Dear Colleagues, Students and Community Partners,

As a result of the unprecedented fiscal crisis facing the University of California and the resulting permanent budget cut of 16 percent allocated to UC Irvine Division of Undergraduate Education, a decision was made to close Student Academic Advancement Services effective Aug. 31, 2009. Services offered by this unit including study skills workshops, academic counseling, career planning, and tutoring will continue under the direction of the dean of undergraduate education.

Funded in part by a grant from the US Department of Education, SAAS programs are designed to increase retention and graduation rates of first-generation, low-income students. Among these programs, Freshman Summer Bridge is the most visible and engenders the most comment from past participants for its critical role in their success at UCI and for its lasting impact.

To minimize the effects of this closure on students, DUE plans to partner with existing units across campus to continue services formerly offered by the program. This restructuring plan is based upon recommendations from an outside review team that visited UCI in spring 2008. It includes the appointment of a faculty member committed to working with first-generation, low-income students who will be responsible for academic oversight of Summer Bridge and other workshops and classes. DUE will continue to partner with Summer Session on administration and co-curricular activities for the Summer Bridge programs. Further, if the U.S. Department of Education renews its partnership with DUE, the restructuring will allow the continuation of the two-unit course on Graduate Education as well as this year’s pilot program for a Transfer Summer Bridge. Moreover, the continued partnership will result in a 62 percent increase in Summer Bridge financial aid available annually.

DUE intends to continue to provide physical space as well as professional staff and a peer mentor team devoted to student support. Additionally, the Learning and Academic Resources Center within the DUE will offer tutoring and study skills workshops for eligible students. Watch for future announcements on the DUE website as we make this transition.

Along with many colleagues, past and current students, and community partners, we extend to the SAAS staff our thanks for their years of service and their dedication to the programs: Joe Maestas, director; Audrey Al Ham’d, associate director; Stephen Domingues, coordinator, Summer Bridge and program development; Angelita Salas, counselor; and Ashley Melton, administrative assistant.

The unit’s closure is a regrettable consequence of these budgetary times. DUE is confident that students still will receive excellent support through vibrant programs and the commitment of professional staff and faculty.

Sharon V. Salinger, Dean
Division of Undergraduate Education