Since 1967, the Office of Undergraduate Studies (OUS) has supported students who have demonstrated creativity, intellect, and determination in the face of significant economic, educational, personal, and social challenges.
“OUS represents Colgate at its very best,” said Frank Frey, director of OUS. “Our students embrace challenges and surpass them, effect change in our local community and across the globe, are involved in groundbreaking research, and are leaders in the classroom and student organizations.”
In an effort to help these scholars succeed, the OUS program takes a multifaceted approach to supporting them. OUS students matriculate to Colgate through the Summer Institute, which is a five-week residential program designed to ease the transition to Colgate and develop the academic potential of our students. Students live in a residence together and take two Colgate courses, which are taught by some of the best faculty on campus, and are guided by a team of older students who role-model for them what it takes to achieve academic and social success at Colgate. Throughout the program, students are introduced to a wealth of campus resources, including career services, financial aid, libraries, and other student-life offices.
During my first years at Colgate, OUS — including my classmates, professors, and faculty advisors — provided me with the academic, financial, and emotional support I needed to have a successful transition into freshman and sophomore year. I received help selecting my courses for the following semester, buying/borrowing textbooks, and having someone available to listen to me when I felt homesick. OUS is my family away from home, and I know that I can rely on anyone involved with OUS if I need assistance, regardless of what that might look like. As a family, we take care of one another, and we make sure that we each have the necessary tools and support to accomplish what we set our minds to.
— Anzueth G. Gonzalez ’15
During the academic year, OUS offers guidance and support to our students through monthly programming tailored to the needs of individual class years, and through one-on-one meetings with students that occur at least once every month. The goal is to create a scholarly community on campus and a support network that allows students to remain focused on their academics. For example, in the sophomore year, the focus is on major selection, participation in study abroad and extended study opportunities, and engagement with relevant internships and research projects for the coming summer. As juniors, the focus shifts to tapping into Colgate’s alumni network, integrating students’ experiences abroad with life at Colgate, and early career preparation. Finally, as seniors, scholars focus on pursuing thesis/independent research work, applying to graduate school and early careers, and life after Colgate.
OUS programs and initiatives are supported in part by philanthropic gifts from alumni and parents. Gifts enhance the OUS library for textbook lending and graduate school entrance examination preparation and testing, and support students in travel to job interviews, emergency travel, and academic support and technology needs.
To learn more about OUS, visit colgate.edu/OUS or call Frank Frey, director, at 315-228-7871, or Frank Kuan, senior associate director, at 315-228-5009. To make a gift, please visit colgate.edu/makeagift or call 800-668-4428.