2010 annual report - Texas Southern University

Renaissance AcademicsHouston Endowment Provides Support for Pilot Launch of Urban Academic VillageHouston Endowment, the city of Houston’s pre-eminent philanthropic organization, recently awarded a $2.74 million grant to TexasSouthern University to conduct a pilot study of the University’s new Urban Academic Village. The freshman and sophomore enhancementprogram aims to increasing retention and improving graduation rates. The grant will cover $1 million in renovations for theresidence halls and $1.74 million to develop and implement the academic enhancement and evaluation programs.To be considered for participation in the Urban Academic Village, students must have met the University’s basic admissionsrequirements, be enrolled full time, and commit to participating in allenhancement and outreach activities throughout the first two years ofthe program.As residents of the Urban Academic Village, approximately 1/3 of the2011 freshman class will be closely tracked throughout their first year.The tracking will be used to compare these students to the rest of thefreshman class at Texas Southern to determine what adjustments, if any,should be made. With new resources in place to support their success,students of the program should be well equipped to adjust and handle therigors of life in the Urban Academic Village. Through a three-prongedapproach, the new program will provide students with educational supportthat includes:EXPANDED COMMON AREASBy redesigning an existing residence hall, TSU will increase the amount of space thatis designated for student use, creating places where students may socialize with likemindedpeers. In these newly expanded common areas, students of the Urban AcademicVillage will have the opportunity to share ideas and bond with their peers – students whoare also committed to intellectual growth.NEW COMPUTER LABSState-of-the-art computer labs will be accessible to the students of the Urban AcademicVillage 24/7, providing them with a convenient location to complete term papers andconduct research. The labs will provide a safe environment for late night studying.FACULTY AND COUNSELOR APartMENTSTSU faculty and staff in residence will provide support for incoming freshmen as theyadjust to campus life. Accessible around-the-clock, these mature residents will offerstudents extra support.7