Assisting Vulnerable Populations

Shanta James, Western Michigan University

Vickie Crupper, The University of Michigan

Stephanie Petsch, Eastern Michigan University

Build It……. and They Will Come

Assisting Easily Overlooked Students• DACA – Delayed

Action for Childhood Arrivals (Undocumented)

• CAMP – College Assistance Migrant Program

• UHY - Unaccompanied Homeless Youth

• ALPHA – Conditional Admits

• SEITA – Foster Youth

• Refugees • Human Trafficking

Victims• PJ Independent

SEITA SCHOLARS

• Create transitions that lead to success in college and career for WMU students from foster ages 18-25 years old.

• Integrating experiences from students past to create opportunities for their future

• Build a community of scholars• Empower the scholars with the “Seven Life Domains”

Philosophy• 50 students admitted annually, over 200 matriculating

Michigan has over 5600 youth in foster care

Michigan DHS June 2013

SEITA SCHOLARS

• College Readiness Assessment• Customized Orientation and

Welcome Week• Campus Coach Support ( 24/7)• Work study jobs• Academic Support• Midterm Grade Reports• Exclusive First Year Seminar• Provide Campus housing over

semester break• Emergency Funds• Community supported

7th

Cohort

DACA• Given resident tuition rates• Privately funded awards to assist with

tuition• May have some assistance for Residence

Halls• If work-eligible status assist with finding

jobs on campus• Assure confidentiality• Support in Division of Multicultural Affairs

CAMP• Philosophy to assist students in a

successful first year of completion and persist to graduation.

• Citizenship required

• Recruitment from Michigan, Southern Texas and South Florida

• Grant supports 1st Year Only• Books and Tuition Assistance• Tuition Assistance for Non -residents

• WMU assist with partial funding for residence hall

• Academic program support • Support in Division of Multicultural Affairs

FEDERALLY GRANT FUNDED Since Fall 2012

ALPHA• GOALS• Transition successfully to academic

challenges of WMU• Develop a connection to WMU• Develop a sense of personal responsibility• Develop an increased sense of resiliency

Supported by Center for Academic Success Programs

1 year, conditional-admission program• 200 first-year students

admitted yearly Average ACT 17 Average GPA 2.71

ALPHA• PROGRAM• Contract• Summer Pre-Orientation Success Series• First Year Seminar requirement• Community Service Component• Work limits• Restricted organization affiliations for 1st

year• Remain University Curriculum for 1st year• Intrusive Advising Model• Learning and Studies Strategies

Inventory [LASSI]• Major Exploration

• Student Profile• Race/Ethnicity• African American

50%• White

35%• Hispanic

8%• 2 or more races

5%• Asian

2%• Female 63% Male

37%

Vulnerable Student Philosophy

• Build positive relationships with students See students on walk-in basis Connections with outside agencies

• Discover other needs that may be barriers to success

(housing, medical, food, emergency funds)

• Provide dignity and integrity• Connect students with support services Advising, testing, academic support Disability services and counseling

Blavin Scholars

Funded totally by a Private DonorFinancial and Programming support for students who experienced time in foster care 24/7 access to program staff25 students currently in program, donor goal is to support 50 students annually

Comprehensive Studies Program (CSP)

Serves students from high schools that historically underprepare their students for college

Summer Bridge Program Option

Full Service: Academic Advising, Counseling, Financial Aid Liaison Assigned, Programming, Smaller Classes, Tutoring

Other Initiatives

Veteran’s LiaisonJack Kent Cook Transfer Student ProgramSingle ParentsPell/ At Risk ReviewStudents with Disabilities Packaging

M.A.G.I.C.Mentorship Access Guidance in College• Increase the graduation rates among students who

have experienced foster care or homelessness • Provide students with an Independent Living Skills

Coach• Pair students with mentors that have similar career

and educational interests • Provide a safe and supportive environment for

students who were once in foster care

M.A.G.I.C.

• Monthly workshops based on Casey Life Skills Assessment (Casey Family Programs)

• Periodic study sessions • Social enrichment activities • Emergency assistance for active participants • Mentorship

BrotherHOOD

The BrotherHOOD (Helping Others Obtain Degrees) is a university-wide initiative designed to engage, empower, retain and graduate more males of color at Eastern Michigan University.• Success-driven approach to help males of color

develop as students and as men instead of addressing deficits and challenges they need to overcome.

BrotherHOOD

Initiative began in 20112013 received grant to subsidize Barbershop ($3600)2015 Living/Learning community in Residence HallsOver 80 students attending each Barbershop events this year

Enjoy the rest of MASFAA 2015!Thank you for coming!