The SOAR Program has been established to increase success for at-risk incoming students and is designed to support and provide accountability to insure a successful transition to FPU from high school or college.
The SOAR Program gives students one semester to demonstrate academic success at FPU. Failure to demonstrate success, as determined by the SOAR Program guidelines listed below and the SOAR Program committee, will result in administrative withdrawal from the university. The following criteria has been established for students admitted to FPU with a SOAR Program requirement.
Qualifying for the SOAR Program
Students placed in the SOAR Program are students who have been identified as academically at-risk based on their incoming academic profiles, yet there is reason to believe they can be successful under the right conditions.
SOAR Program Requirements
To gain regular admission after the first semester, a SOAR Program student must:
- Meet with his or her first-year mentor/academic advisor weekly for 30 minutes until mid-terms to develop and follow-through with a personalized academic success plan. Meetings will continue until the end of the semester at weekly or bi-weekly intervals (as determined by the first-year mentor/academic advisor).
- Enroll in and receive a passing grade in CP-152L/CP-252L – College Success Strategies.
- Attend two tutoring sessions in the Academic Success Center during the semester.
- Have a very limited number of unexcused absences from classes. Excessive absences are detrimental to student success and will be viewed as a contributing factor if a student is struggling in a class.
- Earn a minimum semester GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale by the end of the first semester.
- Failing Grades: Students should receive an “F” or “NC” in no more than 4 credit hours in the first term of attendance.
- Attend three of the following university activities: College Hour, intramural sports, music/art performances, athletics event, club event, etc. outside of scholarship curricular activities. Work with the first-year mentor/academic advisor to determine what is eligible and verification of attendance.
- Submit grade checks when requested by their first-year mentor/academic advisor.
- Be in good standing with the Campus Life Division (see Student Handbook).
- Be in compliance and have no violations of the Academic Integrity Policy.
- Other requirements may be added with agreement between the SOAR Program and the student involved.
Reviews
Mid-Semester Review
The SOAR Program Committee will meet the week following mid-term break to review progress of SOAR students. At the Mid-Semester Review, the SOAR Committee will determine if:
- the student continues in the SOAR Program until the end of the semester
- if additional support and/or intervention is needed
- if student has not fulfilled the conditions set forth for the SOAR Program and therefore should be administratively withdrawn from classes
End-of-Semester Review
The SOAR Program Committee will meet following final exams to review progress of SOAR students. At the End-of-Semester Review, the SOAR Program Committee will determine if:
- The requirements of the SOAR Program have been met and the student has demonstrated academic success. Program participation is over.
- SOAR Program participation is extended for an additional semester.
- Participant should consider other options for their education and will be either academically disqualified or not allowed to register for the next term.
If the student remains a part of the program for their second semester, another set of mid-semester and end-of-semester evaluations occur in the second semester. Class requirements for the second semester may also apply.
Appeals
Mid-Semester Review Appeal
If revocation at midterm occurs, the student has the right to appeal within three working days of notification to the Associate Dean of HRSS. The Associate Dean of HRSS, in consultation with those staff and faculty who know the student, will make the final decision whether to uphold or overturn the decision. If the revocation is not overturned, the student will be responsible for all charges incurred. Any refund of state, federal, or institutional aid will follow policy as determined by each entity.
End-of-Semester Review Appeal
If revocation or continued status as a SOAR Program participant occurs, the student has the right to appeal within three working days of notification to the Associate Dean of HRSS. The Associate Dean of HRSS, in consultation with those staff and faculty who know the student, will make the final decision whether to uphold or overturn the decision. If the student continues as a SOAR Program participant, a mid-semester and end-of-semester evaluation in the subsequent semester will occur.
The SOAR Program Committee is comprised of the Director of Student Support Services (chair), Director of Traditional Undergraduate Admission, Director of Student Persistence, and the student’s freshmen mentor/academic advisor.
Questions about the SOAR program can be directed to the Director of Traditional Undergraduate Admission at ugadmis@fresno.edu.