Portland Scholars (formerly Summer Scholars)

Project Status: Monitor/Assess

The Summer Scholars is a three-week summer program followed by a year-long academic workshop that supports early access to campus resources, community, and academic coursework to ease the transition from high school/community college to college.

Accomplished

2025-2026 Scholars Cohort
- The Portland Scholars Instructor and Mentor continues to work closely with the scholars both in and out of the classroom to provide just-in-time support and outreach
2026-2027 Scholars Cohort
- Set dates for Portland Scholars summer program: September 8-18
- Recruited faculty for summer instruction
- Finalized communications for incoming scholars
Misc.
- The ARC has granted approval for the proposal to extend the admissions policy by one year; it is scheduled for a discussion and vote by Faculty Senate in March

In Progress

Working with several departments to restrict incoming scholars from taking certain online courses
Training the Portland Scholars Instructor and Mentor on Slate to aid in responding to incoming scholars’ questions.

Project Health

Currently working a year at a time, which is hard from a planning perspective
Uncertain funding
Broad support from university faculty and staff

Project Team

Project Leads: Shoshana Zeisman-Pereyo and Sonja Taylor
Team: Andrea Garrity
Collaborators: University Studies, Global Diversity and Inclusion, Admissions, Undergraduate Academic Advising, Transfer and Returning Students Resource Center