Student Success

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Portland 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

  • Maintained continuous, just-in-time academic and support outreach to the current cohort through the Portland Scholars Instructor and Mentor.

2026-2027 Scholars Cohort

  • Completed the hiring process for all faculty and mentors.
  • Admissions (ADM) enhanced communications, including the launch of a personalized Portland Scholars Roadmap in the admissions portal, ensuring a seamless transition to the program and PSU.
  • Hosted the first virtual information session for incoming scholars.
  • Secured confirmation of intent to attend PSU this fall from over 300 scholars.

Miscellaneous

  • The Faculty Senate overwhelmingly approved the proposal to extend the admissions policy by one year.
  • Collaborated with departments to restrict incoming scholars from registering for certain online courses.
  • Trained the Portland Scholars Instructor and Mentor on Slate for improved management of incoming scholar questions and outreach.

In Progress

2025-2026 Scholars Cohort

  • Commencing the review of spring term grades and the full academic year-end assessment once final grades are posted.

2026-2027 Scholars Cohort

  • Finalizing the curriculum for the two 2-credit summer courses, including UNST 199s Academic Success and the pathway-specific courses.
  • Developing a comprehensive training program for the peer mentors.
  • Coordinating logistics for all summer events, including the Welcome Reception and move-in date of September 8th, and securing the food contract for the program.

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