Semi-Annual Progress Report: University Scholarship Program (USP III)

The program, which began in Fall 2013, is set to last until September 2018. The agreement with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) started on September 18, 2012. As of September 2016, a total of 400 scholarships have been disbursed to-date, with 242 scholars currently enrolled in the program. The total number of scholars who graduated to-date under the program is 146, with 85 of them employed. A total of 80 scholars have dropped out throughout the entire program duration. The program's objectives include enrolling 85 financially needy and academically qualified Lebanese public high school students across Lebanon, respecting gender diversity, and meeting LAU admission requirements. Key achievements for the quarter include the successful registration of all 91 scholars for Fall 2015 with full-time loads, and the graduation of 30 scholars in Spring 2016. The program's advising and registration process involves the assignment of academic coordinators to each scholar, who advise them on course registration and monitor their academic progress. Scholars also have access to student support centers, such as the Cooperative Learning Center, the Writing Center, and the Academic Computer Center, in addition to counselors and professional career and academic advising coordinators. The monitoring of scholars involves the use of progress reports, which are studied and acted upon when necessary. The reports demonstrate that the USP III scholars are performing well and progressing normally. As of the end of Fall 2015 semester, 1 scholar had a major GPA of 4.0, 57 scholars had a major GPA between 3.0 and 3.99, and 32 scholars had a major GPA between 2.0 and 2.99. The Outreach and Civic Engagement at LAU, headed by the Assistant Vice President, oversees the execution of the program and ensures successful implementation. The program also involves the use of student mentors, who are junior or senior students of the same major who have demonstrated leadership skills. The student mentors help scholars with issues related to their daily life, such as dorms and adjustment on campus. The program's detailed progress report for the period of April 2016 to September 2016 shows that 33 USP III scholars registered for Summer 2016 with full-time loads, 59 USP III scholars pre-registered for Fall 2016 with full-time loads, and 30 scholars graduated in Spring 2016. The remaining 59 USP III scholars registered for Fall 2016 with full-time loads. The scholars have been in regular contact with their academic coordinators and have been receiving proper advice and direction.