S.T.A.R.S.
(Students Together Are Reaching Success)

History:
S.T.A.R.S. has been in existence at DePaul University since 1986. This program has evolved since, and is now a great tool for all individuals to create a "positive" first year experience for students and their families at DePaul.

What is it?
S.T.A.R.S. is a voluntary, comprehensive, first year retention initiative designed to target Latino/a, Asian American, Native American, and African American students in their transition to DePaul University and to higher education. Although OMSA targets this certain population, S.T.A.R.S. is open to all first year students at DePaul University.

How it works?
For one full academic year, participants are paired up with a peer mentor. The peer mentor acts as their guide to assist in navigating the DePaul Community and as a resource for accomplishing goals, whether it is academic, personal, and/or professional.

Staff members monitor and track the academic progress of each participant by developing strategies for constant improvement. The staff is always present to address any needs or concerns of participants, as they arise. This personal attention, along with a competency-based model of achievement, serves as a foundation for success both at DePaul University and beyond.