Educational Opportunity Program

 

The Roots of EOP	The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) came into being as a direct result of the civil rights and student movements of the 1960s. In 1969, federal legislation designed to encourage the inclusion of low-income and educationally disadvantaged students in higher education was passed. This ruling, entitled the Educational Opportunity Act, enabled non-traditional students with the potential to succeed academically to enroll in college with the assurance of support services and assistance never before available. [TOP]
What is EOP?	The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) within the Division of Enrollment & Student Academic Services (ESAS) provides a comprehensive array of services to support student success at Sonoma State University with graduation as the goal for all EOP students. EOP Advisors provide academic, career, and personal advising to EOP students. Advisors assist students with concerns regarding housing, financial aid and balancing college with personal life demands while meeting graduation requirements. [TOP]
Am I eligible for EOP?	To be considered you must: have a history of low family income; have demonstrated potential and motivation to succeed in college; be a California resident; be an undergraduate. [TOP]
Who should apply for EOP?	You! If you are a... High school graduate or community college transfer who meets regular admission requirements but who will require EOP support services to succeed in college; High school graduate who might not meet regular admission requirements but demonstrates potential for success at Sonoma with EOP support services. [TOP]
How do I apply to the University and to EOP?	All applicants must submit all of the following materials before finalizing admission to EOP: The CSU application for admission; $55 application fee or request a fee waiver form; High school transcripts and/or college transcripts from all schools attended; Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT) scores; EOP Supplementary Application forms. Starting Fall 2006, Sonoma only requires EOP Forms 1 & 2. Students who do not meet Sonoma's admission criteria may be required to submit additional material. If you would like to request the EOP Supplementary Application, call (707) 664-2779. [TOP]
How does EOP help me?	EOP provides students with the necessary support for a successful undertaking of a college education. Advisors can help you . . . FIND information about academic policies and procedures. OBTAIN effective referrals to appropriate departments and offices. CLARIFY general education and graduation requirements. LEARN about SSU and university life. MONITOR progress toward completion of your degree. GET advice regarding program changes, new academic and career opportunities, and special programs. OBTAIN assistance in the decision-making process for declaring your major. GET advice if you're experiencing academic difficulty, or have been academically disqualified. [TOP]
What about Financial Assistance for EOP Students?	The financial aid process is separate from that of admission to EOP. There is limited aid available for the many eligible students. Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. To be considered for all aid available, we strongly urge you to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) during the month of January for the school year following. Contact the SSU Financial Aid Office (707) 664-2389 for assistance. The EOP program does not award grant aid directly to students. However, only students who are admitted into EOP will be considered for EOP Grants by Sonoma's Financial Aid Office. EOP students who qualify for financial aid may receive an EOP grant along with the other sources of aid they might be eligible for. EOP Grants will be awarded only as long as funds are available. In addition, there are a number of scholarships available. Contact Sonoma's Scholarship Office for information (707) 664-2261. [TOP]
What is the Summer Bridge Program?	The Summer Bridge Program is designed to smooth the way for newly admitted Freshmen who could benefit from (a) an academic transition program between high school and college. The primary focus of the program is to strengthen academic skills in writing, reading, mathematics, and computer skills. In addition, the program?s Personal Development and Recreational components are integrated to facilitate a supportive community for the Summer Bridge participants. This supervised residential program is free of charge and provides an experience of college life. If specially admitted to Sonoma, EOP students are required to participate in Summer Bridge. All other EOP admitted students are encouraged to apply to the program. Contact the SAS Advising Center (707) 664-2427 for more information. [TOP]
What does EOP expect of me?	You will need to: Meet regularly with your assigned EOP advisor. First time Freshmen must enroll and complete Univ 102, Freshmen Seminar. [TOP]