Southwestern Adventist University Receives a Title V Grant of over $2.5 Million
Southwestern Adventist University has been awarded a Title V grant by the U.S. Department of Education’s Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program. Over the next five years, SWAU will receive around half a million dollars each year, for a total of just over $2.5 million, which will be used to improve student outcomes through “Pathways to Student Success.” SWAU was one of about half a dozen schools in the DFW area to be selected as recipient of this competitive grant.
The university is proud to be a Hispanic Serving Institution, with 48 percent of the student body being of a Hispanic or Latino background. The funds are inclusive for all students and the initiatives made possible through the funds from this grant will benefit not only its Hispanic population but the entire student body as well.
“We saw a need. We knew a large portion of our students were the first in their family to attend college and would benefit from a strong support system. We sat here and dreamed of all the things we could do if only we had the money, and now we have the opportunity to make those things happen,” shares Renata Ocampo, Director of the Center for Academic Success and Advising, who was part of the team that drafted the grant application.
Dr. Donna Berkner, Vice President for Academic Administration, Dr. Marcel Sargeant, Assistant Vice President for Academic Administration and Dr. Tom Bunch, Grant Manager were also part of this same team. They identified three focus areas for the grant, including improving retention rates, graduation rates and employment rates post-graduation.
Thanks to “Pathways to Student Success,” The Office of Student Success has been created to serve as a space where students can seek guidance and learn skills that will prepare them for life after college. This office will collaborate with the Center for Academic Success and Advising, also known as CASA, as they oversee the grant’s four elements: first-year experience, internships, and both academic and career guidance.
SWAU is proud to be a Hispanic Serving Institution with 48 percent of its student body being of Hispanic or Latino background.
The First-Year Experience Program will guide students through their first two years of higher education. Led by CASA, this program will work in tandem with Student Success Coaches and will be supported by the faculty who teach the general education courses needed by first-year students. This will allow for students to have a successful experience during their first two years, as they will have more resources available to them.
In order to ensure academic success, students in any stage of their college career will be able to benefit from academic coaching and study sessions facilitated by CASA. Currently, academic coaching/tutoring is available at CASA, and its collaboration with the Office of Student Success will give students more resources to address both their academic and career needs.
Data-driven decision making will help formalize career fairs, help students with the job search process and bring guest speakers to ensure career readiness for SWAU students. The Office of Student Success will facilitate a variety of workshops covering topics such as how to write a resume, how to dress for an interview and how to look for employment in the current global market.
Lastly, the Office of Student Success will help students who are seeking internship opportunities and guide them through that process. The Student Success Manager will collaborate with academic departments to review current available internships and develop relationships with other entities to provide more internship opportunities for students.
There are several goals SWAU hopes to meet by 2025, including an increase in four-year graduates, institutionalizing academic support services on campus and expanding career development. With funding going into effect October 1st, the Office of Student Success has been formed and a leadership team is in place. Furthermore, an oversight committee will be developed to support this office and its efforts to improve student success.
“This really is such a blessing,” shares Dr. Berkner. “When we heard we were recipients of this grant, we were so grateful! This is truly an answer to prayer, and it will open so many doors for our students.”
About Southwestern Adventist University
For over 125 years, Southwestern Adventist University has offered quality Christian education. A small comprehensive university, the beautiful campus is located in Keene, Texas, about 20 minutes south of Fort Worth. Southwestern Adventist University offers personable professors, numerous programs including business, music, education, nursing, master’s programs, and many ways for students to get involved both on campus and abroad. With a diverse student body that includes international students from dozens of countries and an average student/teacher ratio of 12:1, Southwestern Adventist University offers a uniquely diverse and personal college experience.
This article was written by Brisa Ramirez and originally appeared on the SWAU website.
Images courtesy of SWAU.
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