Strategies that Promote Success Among First-Year Hispanic Males Katie Suhajda Robert Morris University Illinois Vice President for Academic Administration
Robert Morris University Illinois Career-focused Institution Offer stackable degrees Associate Degree to Master Degree Located in urban environment Downtown Chicago, Illinois Hispanic-Serving Institution 28% Hispanic Attend main campus
RMU’s First-Year Hispanic Male Profile PELL-eligible Less than 20 years old Zero transfer hours Non-athlete Works 20-35 hours per week Graduate of Chicago public high school High school GPA between 2.5-2.99 Lives in Chicago Commutes to RMU
Faculty Diverse faculty FYE 101 course Faculty development days Freshmen faculty selection Weekly graded assignment Week 4 cumulative checkpoint Office & tutoring hours
Advising – Academic & Financial Advisors work together in same office Open door policy Bilingual advisors Academic Advisors Weekly contact after orientation Works directly with students Plans courses Meets quarterly with students Financial Advisors Creates financial plans every three quarters Works to create best financial plan Accessibility
Freshmen Year Cohort model 1st quarter Average class size EBL100 – College as a Career Two major courses Average class size 25-30
Matriculation to Sophomore Year
Majors
Summary Career-focused programs Focus on student Achievable, stackable degrees Urban environment location