State University of New York at Oswego
PAE-8: Support Programs for Under-Represented Groups

SUNY Oswego has a Coalition of Faculty and Staff of Color that meets on approximately ten (10) occasions during the academic year for formal business meetings and brown bag luncheons. The group was formed at least fifteen years ago in order to bring together members of Oswego’s faculty and staff who were eager to work across ethnic and racial lines addressing issues of retention, campus climate and the needs of underrepresented students. The Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program is a TRIO grant funded by the United States Department of Education that aims to increase the number of low-income, first generation as well as historically underrepresented students in graduate school, doctoral programs, and the professoriate. The McNair Scholars Program receives $231,000 annually for five (5) years to support 26 talented sophomores, juniors and seniors. The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program at SUNY Oswego is designed to encourage, motivate and prepare students for doctoral study. As a two-year undergraduate research program model with an eight-week summer research component following their junior year, the scholars begin the program as either a sophomore or junior. The program addresses scholars’ needs by providing the following services: Opportunities for conducting a faculty-guided year long research project; Summer Internships (i.e., Intensive Summer Research Program); GRE preparation; Tutoring; Faculty Mentorship; Academic Counseling; Assistance to secure admission to, and financial assistance for, enrollment in graduate/ Ph.D. programs; Conference & Presentation Preparation; Financial literacy and education; as well as exposure to cultural events & academic programs not usually available to disadvantaged students. Over 91 students have been served since the program's inception. CSTEP: The Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) at SUNY Oswego is a scholars program designed to increase the number of historically underrepresented minorities and economically disadvantaged students in scientific, technical, business, and health-related professions, as well as those seeking post-baccalaureate education. CSTEP stresses the importance of high levels of student achievement and involvement. CSTEP's mission is to provide a structured network of services that fosters the development of each student's academic, social, and personal skills with support, guidance, and encouragement of faculty, staff, and fellow CSTEP students. Over 400 students have participated in CSTEP at SUNY Oswego since it's inception.The Office of Learning Services also administers the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and the First Year Select program. The EOP program combines access, academic support, and supplemental financial assistance to make higher education possible for those students who have the potential to succeed. EOP admission is part of the general college admissions process and the program requires the successful completion of a mandatory summer program prior to the start of freshman year. The First Year Select program is designed for first year students who would benefit from a learning community designed to foster the development of sound study and critical thinking skills.

SUNY Oswego’s Mentoring Core Group for Faculty and Staff of Color began ten years ago as an initiative developed by a labor/management (faculty and staff union and administration) sub-committee on Affirmative Action. The committee was determined to build a welcoming community of faculty and staff – a “core” group -- dedicated to informally mentoring all new faculty and staff by acting as human resources weeks before they arrived on campus; upon their arrival on campus and in a new city; and throughout their first three to four years as employees. The goal is to help new employees of color become acclimated to their new community, invite and participate with them at social events on and off campus, and check on their general well-being throughout the year. Today, eighteen (18) racially and ethnically diverse mentors – across academic disciplines and departments – serve in our Mentoring Core Group for Faculty and Staff of Color.

SUNY Oswego’s Mentoring Core Group for Faculty and Staff of Color began ten years ago as an initiative developed by a labor/management (faculty and staff union and administration) sub-committee on Affirmative Action. The committee was determined to build a welcoming community of faculty and staff – a “core” group -- dedicated to informally mentoring all new faculty and staff by acting as human resources weeks before they arrived on campus; upon their arrival on campus and in a new city; and throughout their first three to four years as employees. The goal is to help new employees of color become acclimated to their new community, invite and participate with them at social events on and off campus, and check on their general well-being throughout the year. Today, eighteen (18) racially and ethnically diverse mentors – across academic disciplines and departments – serve in our Mentoring Core Group for Faculty and Staff of Color.