1. Educational Opportunity Program
SUNY Ulster County Community College

2. History of the EOP Program
Was established in the late 1960’s
Currently exists at 45 campuses
Total graduates number over 44,000
Most continue to work and contribute to New York State’s economic and social fabric

3. What is the purpose of the EOP Program?
Provide access to college for disadvantaged students who show the potential to succeed despite poor preparation and limited financial resources
Provide the students a structured support and enrichment program including counseling and tutoring
Give financial assistance to program students
Collect, analyze and report data pertaining to student enrollment and performance

4. What are the eligibility criteria?
New York State resident for 12 months prior to enrollment
Demonstrate potential for completing a college program
In need of financial assistance within established income guidelines
Exceptions can be made to income eligibility criteria based on warranted unusual and extenuating circumstances with supporting documentation

5. Economic Eligibility Chart 09/10
Household Size
Category A
Category B
Category C 1
15,590
21,000
23,710 2
26,410
29,120 3
26,420
31,830
34,540 4
37,240
39,950 5
42,650
45,360 6
48,060
50,770 7
53,470
56,180

6. Structure of EOP Program at SUNY Ulster County Community College
EOP Director
Two half time EOP counselors
EOP clerical assistant
142 students for the Academic Year
145 students in the year

7. Demographics of Ulster EOP population-2008/2009
58% 1st year students - 42% 2nd year students
10% African American
10% Hispanic
2.5% Asian/Pacific Islander
57% female
13 EOP graduates in 2008

8. Experience of an EOP Student
Students are identified during the July-August enrollment period
Students are packaged with EOP funds and assigned to a counselor
All EOP students meet with the EOP Director to initially sign an EOP agreement and be advised on the program expectations and benefits
EOP students’ academic progress is monitored through the use of the “Early Alert” system and an end-of-semester review

9. EOP Services – Direct Aid
All EOP students are given a direct aid grant of $100-$400 based on unmet financial need
This is money that applies to both semesters of the academic year and does not need to be repaid
Included as part of the students’ financial aid package

10. EOP Services - Tutoring
Times Squared: The Math Place – math tutoring center with peer and professional tutors available. Help available in topics from Pre-Algebra to Calculus
The Writing Center – Tutors available to assist students with writing assignments applicable to any class, not just English courses. Students accommodated on a drop-in basis
Student Services Center – Study skills resources are available at no charge to the student

11. EOP Services - Counseling
EOP Director and EOP Counselors are available to counsel students in financial, academic and personal school related issues
Career Counseling - available through the Student Services Center. Job search letters, interview skills, and job search strategies are some of the topics covered
Transfer Counseling - available through the Transfer Office. Transfer procedures, program information, resource books and application assistance are available

12. EOP Workshops Workshops are offered in both Fall and Spring Semesters
Co-Sponsored with Student Support Services
Scheduled during the student weekly “activity hour”
EOP students attend at least one workshop per semester
Fall 200 topics include: What is my Learning Style?, Time Management, Career Services, Understanding Financial Aid and Study Skills/Note Taking

13. EOP Events
EOP Awards Ceremony – Occurs in the spring semester. The ceremony is hosted by the college President, Dr. Donald Katt. Students are honored for their academic achievements.