EOP enrollment down due to cuts

Budget cuts to the college's Educational Opportunity Program have led to a sharp decrease in the number of students the program can support.

"We used to have an average of about 1,000 students, but this semester we have about 745," said EOP Director Yanick Jenkins. "It isn't because students aren't applying, it's because our money is being decreased."

The EOP at Buffalo State is a SUNY program that provides students who are educationally and financially disadvantaged a gateway to higher education. The EOP, supported by grants, provides not only financial assistance to those who qualify but also extensive tutoring services and academic counseling. The program originated in 1967 with the effort of Albany Legislator Arthur O. Eve, who wished to give higher educational access to everyone, regardless of their previous academic standing or financial standing.

According to Jenkins, the Admissions Office looks at the folders of students who have applied for EOP, and determines whether or not it is likely for a student to make it through college without help. If it is determined that a student is unlikely to get through college without financial assistance and tutoring, they are enrolled in EOP. Students, who enter the program as an undergraduate, will receive assistance throughout their undergraduate studies, and may qualify for decreased tuition at a SUNY graduate school. Students must apply for EOP while filling out the SUNY application for admission.

EOP is more of an admissions program than a financial aid program, Jenkins said. Some financial assistance is a part of the program, but there are many other opportunities provided to students.

A vacant assistant director position at EOP has been left unfilled due to the cuts, Jenkins said.

EOP does not let the quality of its services suffer even if their budget has been cut, Jenkins said. They have begun to collaborate with different groups and organizations on campus, and have even looked to private banks for extra funding.

"It's making us more creative," she said, "because we don't want to take anything away from the students."

Looking to outside sources benefits EOP, Jenkins said, because it allows them to integrate students more with the college and get to know what is going on around campus.

Elizabeth Stevens, a senior academic advisor and academic counselor, has been with EOP for 13 years. As an EOP counselor she is responsible for academic advisement, helping to process financial aid and helping students transition socially. She used to receive about 40 freshmen every year, but now receives about 20. Each year the number of students being enrolled in EOP decreases, she said.

Despite cuts in the budget, Jenkins and Stevens see a very high level of success and participation coming from their students. Criminal justice major Ezekiel Samuel said that being a part of EOP is like being in a big family.

"No matter what time of day it is, if a student needs help they can call their mentor, or call their advisor, and they're always there to help," he said.

Ariel Peters can be reached by email at peters.record@live.com.