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Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP)
Title III SIP Grant
The Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) grant serves to enhance institutional
capabilities and promote academic success by providing financial assistance to higher
education institutions dedicated to improving services for low-income students.
East Stroudsburg University (ESU) and the College of Business and Management (COBM) strategically applied for this grant, navigating a meticulous application process to secure $2.5 million.
This substantial funding has been utilized to launch and expand a variety of transformative initiatives aimed at bolstering support for students and faculty, fostering an environment conducive to both academic achievement and personal growth.
Key Initiatives Implemented with SIP Funds
Academic Success Program: This program targets first-year students who show potential but face academic challenges due to their previous educational experiences. Through personalized advising, academic coaching, and strategic interventions, the program helps students navigate their academic journey successfully.
Early Arrival Program: This proactive program enables fifty incoming ESU students to arrive on campus early, helping them acclimate to university life ahead of their peers. It focuses on building strong relationships with faculty, staff, and fellow students, enhancing the students' confidence and establishing a supportive network from the onset of their college experience.
ALANI Reception: The SIP grant sponsors the reception for the ALANI Celebration. The ALANI Celebration acknowledges the value and uniqueness of ESU student experiences and celebrates the transition from collegiate life to professional careers. ALANI serves to recognize the achievements of graduating students while affirming the contributions of family members and classmates.
- ACUE for Faculty Development
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This program equips ESU faculty with effective teaching practices based on the latest educational research. The initiative ensures that faculty members are well-prepared to support student success through high-quality instruction.
- Workforce Development
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This initiative prepares students for the professional world by providing practical experiences and learning opportunities that align with the demands of the business sector. It focuses on bridging the gap between academic theories and real-world applications, ensuring that graduates are ready to make immediate contributions in their respective fields.
- Chatbot
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East Stroudsburg University has integrated a chatbot into some of its web pages, with plans to expand its presence across the entire website. This chatbot provides 24/7 availability and instant responses to inquiries, enhancing user experience by delivering timely and accurate information. Additionally, the chatbot helps manage resources efficiently by handling routine questions, freeing staff for more complex tasks.
- Early Alert Program
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As part of the Warrior Fish initiative, faculty will be trained on the Early Alert program. This training will equip faculty with the skills and tools necessary to identify early signs of declining student performance, such as poor grades, missed assignments, and lack of participation.
Once faculty members recognize these indicators, they can alert the students and refer them to an academic coach. The academic coach will conduct a thorough assessment of the student's challenges and work with them to develop a personalized action plan. This plan may include setting specific academic goals, creating a study schedule, utilizing campus resources such as tutoring and counseling services, and improving time management skills.
- Camtasia and Snagit
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East Stroudsburg University has acquired Camtasia and Snagit, two powerful software tools that significantly enhance educational delivery for both online and in-person courses. Camtasia enables educators to create engaging, high-quality instructional videos complete with interactive elements making it perfect for online learning and a valuable supplement to traditional classroom teaching. Snagit provides simple yet effective screen capture and annotation capabilities, ideal for crafting quick tutorials, visual aids, and student feedback. Both tools are designed to support accessibility, ensuring all students have an improved learning experience. Their user-friendly nature promotes broad adoption among faculty, facilitating the seamless integration of multimedia and interactive content into their teaching strategies.
These initiatives, supported by the SIP grant, highlight East Stroudsburg University's dedication to improving educational opportunities and outcomes for all its students, especially those from underserved communities. By implementing these programs, ESU strives to not only boost retention and graduation rates but also to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success both during their academic careers and in their lives beyond the university.
Looking ahead, ESU intends to capitalize on additional SIP grant funding to introduce innovative projects. These new initiatives will further enrich the university's robust array of student services, enhancing the overall educational experience and increasing opportunities for student success.
Contact Us
Contact Information
- Campus Address
- Rosenkrans East 123A
- Phone:
- (570) 422-3589
- Fax:
- (570) 422-2704 (Fax)
- Title of Department Leader
- Dean College of Business & Management
- Name
- Sylvester E. Williams, IV, JD, MBA, CCLE
- E:
- swilliams@esu.edu