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  4. Triton Sophomore Scholars

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Triton Sophomore Scholars Program

Triton Sophomore Scholars was a pilot summer program (introduced in summer 2017) designed to support rising sophomores achieve success as they pursue their four-year plan to degree at UC San Diego. During the 10 weeks of the program, scholars will experience a comprehensive approach to college life by focusing on one course per summer session, living on campus, and connecting with faculty, staff, students, and university resources.

Scholars form a residential learning community to bolster their sense of belonging as Tritons and foster life-long friendships and connections. The learning community will include academic and social activities. Scholars will enroll in two 4-unit courses over two summer sessions that are critical to their degree progress. The Academic Achievement Hub provides scholars with individualized and structured academic support, including Supplemental Instruction and tutoring, personalized learning assessments and goal setting, study skills instruction, contact with faculty and staff, and peer mentoring from experienced upper-division students. The Career Center works with scholars to identify on-campus employment opportunities aligned with their individual educational and professional goals.

Selection Criteria

This program is a closed, invite-only program. Students who meet the criteria of the program will be invited to submit application materials. Student invitation lists are determined by institutional data, including

    • Must be a full-time first-year freshman, admitted in fall term of the current academic year
    • Must take one of the following courses in fall quarter of freshman year
    • Must have completed 12 units or fewer in fall quarter in your first academic year.
    • Must be enrolled in 12 units or fewer in winter quarter in your first academic year.
    • Must be in good academic standing with a GPA in fall quarter of 2.0 or above.
    • Must be in good academic standing with a GPA in winter quarter of 2.0 or above
    • Must be in good academic standing with a GPA in spring quarter of 2.0 or above (Note: offers to participate will be rescinded if GPA fall below 2.0.)
    • Students who do not maintain a term GPA and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above throughout their first academic year, or who are on academic probation, or who are subject to disqualification will be excluded.

Participation Criteria

Students invited to participate in the Triton Sophomore Scholars Program will be required to

  • meet with their college advisor or major department advisor in spring quarter to determine summer course enrollment
  • take one 4-credit course in summer session 1 and one 4-credit course in summer session 2
  • take courses during summer sessions 1-2 that meet either major or general education requirements. 
  • meet regularly with their peer mentor
  • attend all program activities scheduled for the Triton Sophomore Scholars Program
  • maintain a GPA of 2.0 or above in summer session 1 and in summer session 2

Community-Building Events

Students will participate in activities that build community in a fun, low-stress environment so they start the fall academic term with a strong network of support. Past activities have included

  • Campus Scavenger Hunt
  • Challenge Course
  • Independence Day Block Party
  • Birch Aquarium Field Trip
  • Backyard Boogie
  • Culture Night
  • Therapy Fluffies
  • Pool Day
  • Karaoke & Games Night
  • Knowledge Bowl
  • Movie Night
  • Dance

The pilot program continued beyond the initial summer program. The 2017-18 academic year support includes the following through the efforts of the Academic Achievement Hub:

  • Continue to address and educate students about academic issues through programming and individual or small group conversations with the Triton Achievement Partners Learning Strategists.
  • Encourage students’ involvement in activities through small group meetings and programs sponsored by the Triton Achievement Partners and in collaboration with academic departments, residence life staff, student government/association, campus organizations, etc.
  • Participate in purposeful intervention strategies with students by utilizing knowledge of the phases of student development during the second year of college.
  • Facilitate continued connections between second-year students and the university community through the existing faculty mentor program, informal meetings between faculty and students, and other mechanisms.
  • Provide opportunities to build life skills in areas such as stress management and a sense of belonging through collaborations with campus departments, e.g. CAPS, and community centers.
  • Continue supporting second-year students in improving their university culture by referring them to appropriate academic resources.
  • Continue to assist second-year students in their recently achieved success in navigating the university’s cultural values.

Data is being collected and analyzed to measure the effectiveness of the pilot program and to determine next steps.