Frostburg State University
PAE-8: Support Programs for Underrepresented Groups

One program which is part of the PASS (Programs Advancing Student Success) office, is the TRIO Student Support Services program. That federally-funded grant program works solely with low-income, first generation college students, and students with disabilities. The program is funded to serve 275 FSU students each academic year. The main goal of the program is to assist these students as they work toward graduating with a bachelor’s degree. In the PASS office, one of our primary responsibilities is providing placement testing for incoming freshmen each year as well as transfer students who are not transferring in a math or writing class. Those students who score below the University’s established criteria are placed in one of two levels of developmental math courses and in particular English (Freshman Composition) classes where they can receive additional assistance to improve their skills and help them be successful in college level math and writing courses. Providing these courses helps provide access and educational opportunity to those students who have been inadequately prepared for college studies. Another important program in the PASS area is our Disability Support Services office, which provides access and accommodations for those students who come to us with documented disabilities. Providing accommodations and advocating for students with learning, psychological, and physical disabilities affords those students with the same educational opportunity enjoyed by their non-disabled peers and widens the range of diversity in the student population.

HR conducts employee orientations and, upon request, provides mentoring for all new staff employees. While this outreach is not only for under-represented groups, many representatives of these groups take advantage of it. Student and Educational Services provides the bulk of these initiatives.

HR conducts employee orientations and, upon request, provides mentoring for all new staff employees. While this outreach is not only for under-represented groups, many representatives of these groups take advantage of it. Student and Educational Services provides the bulk of these initiatives.