Annual Progress Report: University Scholarship Program (USP VI)

The program, which began in Fall 2015, is set to last until September 2019. The objectives of the program include enrolling 45 scholars across Lebanon, respecting gender diversity, and ensuring that students meet LAU admission requirements. As of September 2016, the program has achieved significant milestones. Between April 2016 and June 2016, 24 scholars (53.3%) were on the Distinguished list, with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above, while 10 scholars (22.2%) were on the Honors list, with a cumulative GPA between 3.20 and 3.49. There were no scholars on probation during this period. Similar results were observed between July 2016 and September 2016, with 24 scholars (53.3%) on the Distinguished list and 10 scholars (22.2%) on the Honors list. The program's monitoring plan involves multiple stakeholders, including the Outreach and Civic Engagement (OCE) at LAU, student mentors, academic coordinators, and student support centers. The OCE oversees the execution of the program, supervises orientation, enrichment activities, and media coverage, and works closely with academic coordinators on USP curricular progress. Student mentors are assigned to each scholar to ensure their academic and personal well-being. Academic coordinators closely follow up with scholars and establish direct contact with their classroom professors to track their performance. The program provides support and tutoring to scholars through LAU's student support centers, including the Cooperative Learning Center, the Writing Center, and the Academic Computer Center. Scholars also receive guidance from counselors and professional career and academic advising coordinators in the Deans of Students' Offices. As of the end of Spring 2016 semester, 35 scholars (77.8%) had a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above, while 10 scholars had a cumulative GPA between 2.0 and 2.99. No scholar had a cumulative GPA or major GPA below 2.0. Similar results were observed at the end of Summer 2016 semester, with 38 scholars (84.4%) having a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above and 7 scholars having a cumulative GPA between 2.0 and 2.99. The program's progress is closely monitored, and proper advisory action is taken when necessary. The reports from instructors demonstrate that the USP VI scholars are performing well and progressing normally. The program's success is evident in the scholars' academic achievements, and the program continues to provide support and guidance to ensure their academic and personal well-being.