DREAMS Week (Dedication, Responsibility, Engagement, Academics, Motivation, and Success) is a zero week orientation program required of all new students and transfer students with less than 15 successful credit hours. The program began as part of Title V grant activities in 2021. The goal of the program is for students to feel comfortable in their environment, know how to access resources, be introduced to faculty and staff, and be engaged in student life activities while developing academic skills to be successful in college. Each activity falls under one of the target areas represented by the DREAMS acronym. The program covers use of technology, cultural diversity, financial literacy, team building, note taking and study skills, academic and organizational skills, career planning, clubs and organizations, campus tours, and non-academic support services. Student life activities are held throughout the days to help students become acclimated to their campus and engage with other students, faculty, and staff. The program utilizes student mentors to help new students identify people on their campus that can be a resource as they start college. Howard College history and tradition is also covered so that students can begin to understand and relate to being a Hawk. Students are asked to bring their laptop with them but are provided with needed supplies throughout the program. Students are required to stay throughout the day and lunch is provided. The program concludes with a campus "Block Party" that includes all students, faculty, and staff. The Block Party provides lunch, outdoor student activities, music, and more!

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format or has both online and in-person components.

PROGRAM SCALE: Large-scale (reaches more than 25 percent of its intended target population)

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Student Affairs

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Lauren Barber at lbarber@howardcollege.edu or 432-264-5024

The Drop Rate Improvement Program is a scientifically based program developed at Odessa College to answer the question “What factors account for the differences in student drop rates between instructors?” Created from research based on faculty feedback, the program has led to the highest in-class completion rates in the nation. Since its implementation in AY 2011, the Drop Rate Improvement Program has been institutionalized across the instructional division, with intentional support from the Division of Teaching & Learning, where success and drop rates are reviewed for each instructor, every term. The results of this program have led to the reduction of achievement gaps and attainment of equity among all major student demographic groups, across all courses, and instructional delivery methods at Odessa College.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format or has both online and in-person components.

PROGRAM SCALE: Large-scale (reaches more than 25 percent of its intended target population)

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Office of Institutional Effectiveness

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Dr. Janice Hicks, VP of Institutional Effectiveness at jhicks@odessa.edu or 432-335-6342

The Good Life Center is a combination of a food pantry as well as clothing closet designed to be accessible by all students at Howard College. The purpose of this center is to provide resources for students who may be struggling or have a need. Students can gain access to food items if they have a need and they do not have the financial resources to buy themselves snacks or groceries. There is also a full closet with professional and casual clothes. Students needing clothes for professional interviews can come in and pick out an outfit. If a student needs basic clothing items such as winter jackets, jeans, etc. they can get whatever is needed. There is not a base requirement to access this center other than being a Howard College Student. The goal is to help students achieve academic success and help remove barriers to them achieving that success.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

PROGRAM SCALE: Small-scale (reaches fewer than 10 percent of its target population)

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Student Life Department

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Melissa Strain at mstrain@howardcollege.edu or 432-264-5200

Finances can be overwhelming and stressful. When your money starts to work for you instead of you working for your money, you begin to see the impact on your financial wellness. Managing money can be challenging, but we're committed to helping you reach your financial goals by providing you with the tools and knowledge to succeed during your time at Angelo State and into your future. Students have access to iGrad, a financial wellness platform that provides students with courses, tools, webinars and articles on personal finance topics.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format or has both online and in-person components.

PROGRAM SCALE: Small-scale (reaches fewer than 10 percent of its target population)

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Norris-Vincent College of Business

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Christabel Romine at christabel.romine@angelo.edu or 325-486-6599

The Primary Care Pathway Program (PCPP) is a partnership between the University of North Texas Health Science Center, University of North Texas, Midland College and Midland Memorial Hospital. The program seeks to provide physicians in the Midland-Odessa and West Texas region by offering an accelerated pathway from a community college to an osteopathic medical school. Students complete their first two years at Midland College, the third year at the University of North Texas, and the final four years at the University of North Texas Health Science Center-Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. In addition to the accelerated curriculum, the program provides advisement and experiences to prepare students for the rigors of medical school. Ultimately, the program aims to recruit students who wish to practice in the Midland area.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

PROGRAM SCALE: Small-scale (reaches fewer than 10 percent of its target population)

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Mike Kennedy, EdD at Mike.Kennedy@unthsc.edu or 817-735-5026