Semi-Annual Progress Report: University Student Assistance Program (USP I)

The program, which began in 2010, has a total award of $6,915,267, with LAU contributing $1,697,098 in cost sharing. As of March 2018, a total of 475 scholarships have been disbursed to-date, with 241 scholars enrolled during the reporting period. The program has achieved significant milestones, including the graduation of 248 scholars, with 148 of them employed. The retention rate for the program is 71%, with a graduation rate of 82.3%. The program's objectives include enrolling 52 financially needy and academically qualified Lebanese public high school students across Lebanon, respecting gender diversity, minimum Lebanese Baccalaureate exam scores, and LAU admission requirements. Key achievements include the presence of 4 scholars on the Distinguished List and 6 scholars on the Honors List. Advising and registration for the program are handled by academic coordinators, who provide guidance on course loads, academic progress, and challenges. Student mentors, who are junior or senior students with leadership skills, also assist scholars with everyday life issues. The Outreach and Civic Engagement (OCE) at LAU oversees the program's execution and ensures successful implementation. Monitoring of scholars is a critical aspect of the program, with multiple stakeholders working together to ensure good academic standing and timely graduation. The program's stakeholders include OCE, student mentors, academic coordinators, student support centers, and counselors. Academic progress is regularly monitored, with progress reports sent by instructors and advisory action taken when necessary. The program's detailed progress report highlights the registration loads of scholars, with 18 USP I scholars registering for Fall 2017 and 17 scholars registering for Spring 2018. The scholars have been in regular contact with their academic coordinators and have received proper advice and direction. The program's plan for monitoring scholars ensures that they maintain good academic standing and graduate on time. The program's impact summary as of March 2018 highlights the total number of scholarships disbursed, scholars enrolled, graduated, and employed. The program's key achievements include the presence of scholars on the Distinguished and Honors Lists, as well as the graduation of 248 scholars. The program's retention rate is 71%, with a graduation rate of 82.3%.