SAGE Success Grant: Peer-to-Peer Initiatives

  • Learning assistants
    Learning Assistants
  • Academic coaching
    Academic Coaching
  • Peer advising
    Peer Advising

With its main campus in Anchorage and four community campuses, °µÍøÊÓÆµis the only public, state institution of higher education in its service area of 85,000 square miles. The 10,845 undergraduate student population at °µÍøÊÓÆµ(at the time of grant writing) is diverse (37% minority), and has 37.4% that are low income (per 34 CFR 607.7(e); °µÍøÊÓÆµIR). 

As an open enrollment Alaskan institution, °µÍøÊÓÆµand its students students face a number of problems: historically excluded students with academic challenges, work and family responsibilities, and financial  barriers; funding problems due to Alaska’s weak economy; COVID impacts; and a gap between  operational realities and our mission to serve our students. °µÍøÊÓÆµdeveloped a proposal that addresses the problems outlined above, rooted in °µÍøÊÓÆµplanning processes and strategies. 

The SAGE Success Grant is a five year Title III Strengthening Institutions (SIP) grant that aims to centralize 100% academic tutoring in the Learning Commons; establish Learning Commons success programs Learning Assistants, Academic Coaching, and peer advisors; and support retention and persistence of freshman-level students.

The project is based on building infrastructure that leverages the fiscal and student success impact of peer-to-peer programming, centralizing tutoring services, and supporting students enrolled in high-DFW gateway courses. These strategies reflect the institution’s strategic priorities, address chronic problems, and strengthen fiscal stability in the long term. 

Year 2 just completed a strong external evaluation and made significant progress toward objectives. We look forward to updating you on Year 3!