The University of the Incarnate Word FLIGHT (Financial Literacy, Integrated Guidance and Health career Tracks) program is a transformational university- wide, multi-pronged mentorship program for Hispanic and low income students who might otherwise not complete their degree and graduate. Research shows that a network of mentors, who contribute diverse skills and backgrounds to assist students at varying stages of the college experience, is more effective than one or more stand-alone mentoring programs.

The UIW FLIGHT program includes three activities:

- A FLIGHT Mentoring Center to implement a coordinated mentoring program that affords students access to mentors to guide them to graduation with a developed academic and financial plan.
- A first-year course taught by FLIGHT-certified faculty and embedded in learning communities with FLIGHT-certified peer mentors.
- A health professions pathway guided by a FLIGHT-certified Pre-Health mentor/advisor who works with the Health Professions Advisory Council, which is comprised of undergraduate faculty and mentors who support the pre-health academic programs at UIW.

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

PROGRAM SCALE: Medium-scale (reaches between 10 and 25 percent of its target population)

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Provost office

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Sandra McMakin at mcmakin@uiwtx.edu or 210-832-5602

This First-Year Experience Seminar is a two-credit course that prepares first-time-in-college students to succeed at UIW, get the most out of their college experience and graduate on time. In a small classroom setting, structured lessons tied to the 5 pillars of the University's core mission values (education, truth, faith, service and innovation) will encourage a sense of community, show new students how to use campus resources to ensure a positive transition to UIW, and introduce proven academic success skill development including financial literacy and personal wellness. FYES students participate in service learning to incorporate such experiences as part of their lives at UIW and beyond. Students will navigate the unwritten rules and expectations for success in college through close collaboration with peer mentors embedded in each FYES section. In addition, students will investigate career options and learn a variety of UIW technology tools commonly utilized to further their learning while at UIW.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

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

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Office of the Provost

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Kevin B. Vichcales at vichcales@uiwtx.edu or 2108292759

The Somos Unidos “ One Word Project" is a student success initiative designed to accelerate mentor training and knowledge to support first-generation students and positively increase student retention and graduation rates. In partnership with the UIW FLIGHT Mentor Center, this project further expands UIWs ability to improve outcomes for first-generation students through curricular and co-curricular programming as well as professional development for faculty and staff. The intent is to create a sense of belonging for our students and methods to help students develop confidence and their own voices, ultimately strengthening retention rates amongst first-generation students. The Somos Unidos “ One Word Project seeks to raise the UIW retention rate to its institutional goal of 75% and close the gap each semester between these underserved populations and all other groups combined.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

PROGRAM SCALE: Medium-scale (reaches between 10 and 25 percent of its target population)

PROGRAM OUTCOMES: First-Generation Celebration Survey
64% of respondents identified as first-generation.
19% of respondents usually tell their classmates they are first generation, while 27% only reveal in relevant situations
63% of respondents felt their was more academic support than expected before starting at the university
The most important services most helpful for first generation students were identified as celebration events, advising support, and financial aid support.
A low awareness of support services for first generation students indicates the need for opportunities for the institution to increase efforts to help first generation students know what supports are available.

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Office of Student Success (website to be launched in Fall 2023)

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Dr. Monica Ayala Jimenez at monica.jimenez@uiwtx.edu or 210-805-3005