2nd floor, Student Resource Building
Telephone: (805) 893-4758
Fax: (805) 893-3656
Executive Director: Pete Villareal

Director : Pete Villarreal
E-Mail : villarreal-p@sa.ucsb.edu
Web Site : http://www.sa.ucsb.edu/eop

Pre-Enrollment Programs.

The Educational Opportunity Program provides undergraduates with guidance through the admissions and enrollment process. The activities offered include advising students in the area of Admissions, Housing, Financial Aid and campus life resources, assisting students with deadlines, as well as sponsoring a one day spring conference to educate parents of newly admitted students on issues affecting their son or daughter.

Summer Transitional Enrichment Program (STEP) is a two-week, pre-college, summer residential program that provides incoming EOP freshmen with an in-depth orientation to university life and support services. All students enroll in a writing, math and/or chemistry course taught by faculty and graduate students. In addition to academic courses, students participate in a “Transitions” course that teaches critical thinking and study skills. STEP is coordinated in collaboration with the College of Letters and Science, College of Engineering, Campus Learning Assistance Services, Counseling and Career Services, Math Achievement Program, Orientation, and the Writing Program.

EOP Counseling Support Services assist students in clarifying their academic, career, financial, and personal concerns. Students are referred to other departmental professionals when necessary. Counselors are assigned a caseload and work with students individually or in workshops designed to address student issues throughout the year. The following are examples of group programming topics: academic advising, relationship concerns, transfer/re-entry transition issues, and graduate school and career preparation. These activities are often co-sponsored with other departments. In addition, staff may serve as campus-required advisors to one or more student organizations or pre-professional interest groups.

Cultural Services. EOP celebrates diversity though its African American, American Indian, Asian American and Chicano/Latino Cultural Services and cultural centers. Each cultural service and their affiliated student organizations design programs and events around each community’s cultural calendar. Cultural programs encourage students to engage in activities that serve to enrich their academic experience, and increases their awareness, understanding and appreciation for their own and other culture(s).

Peer Advisor Program. This is comprised of currently enrolled UCSB students who are trained to work as a team with EOP Counselors to assist new frosh, transfer and re-entry students adapt both academically and socially to the University setting. Peer advisors also work with continuing students in their preparation for the job market or graduate/professional school planning activities. They are familiar with campus life, student organizations and support services and play a primary role in getting EOP students to utilize EOP and campus resources.

Academic Mentorships provide students with opportunities to participate in research projects with faculty. The goal is to increase the number of students pursuing advanced degrees and selecting academia as a career option. EOP works closely with the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Office in the College of Letters and Science to assist students in finding opportunities for research. For more information, contact Nan Anderson at 893-2319 or at n-anderson@ltsc.ucsb.edu

Faculty members meet and interact with new frosh during STEP and the school year. Math department, Writing Program and chemistry faculty have been participating in examining and providing new academic services to EOP students in a collaborative environment. We invite you to utilize our department as a vehicle for interacting with students.