Each summer, incoming freshmen accepted into Farmingdale State College via the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) participate in a three-week summer bridge program. For the last two summers, the program has been conducted in a remote environment where students develop their academic skills allowing them to transition successfully to college. During the summer of 2021, students were on-campus for the first and last days of the program. Incoming first-year students had the opportunity to interact with Dr. Kevin Jordan, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence, and other members of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Advisory Council. This workshop allowed the incoming freshman class to become exposed to various resources such as the DEI Advisory Council, NAACP, and other support services to enable the students to be culturally inclusive and feel welcomed. From this workshop, students were asked to share with Dr. Jordan and DEI Advisory Council what they would bring to the campus and what ideas do you have for this campus? 

 

In addition, EOP embraced the concept of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with its incoming freshman through a group project. The group project required students to research issues that first-year students face, such as Finding Balance, Meeting New People/Getting Involved, Adjusting Academically, and Communication Skills. The purpose of the group projects was to help build bonds with each other outside of class and engage creatively. 

 

For the 2021-22 academic year, it is the goal of the EOP to embrace DEI throughout its activities and partnerships. For example, EOP partnered with Student Activities on Thursday, September 30th, to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. Furthermore, EOP will partner with the Nexus Center and the RAM Program to feed families for the Holiday season through a food drive. In addition, EOP will observe World Diabetes Day on November 15th by wearing blue and World Aids Day on December 1st by wearing red.  

The EOP at Farmingdale State College is designed to provide the opportunity of a college education to capable students who are historically disadvantaged due to limited financial resources and inadequate academic preparation. Throughout their years at Farmingdale, EOP students are provided ongoing support services and resources to help insure their collegiate success. 

 

-Alicia L Cesar