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Being successful is learning how to adapt and excel in the face of difficulty and change, and this year is providing some excellent opportunities, said MaKesha Harris Lee, EdD, assistant director for Pre-Collegiate Programs at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. 

Harris Lee opened the second year of the SIUE Summer Success Program (SSP) on Monday, July 6. She devised and designed the program with the goal of helping first-generation college students be successful in the transition from high school to college. The inaugural session was held during summer 2019. 

This year, the five-week program is being held online. Fourteen students are divided into two groups, with the program running from 9:15 a.m.-4:15 p.m. Monday-Friday, Aug. 7. The graduation ceremony will be announced at a later date. 

“The program is open to a select cohort of newly admitted first-year students who demonstrate a financial need or hardship, and those who may self-identify as first-generation college students,” said Harris Lee. 

“For most students, beginning the college process can be scary,” said Fannie Acoff, SSP program coordinator. “Imagine being a student who graduated from a small high school or a student who will move two or more hours away from home to attend a mid-size university. This can cause various levels of stress and anxiety. Students who embrace their new environment and become actively involved in campus life early on, are often those who will be successful in graduating from college, barring any family or financial barriers.” 

The three major components of the SSP entail academics, campus resources and social development. 

The program involves various SIUE staff members leading discussions. Topics will include:

• Self-Advocacy with Jeffrey Spinks, lecturer in Learning Support Services
• Campus Safety with Prince Robertson, student conduct advisor in the Office of Student Affairs
• Avoiding the Freshman 15 with Kelly Atkins, assistant director in Academic Advising
• Real Talk Student Panel with students from the 2019 SSP serving as panelists 

Students will also complete the (Academic Development) AD 115 Study Skills Course with Jeff Spinks and their General Education requirement for Health Experience through the Midday Learning Sessions, according to Harris Lee. 

“In addition, students will build a peer network with their cohort and establish relationships with campus leaders, all while becoming more familiar with campus resources,” said Dominique Peel, SSP graduate assistant. “The program positions students for what we want most for them – favorable outcomes.” 

“This program is being implemented through scrupulous and intentional planning,” said Karagan Romoser, graduate assistant for Pre-Collegiate Programs. “We have created various online lessons and activities for the students. We will be using PowerPoint presentations, Zoom, Doodle Poll, Kahoot!, YouTube and various other online resources. Our goal is to have students understand SIUE policies and procedures, be able to successfully complete their first full year, get good grades and eventually graduate!” 

“I am quite pleased with how our program is unfolding,” said Harris Lee. “As we correspond more and more via Teams and Zoom, it is interesting to see how the students are quickly opening up. Building positive relationships and rapport virtually has already proven to be much easier than I first imagined. The students are going to shine as new cougars, and I cannot wait to meet them in person.” 

Photos:
Heading up this year’s SIUE Summer Success Program are Makesha Harris Lee, EdD, program creator and assistant director for Pre-Collegiate Programs (left) and Fannie Acoff, SSP program coordinator. 

Fourteen incoming SIUE freshmen are participating online in the 2020 SSP.