The Success Scholars program is a support program for first-generation and/or underrepresented college students* at The University of Tampa. *A first-generation college student is defined as a student whose parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have not completed a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college or university. This means the student is the first in their family to attend a four-year college/university to attain a bachelor’s degree. An underrepresented student is one who identifies as an ethnicity or race other than Caucasian.  

Being first-generation is a very proud accomplishment! A strong support system can make a big difference in how students navigate the changes and challenges the college experience brings and will be a factor in finding their success at UT. We recognize students will bring several assets to campus and will face unique experiences as they begin this exciting journey; we look forward to supporting them and bringing this community together as Spartans!

This program, which grew out of the grant-funded Helios Scholars program, provides social, academic and financial support to assist first-generation and underrepresented students in their adjustment to campus life. Students who opt-in to the program will participate in social activities, workshops, academic support programs, service opportunities and maintain regular contact with their peer mentors. The Success Scholars program is recognized as a First-Gen Forward institution by the NASPA Center for First-generation Student Success for its commitment to first-generation student success.

Mission:

• The mission of the Success Scholars program is to ensure that students from diverse backgrounds and experiences have proactive support and co-curricular engagement to encourage retention and graduation from UT.  

Vision: 

• To ensure students from diverse backgrounds graduate at or above the institution's general graduation rate. 
• Have a culture of belonging where students can engage their interests, grow their understanding of inclusion and show up authentically within the UT community.
• Be a premier peer mentoring program structured to grow the interpersonal confidence of both mentees and mentors while developing skills and abilities around academics and providing clarity around life after UT.  

Goals:

• To increase retention and success by supporting students as they transition to and navigate the University of Tampa. We will achieve this by exposing students to academic resources, developing intentional interventions, fostering a community that leads to inclusion and belonging, goal setting and data tracking and analysis.    

Objectives:

• Provide support and resources to help students adjust and thrive academically at UT.
• Provide mentoring support to students from diverse backgrounds.
• Introduce students to resources available in the Tampa Bay area.
• Encourage proactive goal setting.
• Support students in developing a peer community at UT.
• Encourage team building and leadership development among mentors.