the USU Activity Center.

�� Scholars are encouraged to visit the Kellogg Library—it is a great place to study on campus and offers a variety of services. The campus library houses public printers and copy machines and students can utilize an open computer lab, reserve group study rooms as well as check out equipment including charging solutions, audio equipment, dry-erase boards and markers, and more! Campus ID cards are issued by the student technology help desk located on the 2nd floor in the library.

At ��, students have access to holistic medical services that include basic wellness care, psychological counseling, immunizations, and pharmacy. Access to the health center on campus is free to all enrolled �� students—health insurance is not required. Some services such as psychiatry and non-routine lab work require a small fee. Learn more about Student Health and Counseling Services.

The Clarke Field House is a great fitness center and is home to Campus Recreation (REC). Campus Recreation offers many free programs for all students to get involved in, including fitness and wellness classes, sports clubs, outdoor adventure activities, and other campus involvement opportunities. Learn more about campus recreation activities.

Located in Commons 104, right next to the University Bookstore, the ASI Cougar pantry offers free groceries to all �� students in an effort to decrease food insecurity on campus. The pantry stocks a variety of dry and canned goods, limited produce, milk, toiletries, and diapers. Enrolled �� students can shop the pantry once per week. ASI Cougar Pantry hours of operation.

Other useful resources:

Student Expectations

Students accepted into the �� Aspiring Scholars Program are a part of the �� community and must adhere to all �� rules, policies, and procedures. The �� Aspiring Scholars Program does not provide 24/7 support or supervision.

Peer Mentors

Peer mentors provide academic support and facilitate social opportunities in order for students to become more involved in campus life. In addition, peer mentors offer on-going guidance in the areas of career readiness, health and wellness, and independent living skills to students as needed.

Academic Support: Mentors help �� Aspiring Scholars with organization, executive functioning, planning, accessing course materials and tutoring for academic classes. Peer mentors can attend courses with �� Aspiring Scholars as needed, as well as, before and after classes for study sessions.
Social Engagement Support: Peer Mentors teach �� Aspiring Scholars how to navigate campus, engage in student organizations, and facilitate participation in clubs and events on campus.
Skill Development Support: Peer Mentors can support �� Aspiring Scholars in developing career readiness skills and independent living skills. They can support students at their on campus internships as needed.

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