Develop and deploy a student success program that supports first-generation students (up to 47% of UNST’s FRINQ class), but supports all student’s at PSU. As part of our efforts to build resources and capacity to help students succeed, the University Studies has developed the U.Connect, an online learning and resources system, which includes a public website with wealth of information about what students need to be successful and a password protected site as an additional interactive tool to aid students in their academic work. U.Connect will allow for greater interaction between students, mentors, faculty and staff, as well as better students' connection to resources and opportunities on campus. See http://www.uconnect.unst.pdx.edu

We are focused on better understanding student experience and performance in Freshman year and factors influencing retention and persistence to Sophomore year. The results of this initiative are shared with PSU faculty and administration. The project is done in collaboration with OIRP.

University Studies is expanding the use of eportfolios to all levels of the program. Student specific portfolios are created by all Freshman Inquiry students. This year we will pilot the use of portfolios in Sophomore Inquiry courses. In year1 of this project capstone faculty created course portfolios in 27% of Capstone courses. We intend to expand the portfolios to 50% of the courses. Miller Grant funded project, "Expanding and Enhancing Sustainability in the UNST Curriculum," cluster courses will also develop course portfolios modeled after the Capstone portfolios. Global Perspectives and Sustainability clusters will be developed as part of cluster redesign.

High School Senior Inquiry Program includes teaching PSU’s Freshman Inquiry to high school seniors. Our effort will focus on increasing the college enrollment and success of first-generation college attendees and students from historically under-represented groups in concurrent-enrollment programs in partnership with Hillsboro, Beaverton and Portland school districts. This is a self support program.