Retention Programs
In keeping with REACH's third goal, improving university persistence rates for undergraduate students is a significant focus of our work. Below are the numerous programs and services that REACH offers to help fulfill this goal.
Our Retention Programs include:
REACH Ambassadors
Please go to the Peer Mentoring & Advice page for more information on the REACH Ambassadors.
GEN 105 For College Reading
Please go to the GEN 105 page for more information on improving college reading skills.
REACHout Celebrations
REACHout events provide an opportunity for REACH to promote its academic services and programs to the general student population. REACH provides candy, snacks, and drinks to students in the Strickler Hall lobby. There are also handouts with program and seminar schedules for students to take. Photos from REACHout events and other activities are available in the Photo Gallery. Find out more about the REACHout Program.
Student Success Seminars
REACH is all about academic success! This becomes evident in the emphasis placed upon the acquisition and refinement of college-level study strategies.
The term "study strategies" refers to those behaviors, practices and habits that enable students to become more efficient and effective learners for maximum academic success. The strategies presented have been demonstrated to improve learning, memory, and retention. Students are encouraged to employ them in their studies and in preparation for their tests.
The Student Success Seminars provide an overview and examples of appropriate strategies for university students to incorporate into their various content areas-options which assure student success while allowing students to address their preferred learning style.
Please go to the Student Success Seminars page from more information.
Porter LYFE program
What is the Porter LYFE Program?
This program is offered for first-year Porter Scholars during their first semester at the University of Louisville. A collaborative program between the Cultural Center and REACH, the Porter LYFE Program seeks to assist new Porter Scholars to make the required 3.0 GPA during their first fall semester. The program offers supplemental advising, planning to meet semester academic goals, and academic support.
What are the benefits of the Porter LYFE Program?
First-year students often experience a transition from high school to college. College places new and additional demands on students' time management skills, academic preparation incised and outside of the classroom and the academic rigor of college may challenge even the most successful high school student. This program assists scholarship students to meet these challenges and to discipline themselves to college life in order to make the grades needed to retain the Porter Scholarship.
What assistance is offered?
- A specially designed seminar is presented to students in Porter College before classes even begin to ensure they know appropriate study skills to use to meet their academic goals. Students will complete the LASSI Assessment to determine their strengths and challenges as a new college student. Professional staff from REACH will assist students in creating an academic support plan based on their fall course schedule. Peer mentors will advise students by speaking about their own Porter experiences and answering their questions about college academics and college life.
- Students will benefit from individual “coaching” with a professional staff member working in the REACH Academic Development Office (ADS) in 3 appointments to be scheduled throughout the 2010 fall semester. Students' ADS will help them conduct their academic support plan, advise them on personal and time management concerns, and will be available to advocate for them with campus services and support.
- REACH will provide free study sessions, test reviews or tutoring for each of students most challenging general education courses for the 2012 Spring semester.
Program Requirements?
- Students should attend all sessions planned for the Porter LYFE Program and complete the pre-LASSI assessment and an academic support plan to use for my first college semester.
- Students should schedule and attend three appointments with their ADS to discuss the results of the pre-LASSI and to follow-up on their academic support plan.
- Students should attend and participate in all class sessions each week for all enrolled courses.
- Students should attend and participate in all REACH study sessions and suggested tutoring services indicated by their academic support plan.
- Students should attend and participate in any additional campus services that will assist them to accomplish their personal and academic goals.
- Students should be willing to consider new study habits and life style changes and to change unsuccessful study behaviors based on the advice and mentoring offered by the ADS, student leaders in REACH, and by the Porter Scholar Office.
Finals Blitz
Finals Blitz is students' opportunity to take advantage of the free tutoring, test reviews and study skills services that REACH provides for all undergraduate students. Special small group tutoring, Test Reviews, Supplemental Instruction, and Learning Assistance sessions are offered during the last week of class and the final exam period.
Academic Mentoring by Request
Contact Mark Woolwine or call 852-2320 for more information.
