The Reaching Excellence in Academics and Leadership (REAL) Program

The REAL Program is a six-week academic orientation program for newly admitted UST students of color, asylees, refugees and permanent residents. It is designed to acquaint students with campus life and resources, and to provide incoming first-year students with experience completing college-level coursework.

Participants live on campus for six-weeks, attending classes, workshops and an on-campus work assignment.

What Student Participants Have Said

"The program helped me prepare for freshman year.”

“I met my closest friends in REAL...it gave me confidence to start college in the fall.”

REAL Academic Preparation

Classroom work focuses on achieving academic success in writing, editing, reading and library research skills. Students also participate in workshops focused on anti-racism training and social justice education.

REAL Leadership and Professional Development

Students gain practical skills, networking and confidence through work assignments in University offices and departments. Past assignments have included: Campus and Residence Life, the College of Business and the UST Library. Co-curricular opportunities include educational programs, social events and workshops that help students develop leadership skills.

On-Campus Living

The REAL Program introduces participants to residence hall programs and services. Students live on campus during the six-week program and interact with residence hall staff, including a full-time, professional hall director and two student peer advisors. A staff member is on call at all times during the program.

Campus Resources

Participants learn how to access important campus resources, meet staff and attend Orientation & Registration together.