Morrisville State College is considered one of the most diverse colleges in the United States. Although located in a primarily homogenous geographic area, Morrisville State College has long been recognized for serving a culturally, ethnically and economically diverse student population who often tend to be first generation college students. Thirty percent of Morrisville State College’s student population in the Fall of 2005 consisted of underrepresented groups as compared to five percent in 1986. The significant increase in percentage reflects continued institutional commitments and dynamic educational opportunities focused on targeting and recruiting students from diverse academic and economic backgrounds.

Every CSTEP program across New York State executes their goals and objectives to varying degrees along a multivariate continuum. With regard to the model of our program, beginning with a solution focused approach, we pride ourselves on having very high expectations and accountability for our students. In the beginning, for many of our students, adjusting to the expectations of the program can be very difficult because they are not used to the number of study hours and/or tutoring obligations. Nevertheless, as a program we demonstrate that we are partners in the process by offering many opportunities and services and in the process are intentional in our efforts.

We purposely ask difficult questions so that students can have realistic goals and expectations because our hope is that they are working towards their fullest potential and maximizing every opportunity. For instance, some of our students maybe working towards a much higher GPA; however, at the same time he/she may be overly involved with work, sports, or other activities on campus creating an unbalance and unrealistic expectations. Therefore, it is our responsibility when creating their time management schedule and developing strategies for their success that we ask realistic questions on how they are intending to balance their diverse priorities while still mindful of their overall mission. Consequently, students who are not fulfilling their obligations to the program are either placed on probation and/or withdrawn in order to facilitate the number of students each semester who are waiting to enter the program.

DEMOGRAPHICS:

• Encompass over 20 majors
  
  
• Range from 18 to 60 years old
  
  
• 50 percent male/50 percent female
  
  
• Come from across New York state
  
  
• Diverse in race and ethnicity: more than 50 percent are African American; 30 percent are Hispanic/Latino
  
  
• All four years--Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior