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The University of Texas at Austin

Foundation Scholars Program

College of Liberal Arts

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Students in FSP enjoy the support of a peer mentor, dedicated advising staff, and specially selected signature courses to provide a highly supported transition and first year. Foundation Scholars enjoy exclusive workshops and presentations designed to help them manage the challenges that come with being a college student. By focusing on topics such as study skills, note-taking, time management, and preparing for finals, FSP students get access to the tools that are the foundation to life-long learning. Foundation Scholars have unlimited access to a support system that is centered around academic and social development.

Being successful in college is made up of more than just meeting academic goals. It also includes developing skills such as leadership, community engagement, critical thinking, and communication. Foundation Scholars enjoy several opportunities to develop these skills as they connect with their new UT community. From specially designed workshops focused on campus resources to unique service learning opportunities within Austin, Foundation Scholars have many opportunities to engage in personal and academic enrichment. Click here to learn more about the personalized support available to Foundation Scholars.

Mentorship

Each Foundation Scholar is assigned to a peer mentor during their first year in FSP. Foundation Scholar mentors assist Foundation Scholars with any academic or personal challenges. Mentors meet with students individually and in groups, on a regular basis scheduled around their coursework. Mentors are well-trained and supervised by FSP staff.

Academic advisor

The Foundation Scholars advisors are specialists in the courses and policies of the College of Liberal Arts and are available exclusively to assist Foundation Scholars with the guidance they need to make informed academic decisions. As FSP's full-time dedicated staff members, the advisors are a constant resource for students in the program. In addition to advising, the FSP staff are there to connect students to information about scholarship, study abroad, and research opportunities as well.

Complimentary tutoring at Sanger Learning Center

Foundation Scholars will be provided with content-based one-on-one tutoring at the Sanger Learning Center, compliments of the FSP.

Community Service

Foundation Scholars participate in specially selected community service opportunities in the fall and spring semester of their freshman year. These service opportunities are selected with a Liberal Arts perspective and are designed to connect FSP students with the strong tradition of community service at UT Austin.

Mentorship

Each Foundation Scholar is assigned to a peer mentor during their first year in FSP. Foundation Scholar mentors assist Foundation Scholars with any academic or personal challenges. Mentors meet with students individually and in groups, on a regular basis scheduled around their coursework. Mentors are well-trained and supervised by FSP staff.

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College of Liberal Arts

Foundation Scholars helping out at an event. 

About Us

The Foundation Scholars Program is a transition program for highly-motivated first-year students in the College of Liberal Arts. Students in FSP get the support of a peer mentor, dedicated staff, and specially selected signature courses. FSP students also enjoy exclusive workshops and presentations designed to help them manage the challenges that come with being a college student. By focusing on topics such as study skills, note-taking, time management, and preparing for finals, FSP students get access to the tools that are the foundation to life-long learning. FSP students have access to a support system centered around academic and social development that they can take with them beyond their first year.

Community

2 students smiling and leaning over a table indoors

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Mentorship

Each Foundation Scholar Program student is assigned to a peer mentor during their first year in FSP based on their academic, personal, and professional interests. FSP mentors provide a listening ear to their mentees and assist FSP students with any academic or personal challenges they may face. Mentees get to meet with their mentors once a week throughout the academic year and also have group meetings with other FSP mentees twice a month to help connect them to other students in the program. FSP mentors participate in regular weekly training throughout the school year and are supervised by FSP staff.

Support Staff

The Foundation Scholars Program full-time staff are available exclusively to assist Foundation Scholars Program students. Staff are knowledgeable about academic policies and are available to support with academic issues and course registration, in addition to other personal or financial challenges students may be dealing with throughout their first year.

First Year Seminar - LA 101

The Foundation Scholars Program students participate in a one-semester first year seminar course during their fall semester to help them transition into UT Austin. This course allows FSP students to get a break throughout their day to connect with other students in the program, and it also gives students information about academic success strategies; health and well-being tips and resources; and professional development support.

Events

FSP hosts several events each semester exclusively for FSP students. Some events was have hosted include competitive game nights, movie screenings, gingerbread house-making, tote bag painting, and our biannual registration party meant to help students prepare for course registration. FSP also hosts bimonthly wellness events in the student space featuring refreshments and activities to create a space for students to de-stress and build community.

Other Benefits

 

3 students smiling at the camera, sitting on a staircase outside

This caption describes the image above.

Peer Mentors

About Us

Students in FSP enjoy the support of a peer mentor, dedicated advising staff, and specially selected signature courses to provide a highly supported transition and first year. Foundation Scholars enjoy exclusive workshops and presentations designed to help them manage the challenges that come with being a college student. By focusing on topics such as study skills, note-taking, time management, and preparing for finals, FSP students get access to the tools that are the foundation to life-long learning. Foundation Scholars have unlimited access to a support system that is centered around academic and social development.

Being successful in college is made up of more than just meeting academic goals. It also includes developing skills such as leadership, community engagement, critical thinking, and communication. Foundation Scholars enjoy several opportunities to develop these skills as they connect with their new UT community. From specially designed workshops focused on campus resources to unique service learning opportunities within Austin, Foundation Scholars have many opportunities to engage in personal and academic enrichment. Click here to learn more about the personalized support available to Foundation Scholars.

Learn More
College of Liberal Arts

Personal Interaction

Mentorship
Each Foundation Scholar is assigned to a peer mentor during their first year in FSP. Foundation Scholar mentors assist Foundation Scholars with any academic or personal challenges. Mentors meet with students individually and in groups, on a regular basis scheduled around their coursework. Mentors are well-trained and supervised by FSP staff.

Academic advisor
The Foundation Scholars advisors are specialists in the courses and policies of the College of Liberal Arts and are available exclusively to assist Foundation Scholars with the guidance they need to make informed academic decisions. As FSP's full-time dedicated staff members, the advisors are a constant resource for students in the program. In addition to advising, the FSP staff are there to connect students to information about scholarship, study abroad, and research opportunities as well.

Complimentary tutoring at Sanger Learning Center
Foundation Scholars will be provided with content-based one-on-one tutoring at the Sanger Learning Center, compliments of the FSP.

Community Service
Foundation Scholars participate in specially selected community service opportunities in the fall and spring semester of their freshman year. These service opportunities are selected with a Liberal Arts perspective and are designed to connect FSP students with the strong tradition of community service at UT Austin.

Learn More
College of Liberal Arts

Peer Mentorship

Each Foundation Scholar is assigned to a peer mentor during their first year in FSP. Foundation Scholar mentors assist Foundation Scholars with any academic or personal challenges. Mentors meet with students individually and in groups, on a regular basis scheduled around their coursework. Mentors are well-trained and supervised by FSP staff.

Learn More
College of Liberal Arts

Student Space

Foundation Scholars Program students get access to a study space with a microwave centrally located on campus on the first floor of the Dorothy L. Gebauer building (GEB 1.308). There is also free printing available for students to use throughout the year.

Scholarship

Foundation Scholars Program students are eligible to apply for our fall and spring semester scholarships. These scholarships are only available to FSP students, and the awards range from $500-$2000.

First-Year Signature Course (UGS) Reservations

Foundation Scholars Program students get reserved seats in specially curated First-Year Signature Course (UGS) sections. This allows FSP students to more easily register for specific UGS classes, as well as take UGS classes with fellow FSP students.

Contact

For more information, please contact FSP staff at FSP_COLA@austin.utexas.edu

College of Liberal Arts
Gebauer Building
GEB 1.308; E3800 
116 Inner Campus Drive 
Austin, TX 78712-2550 

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