"Being a part of OUS allowed me to build skills, relationships, and connections that helped me succeed at Colgate and beyond. It was the foundation upon which I was able to build and sustain my support networks at Colgate." — Providence Ryan ’16 (1819 Award recipient)
Many promising high school students do not have access to abundant resources, engaging teachers and counselors, and state of the art technology. This could be due to personal economic circumstances or inadequately funded public schools. Consequently, not all students arrive at Colgate with a backpack full of academic, social, and economic privileges.
RESPONSE: The Office of Undergraduate Scholars Program (OUS)
The Office of Undergraduate Studies (OUS) scholars program provides additional support to students who show ability, ambition, creativity, intellect, and determination in the face of personal, economic, educational, cultural, and social challenges. Eligibility for admission to Colgate through OUS is determined at the time of admission — no separate application is necessary. From the initial Summer Institute that prepares students for life at the University throughout their four years at Colgate, OUS scholars receive support that enables them to maximize their education and experience.
"The OUS program has helped me in so many ways, from providing me with study space, food, and a sense of community while I was on campus to helping me build a resume, loaning me books, and even paying for my travel to interview for jobs my senior year. The program covers all needs, big and small, and I would not have made it through Colgate as comfortably as I did without it." — Nicole Jackson ’18
To learn more, visit the Office of Undergraduate Studies webpage: https://www.colgate.edu/about/offices-centers-institutes/provost-and-dean-faculty/office-undergraduate-studies
OUS FIRST Senior Banquet Commencement 2019. A celebration and recognition of the Class of 2019 OUS and FIRST Scholars with their families and friends held at Cotterell Court.
