The Department of History and the Office of Student Success cemented a new partnership this semester to support first-generation and Pell-eligible students in their first year on campus. 

Twenty-three scholars enrolled in a specially designed modern American History course taught by Brian Hurley in fall 2019. Simultaneously, these students also enrolled in Hurley's specially designed University Perspectives course.

"The Department of History is pleased to be a part of this student success initiative with 360 advising," said James Gigantino, professor and chair of the department. "Dr. Hurley has been one of our top instructors for several years and his move to the Office of Student Success brings his extensive training and interest in helping students to those who need it most."

Hurley said that initiatives such as this provide a unique way for advisors and instructors to interact with incoming students.

"All aspects of college life — social, financial, emotional — affect students' ability to do well here, but academics should remain the focus," Hurley said. "The setup of these courses with academic content combined with holistic advising helps me to better serve students on all fronts. I'm looking forward to creating more opportunities for academic collaboration as we grow our programming."

Trevor Francis, associate vice provost and director of student success said that the 360 Program and the Office of Student Success is excited to work with partners across campus to support students in their transition to college.

"Dr. Hurley's collaboration with the Department of History is an excellent example of the cooperative and academic nature of student success initiatives. Student learning and personal growth are truly a community effort," Francis said. 

The history department worked with Hurley and the 360 advising program to identify candidates for Hurley's courses. These 23 students work with Hurley in his University Perspectives course to learn the tools they will need to succeed on campus while they apply them in a small-group setting in their American history course.