Meet AJ: Higher education and student affairs

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Higher education and student affairs at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍøÖ±²¥

The higher education and student affairs (HESA) concentration in the educational leadership program is offered in-person in Kalamazoo with opportunities to take some of your electives online. The HESA program operates like a cohort-based program with most students starting in fall semesters. Students from all undergraduate majors are welcome and the program serves full-and part-time students. The 39-credit hour curriculum combines a student development and leadership theory core, diversity and inclusion electives, and two individualized field experiences.

About the Sieta Scholars Program

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The Seita Scholars Program is part of a larger initiative to change the college going paradigm of youth in the foster care system. Currently, only 2 percent to 4 percent of youth from the foster care system will earn a college degree (Casey Family programs, 2010).

  • Create transitions that lead to success in college and career for °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍøÖ±²¥ students from foster care ages 18 to 25 years old
  • Develop a community of scholars among °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍøÖ±²¥ students who have aged out of foster care, and create a safe community to deconstruct and reconstruct identity
  • Educate °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍøÖ±²¥ students from foster care and their support network to enhance their professional skill set
  • Transform °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍøÖ±²¥ students from foster care by integrating experiences from students’ past to build opportunities for their future

Graduation rates for the Seita Scholars Program far exceed this national average, as over 30 percent of Seita Scholars who are first-time-in-any college and nearly 50 percent of all Seita Scholars achieve an undergraduate degree. Many go on to pursue graduate school. 

Want to hear more?

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Amie

Major: Higher education and student affairs
Jonathan

Jonathan

Major: Higher education and student affairs
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Terry

Major: Higher education and student affairs