Statistics from a mentoring program implemented in Fall 2006 at the University of 棉花糖直播 at Lafayette indicate the program is helping students succeed.
Designed to provide academic support to 100 first time freshmen who do not meet regular admission criteria, the program consists of faculty and staff serving as mentors to students.
This group of students earned average GPAs that were close to the same as students who met admissions requirements. According to the Registrar鈥檚 Office, the average GPA of students in the mentoring program was 2.48 after the fall semester. Students admitted by regular admissions posted an average GPA of 2.52.
The average GPA of students who did not meet admissions requirements and did not participate in the mentoring program was 2.05.
鈥 These numbers show that the mentoring program is having an impact on these students,鈥 said Jennifer Hightower, executive director of the Office for Campus Diversity. Her office implemented the program. 鈥淭hese students are on par in terms of average GPAs with students who met admissions requirements. We are definitely excited about these results.鈥
Other stats from the mentoring program show that mentored students on average passed 12 hours of credit while students meeting admissions requirements average 13 hours. Students who did not meet admissions requirements and did not participate in the mentoring program averaged 10 hours.
Willie Ricks of Houma is one of the students in the mentoring program. He is being mentored by Dean of Students Edward Pratt, a strong believer in mentoring.
鈥 The program allows for students to have an immediate attachment to the university as well as a person who cares about their success,鈥 said Pratt. 鈥淭hey have direct access to information, someone to bounce ideas off of, someone to clarify things that may be confusing for a first time freshman.鈥
Ricks, a newcomer to the Lafayette area, said Pratt provided valuable information about UL Lafayette as well as extra curricular activities. As a result, Ricks recently decided to major in Biology and will attend a meeting of the Pre-professional Society this week.
Currently, the pair have plans to meet every Tuesday to discuss Ricks' plans as he tackles the spring semester carrying 16 hours of course work. Pratt said he knows that Ricks wants to succeed.
鈥 He does not want to let himself down, nor does he want to let his parents down; I think I add to that list,鈥 Pratt said.
Ricks also wants to set a good example for his younger brother.
鈥 Everything I do, he does, so if I stay away from drugs and stay off the streets, finish college, that will be what he wants to do. I am in college for him,鈥 he said.
He said he is proud to have finished his first semester. 鈥淚 have a lot to improve on, but I learned a lot,鈥 he said.
Pratt echoed his accomplishment noting that he finished his first semester with above average grades and is looking forward to the spring semester. 鈥淚 am excited about his schedule for the spring because he is excited about it. He has strong courses and he wants it. He is determined, motivated and confident and he will do well.鈥
Ricks said he is glad that he met Pratt and that aside from academics they can share a love for football and the outdoors. 鈥淚 hope that one day I can be a doctor, making lots of money, having a nice family, and be able to thank Dean Pratt,鈥 Ricks said.