Programs

In addition to indiviudal student outreach, the Office of Student Retention manages several programs to help St. Mary's students be successful.

FAM

Faculty Academic Mentor (FAM) program

The FAM program serves over 100 first generation college students (defined as neither parent earning an associate/bachelor or higher degree) in their first year at St. Mary's and matches them with a faculty and a peer mentor. As part of the program, mentoring groups of four or five students, one faculty and one peer mentor meet several times per semester and participate in group programming, as well as attend an overnight retreat. Faculty and peer mentors receive a stipend for their commitment, and students who successfully complete the fall semester receive a small bookstore scholarship for the spring semester.

LEAP

Leading your Educational Aspirations with Purpose Workshops

Leading your Educational Aspirations with Purpose (LEAP) workshops are held every January to assist students improve their academic performance in the spring semester. The goal of this workshop is for students to identify challenges that prevented academic success, explore campus resources, re-focus their major and career goals, and connect with University offices. During the workshop, students create an individual academic plan listing specific steps they will take to be academically successful. There will also be representatives from various University offices at each workshop to meet with students. Some of the offices include; Academic Advising Office, Learning Assistance Center, Registrar�s Office, Civic Engagement and Career Development Center, and Office of Financial Assistance. For January 2013, two LEAP workshops will be offered on Sunday, January 13th at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Students can attend the session that best fits their schedule. Residential students who plan to attend a LEAP workshop may request permission from their hall director to move into their rooms on Saturday, January 12th. Only students who have RSVP�d to a LEAP workshop will be allowed to move in early to the residence halls. To sign up for a workshop, please call 210-431-8038 or e-mail Rosalind V. Alderman, Ph.D..

If you are not a first-time freshman, do not need to attend a LEAP workshop or are not a first generation student, we still can be a resource for you to help you excel at St. Mary's. Come by our office, or contact us with any questions you might have regarding your St. Mary's experience.