The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) is committed to validating and supporting
each student’s experience and nurturing a sense of participation, belonging and
empowerment. Our goal is to deliver programs and activities that enable a smooth
transition and encourage participation in university activities and opportunities.
Counselors and staff provide a support network of information and resources to foster
student excellence from their arrival to UCSB to graduation and beyond. The Educational
Opportunity Program is about serving students in a holistic manner – realizing that
exploring and mentoring students on academic, social, career, cultural, financial
and personal issues are all integral to their success. In partnership with other
departments, EOP works to advocate and provide support for broader student issues.
Counselors work with students individually and in group settings to address the
changing student needs presented at each respective class level.
In co-sponsorship with other departments, counselors work with students individually
and through group settings to address broader student issues. EOP coordinates the
following major programs designed to assist students in their transition and immersion
to the university environment.
- EOP Counseling Support Services assist students in clarifying
their academic, career, financial, and personal concerns. Counselors are assigned
a caseload and work with students individually or in workshops designed to address
student issues throughout their college tenure.
- Summer Transitional Enrichment Program (STEP) is a one week
summer residential program that provides incoming EOP frosh with an in-depth orientation
to university services.
- Mentor Program is comprised of currently enrolled
UCSB students, who are trained to help new frosh, transfer and re-entry students
adapt both academically and socially to the University setting. Peers are familiar
with campus life, student group involvement and other support services available
to all students.
- Cultural Services and Resource Centers encourage students to
engage in activities that serve to enrich their academic experience and increase
their awareness by gaining an understanding and appreciation for their own and other’s
culture(s) and for perspectives that may differ from their own experience.