MSI is a jam-packed five-week program held during the month of July exclusively for incoming freshmen students at the University of St. Thomas. The Institute helps our newest Celts prepare for the rigors of UST. When not in class, students build meaningful friendships with fellow incoming freshmen as well as with established Mendenhall Mentors by going on excursions around Houston and activities beyond the classroom.

By the end of July, students will have completed 6 elective credit hours, will have received a head start applying to on-campus jobs, and will be more confident in their abilities to thrive at UST.

Ms. Mendenhall, who founded MSI 15 years ago, gives 30 students in the Institute a $1,000 per semester for up to 8 semesters scholarship. These scholarships are distributed based on need and participation in the program.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

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

PROGRAM OUTCOMES: We have found that students who participate in Mendenhall retain at a significantly higher rate than their peers. Our Mendenhallers retain at about a 94% rate and go on to graduate higher than their peers as well. Additionally, our students assume leadership roles more regularly than their peers because of their level of comfort with the institution.

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Amanda Villanueva, Dean of Students Office

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Amanda Villanueva at ingersa@stthom.edu or 713-525-3512

The University of St. Thomas (UST) Rising Stars Internship Program is designed to serve disadvantaged students with the resources they need to succeed in their academic endeavors while gaining hands-on experience to prepare them for the workforce upon graduation. Students in the Rising Stars program are paired with a corporate sponsor and work as an intern during the academic year to earn funds toward tuition. The funds from the internship, combined with the Rising Stars scholarship, and federal and state educational grants, allow students to attend UST with a little out-of-pocket cost for tuition.Through the Rising Stars program, students are empowered to reach their academic and personal goals by staying enrolled in and graduating from UST, along with developing the skills needed to be successful in a corporate environment. The Rising Stars Internship Program supports its students’ success through customized programming, professional development training, mentorship opportunities, and educational experiences.

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)

PROGRAM OUTCOMES: The retention rate for first generation/low S.E.S. students in the program exceeds 87%. Furthermore, there is an incremental increase in GPA of .10 for students that stay in the program.

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Marketing & University Relations

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Daniel Garcia at garciads@stthom.edu or 281-306-9579

Our St. Thomas Promise is a huge opportunity allowing eligible students to attend at no cost and will change their lives and financial situations! The program is right in line with the University of St. Thomas Catholic mission.

Eligibility Requirements

Incoming, first-time college students with a 3.4 or higher GPA* who are from families with annual incomes of $50,000 or less may take advantage of this offer; OR
Incoming transfer students with a college GPA of 3.5 of higher who are from families with annual incomes of $50,000 or less may take advantage of this offer.

Eligible students must be a Texas resident and must file the FAFSA form and must be eligible for federal and state aid. UST’s FAFSA Code is 003654. This St. Thomas Promise of free tuition also includes free tutorial services plus a student success coach to help ensure a successful transition to college.

The St. Thomas Promise is renewable for up to four years, providing family income remains in the same qualifying range.

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 Scholarships and Financial Aid

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Lynda McKendree at mckendla@stthom.edu or 713 525 2151

This UST VETSTART project has been specifically designed to improve veteran students' social, emotional, academic, and career development, with a focus on underserved students. This is done by developing and supporting educator as well as instittutional capacity to support social and emotional learning and development that is trauma-informed. Specially trained consultants, educators and trainers, will deliver timely, theory-based instruction and training to UST faculty and staff to ensure they are able to deliver the highest-quality services to veterans. Faculty and staff will be learning about appropriate veteran support related to violence and trauma specific to veterans. The project will establish a professional veteran student support team. Students will also receive specialized coaching support based on the Bettinger and Baker theory, remedial math and writing "catch-up" courses, wrap-around services and referrals, counseling and other campus support for veteran students.

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: Veteran Success Center

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Chio Sheppard at chio.sheppard@stthom.edu or 713-525-2101

The Accelerate Planning Grant provided the Watermark Student Success and Engagement Software and stipends to faculty and staff to learn and utilize the system. The grant also made it possible to train on cultural assets to increase Hispanic male and Asian male student success, cultivating a new focus on student success at UST. Specifically, this effort is meant to increase student retention and graduation rates among Hispanic males, Asian males and the entire undergraduate student body overall while creating a culture of student success informed by student success software driven by proven data analytics.

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 the Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs (UST AVPAA)

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Janice Adamson Splawn, MSM, CFRE at adamsoj@stthom.edu or 281 382 5914