The Compact for Academic Excellence:

1
The Compact for Academic Excellence

• A Targeted African American Male
• Retention Initiative

2
The Vision 2015

• African American male students will consistently
  demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence
  evidenced by enhanced graduation and retention
  rates, and greater satisfaction with the college
  experience.

3
The Need
4
Program Objectives

• Increase the six-year graduate rate of African
  American males to 40
• Increase the first, second and third-year
  retention rates of African American males
• Develop strategic outreach efforts to African
  American males in grades 7-12.

5
The Plan Phase I - Outreach

• Develop an effective system of outreach to
  students in grades 7-12
• Develop Partners in Excellence agreements with
  Blytheville, Osceola, West Memphis and Forrest
  City High Schools
• Establish Summer Camps in the areas of Math,
  Reading, Science and Business/Entrepreneurship

6
The Plan Phase II Campus Preparation

• Develop a two-week bridge program prior to
  first semester
• Areas of emphasis
• Campus operations and procedures
• Meet faculty and staff
• Assignment of Mentors
• Assessment of Abilities
• Schedule Evaluation
• Academic Workshops

7
The Plan Phase III

• Develop a Center for Academic Excellence for
  Freshmen Students
• Sole Purpose is to enhance the academic success
  of African American male students
• Hire a program coordinator, two academic
  advisors, and two graduate assistants

8
The Plan Phase III

• Programmatic Functions
• Scheduling and Advising
• Monitoring Student Progress
• Implement Academic Success Workshops
• Develop Tutoring Programs

9
The Plan Phase III

• Programmatic Functions Cont
• Mentoring Programs
• Peer Big Brother, Big Sister Program
• Social and Personal/Professional Development
  Activities
• Residence Hall Initiatives

10
Expected Results

• Graduation rates for African American males equal
  to those of general student body
• Retention rates equal to those of the general
  student body
• Increased satisfaction with the college experience