Title of Effective Practice: - California Postsecondary Education ...

Direct Connection to Policy Area 4 of The Illinois Commitment
Current Initiatives to Increase/Maintain the Enrollment of Students of Color
Bradley University
What issue or need is addressed by the effective practice? The need for increased diversity among undergraduate
student populations is addressed by this program.
Description of the effective practice: Through its admissions office, Bradley University continues to employ special
informational sessions and visit programs for students of color to further acquaint them with Bradley offerings and benefits.
Off-campus programs, Student of Color receptions, Winter Weekend and Financial Aid Workshops are designed to assist
students and their families to learn more about the enrollment processes and resources. In 2005-06, a strong number of
students participated in the programs. For fall 2007, we will increase the number of events to address first generation
students as well as students of color.
Bradley University has been a long-term partner with College Summit which aims to guide students from underrepresented
backgrounds to pursue higher education. In previous years, Bradley worked with representatives from the Chicago Public
Schools and most recently worked with students and staff from the St. Louis secondary school community. From our
involvement in hosting approximately 40 College Summit high schools students and 30 staff, information on Bradley
University’s programs is distributed to all of its national participants. By spending four days on campus, College Summit
participants learn about Bradley, how to complete the enrollment process and how to articulate their interests. Students are
encouraged to seek out additional information and to apply to the University for admission. Since 2002, approximately 14
students from this program have enrolled. College Summit has proven to be a good source for additional applications from
students of color.
In order to attract students from all backgrounds, the University offers a number of scholarships based on previous
academic performance. Ranging from $2500 Achievement Grants to $8500 Presidential Scholarships, all full-time
freshman students who have consistently performed exceptionally well in high school will receive the scholarship for which
they qualify. All full-time transfers who meet academic criteria focused on specific grade point average and academic
progress receive one of transfer scholarships ranging from $3000 – $5000. The University also provides a limited number
of awards based on special talents, e.g. athletics, the performance arts and forensics. Scholarship initiatives also exist for
undergraduate international students and for part-time students.
Targeting students of color who have demonstrated leadership in academic excellence and community involvement, the
Romeo B. Garrett/Provost Scholarship aims to assist students who make significant contributions to their ethnic
communities and who have the potential to contribute broadly to Bradley University. The Romeo B. Garrett/Provost
Scholarship awards up to $4000 per year for both full-time freshman and transfer students who also demonstrate strong
academic performance. This scholarship is renewable for up to four years for freshmen and two to three years for transfers
dependent upon program of study. In the 2004 – 05 academic year, 315 scholarships were awarded totaling approximately
$790,300. In 2005-06, the number of scholarships increased to 394 for a total of $951,500 and preliminary results for
2006-07 academic year indicate that 426 Garrett/Provost Scholarships have been awarded totaling $1,223,100. This
assistance has led to enrolling approximately 13% entering freshman students of color each year.
For fall 2006, Bradley increased its overall financial assistance to entering low-income students. For those students with
the fewest of resources, the University has bundled federal and state grants, Bradley University funding and low-interest
loans to cover the cost of tuition and fees. This initiative makes enrollment more feasible for the lower income student; a
large number are students of color. In the summer of 2005, an admissions representative was hired to further develop and
implement a special focus on recruiting Hispanic students. Her assignment continues to include identifying high schools
with large populations of Latino students through which to service, build partnerships and market Bradley’s programs. She
is to also review our publications to determine need to print in Spanish. Most recently she is providing leadership to the
development of a brochure on diversity at Bradley.
How does this practice achieve sustainability? We have continued with the Garrett/Provost and talent scholarship
programs, the various informational sessions, College Summit and financial assistance initiatives and have been able to
attract more students of color than we otherwise would have been able to attract.
What are the results/measurable outcomes? We have maintained stable or slightly increased the enrollment of minority
students while, at the same time, enrolled better quality and better prepared students.
Contact Information
Name: Ms. Nickie Roberson
Email: nickie@bradley.edu
Phone: (309) 677-3144
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