Since summer 2005, the University's Rainey Academic Program has provided students participating in AccessUVA the opportunity to adapt more quickly to life at the University, spending time in Charlottesville during the summer before their first year. As the program continues to develop, the University is considering ways to improve this service for participants with a mentoring program.
The program was created as a "bridge program for AccessUVa students," according to Asst. College Dean Rachel Most. Program participants, who number about 20 each year, come from the pool of students in the AccessUVa program and are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis, Most said. They take two classes during the third summer session in addition to participating in various workshops and attending dinners and receptions with University faculty and administrators. The result, Most said, is that "by Move-In Day, most students say they feel like second-years and don't feel lost."
Third-year College student Kyle Mihalcoe, who participated in the Rainey Program, said he believes the program has a lot to offer University students.
"The Rainey Academic Program is one of the newer and lesser known programs that the University offers in promoting a diverse student body," Mihalcoe said, "yet its benefits have been immense for its participants."
Most also said she believes the program has been greatly beneficial, noting that students who attended the Rainey Program are generally very involved in different aspects of life at the University. She added that 100 percent of students participating in the program have stayed at the University, continuing their studies.
Though the program has largely been a success since its inception three years ago, there still may be room for improvement.
According to Student Financial Services Director Yvonne Hubbard, the University is looking into expanding the program to include a mentoring program. The Rainey Program is "one more piece in our commitment that students from all walks of life [can] come to the University," Hubbard said.
Mihalcoe also highlighted the importance of the Rainey Academic Program in promoting diversity at the University.
"I think it really sheds light on the fact that even if someone is from a lower socioeconomic status, they can still be competitive within the University and can really offer something different to the University," Mihalcoe said.
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