DuBourg Hall 016314-977-2930slu.edu/pre-college-access-trio
Pre-College, Access and TRIO Programs (PCAT) fosters college and career readiness and success, beginning with pre-college and access programs. PCAT provides advocacy and resources to help students transition into SLU, master academic skills and graduate from SLU. Federally funded TRIO programs are based in PCAT.
Advising and support
Billiken Success Program
Peer mentor program
TRIO McNair Scholars
TRIO Student Support Services
TRIO Educational Talent Search
What is Pre-College, Access and TRIO Programs (PCAT)?
PCAT is made up of passionate personnel dedicated to preparing, retaining and graduating diverse student populations, especially first-generation college students. This occurs through individualized advising, workshops and more. PCAT collaborates with SLU departments and partners with community organizations to provide programming that supports the students we serve to graduation and beyond.
What is PCAT academic advising and support?
Professional, proactive academic advising begins with some students as they enter the Billiken Success Program, while others may begin when they join the TRIO-Student Support Services or McNair Scholars programs. PCAT takes a holistic approach to student advising and looks at both students’ academic and social needs as well as their aspirations beyond SLU. This approach builds on the cornerstone of developing strong, personal connections through frequent contact that includes goal setting, reflection, assessments and more. Frequent contact establishes the familiarity and trust that encourages an open and honest relationship aimed at achieving student success. As advocates and liaisons, advisors help students navigate the world of SLU. PCAT advisors work with their advisees to develop successful strategies for reaching graduation and beyond.
What is the Billiken Success Program (BSP)?
BSP is a year-long learning experience that can benefit new students determined to succeedthrough graduation and beyond. Participants accelerate through the pre-semester JumpStart by implementing a structured learning plan tailored to their skills, interests, and achievements. Success results from a collaborative effort led by the students as they engage resources and opportunities in frequent consultations with their BSP Advisor.
What is the Peer Mentor Program (PMP)?
Peer mentors serve as role models of effective attitudes and behaviors for PCAT freshmen. Academic success, good interpersonal skills and familiarity with SLU help peer mentors develop a personalized approach to mentees’ needs. The PMP helps mentees learn how to have a more successful SLU experience.
What is TRIO?
TRIO is a series of grant programs funded through the U.S. Department of Education. PCAT is home to three TRIO programs: McNair Scholars, Student Support Services and Educational Talent Search.
Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program (McNair Scholars Program) prepares high-achieving sophomores, juniors and seniors for the rigor of graduate study. Students admitted to the program benefit from a variety of educational activities, such as academic workshops, professional development seminars, academic counseling, support with the graduate school application process and assistance with GRE preparation. They are also able to participate in faculty-supervised summer research internships. Developed to support first-generation college students who demonstrate financial need and are traditionally underrepresented in graduate education, the McNair Scholars Program ultimately aims to increase the number of Ph.D. recipients within these populations.
Student Support Services (SSS) works with SLU students who are first-generation college students (meaning neither parent graduated from a four-year institution), come from a low- or modest-income householdor who are registered with disability services. SSS provides students with additional resources and services to help them during their time at SLU. Those resources include academic advising, standing tutoring, financial literacy, cultural programming and more. SSS works to help students achieve their goal of graduation and whatever steps come next.
Educational Talent Search (ETS) works with local middle and high school students who are first-generation college students or come from a low- or modest-income household. ETS helps students achieve their goal of getting into college by providing guidance, tutoring, academic counseling, and life skills.