Student Support
Academic Support Counseling
Academic support counseling provided by Opportunity Programs is designed to supplement the faculty advising process, help students investigate curriculum choice, inform students of academic and study opportunities and aid students in the transition to college.
Student Academic Services
Our partnerships with the Student Academic Services provides students with individual or group coaching to build study skills, help with coursework, grammar review and time management skills.
Financial Assistance
On top of meeting 100% of students demonstrated financial need, students in the Opportunity Program receive financial assistance toward the cost of books, school supplies and travel to and from Skidmore (for students from outside the Northeast).
Advocacy
Advocacy activities inform and educate the college community about the purpose and goals of the HEOP/Scholars program. Advocacy includes lobbying efforts targeted at informing legislators on critical issues confronting opportunity programming, culminating with the Legislative Advocacy Day in Albany in February of every year.
Personal Support
Personal support ensures that students in the program are provided with the critical "link to familiarity" which aids in a successful transition to Skidmore.
Bookstore Account
Students in good standing have their books paid for by the program every term until they graduate. They also have their class supplies covered (notebooks, folders, pencils, etc).
OP Advising
In addition to their faculty advisor, our students also receive individualized AOP advising. Students meet with their OP advisor frequently to go over courses and requirements for their major, make tutoring arrangements, plan for study abroad, and receive career and financial guidance.
Tutoring
Tutoring services are available for all OP students. Drop-in tutoring is also available and assigned tutoring is available upon request.
Low Student Loans
Students in our program graduate with significantly reduced loan amounts compared to the average student.
Waived or Reduced Fees
OP students can take advantage of a reduced enrollment fee, summer housing support for students doing research on campus or working off-campus, and support with study abroad fees.
Opportunity Program Office
Students have access to the OP Office/Student Lounge 6 days a week from 8:30 a.m.-midnight (Closes at 4:30 p.m. on Fridays and 11 p.m. on Sundays)