Upward Bound Math/Science

Academic Year Student Handbook

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East Central University

Mission Statement:

Our mission is to empower the students and the parents with the knowledge necessary to enter and complete a program of postsecondary education in the STEM fields, and obtain a job in the STEM fields. To develop students’ aptitudes and confidence in pursuing degrees in math and science. Our holistic approach seeks to guide and mentor students on their paths towards overall success: emotionally, academically, and socially.

During the academic year, participants are offered the opportunity to attend tutoring sessions, Saturday Academies, and field trips all while preparing for college readiness and success.

Welcome

Dear Upward Bound Math/Science Student:

It is with pleasure that we welcome you as a participant in the East Central University, Upward Bound Math/Science Program. Being selected to participate is both an honor and a responsibility. Your parents, counselors, and teachers feel that you have earned the honor and can live up to the responsibilities inherent in UBMS. We hope that your expectations for academic achievement and personal growth will even exceed those that the program has for you. The social, environmental, and economic issues that we face today are so great that your generation must be prepared to step forward and meet today’s challenges and become leaders.

The world is changing rapidly, and with it so is our workforce—jobs, careers, fields of study. A college education has become a necessity for those who want to succeed professionally and financially. It is estimated that by 2020 over two-thirds of the jobs will require a college education, and some of those jobs haven’t even been invented yet. A college education prepares you intellectually, professionally, and socially for the jobs of the future. STEM jobs are essentially sought after as our world revolves around Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics and there is a need for more individuals to enter into postsecondary education fields in these areas. Many jobs are unfilled in these areas; therefore, someone graduated with one of those degrees is highly likely to obtain a career after college.

All you need to bring is a positive attitude, motivation, and desire to learn and become a coachable individual. We provide the tools for developing both cognitive and non-cognitive skills which are proven to increase collegiate academic success. Our ultimate goal is to assist you in reaching your potential, developing and fine tuning your skills, and watching you prosper in high school, postsecondary education and then obtain a job in the STEM fields.

We look forward to working with you,

Sincerely,

UBMS Director and Staff

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The History of the TRIO Programs:

The Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) are Federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRIO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post baccalaureate programs. TRIO also includes a training program for directors and staff of TRIO projects.

The recipients of the grants, depending on the specific program, are institutions of higher education, public and private agencies and organizations including community-based organizations with experience in serving disadvantaged youth and secondary schools. Combinations of such institutions, agencies, and organizations may also apply for grants. These entities plan, develop and carry out the services for students. While individual students are served by these entities, they may not apply for grants under these programs. Additionally, in order to be served by one of these programs, a student must be eligible to receive services and be accepted into a funded project that serves the institution or school that student is attending or the area in which the student lives.

The history of TRIO is progressive. It began with Upward Bound, which emerged out of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 in response to the Johnson administration's War on Poverty. In 1965, Talent Search, the second outreach program, was created as part of the Higher Education Act. In 1968, Student Support Services, which was originally known as Special Services for Disadvantaged Students, was authorized by the Higher Education Amendments and became the third in a series of educational opportunity programs. By the late 1960's, the term "TRIO" was coined to describe these federal programs.

Over the years, the TRIO Programs have been expanded and improved to provide a wider range of services and to reach more students who need assistance. The Higher Education Amendments of 1972 added the fourth program to the TRIO group by authorizing the Educational Opportunity Centers. The 1976 Education Amendments authorized the Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs, initially known as the Training Program for Special Programs Staff and Leadership Personnel. Amendments in 1986 added the sixth program, the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program. Additionally, in 1990, the Department created the Upward Bound Math/Science program to address the need for specific instruction in the fields of math and science. The Upward Bound Math/Science program is administered under the same regulations as the regular Upward Bound program, but it must be applied for separately. Finally, the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2001 amended the Student Support Services (SSS) program to permit the use of program funds for direct financial assistance (Grant Aid) for current SSS participants who are receiving Federal Pell Grants.

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Table of ContentsWelcome....................................................................................................................................................................2

The History of the TRIO Programs:.............................................................................................................................3

General Program Information....................................................................................................................................6

Application and Selection..........................................................................................................................................6

Who We Serve:..................................................................................................................................................6

Process:..............................................................................................................................................................7

Paperwork:.........................................................................................................................................................7

Deadlines:..........................................................................................................................................................8

Expenses....................................................................................................................................................................8

What we Believe!.......................................................................................................................................................9

Disciplinary Policy...................................................................................................................................................10

Rules of Conduct......................................................................................................................................................10

Hygiene and Dress Code..........................................................................................................................................11

Internet and Technology Guidelines........................................................................................................................11

Grounds for Dismissal..............................................................................................................................................12

Disclaimers...........................................................................................................................................................12

Disciplinary Action...................................................................................................................................................12

Emergency and Personal Safety..............................................................................................................................14

Student Medical Care...........................................................................................................................................14

Personal Safety....................................................................................................................................................14

Mandated Reporting............................................................................................................................................15

Academic Year Component.....................................................................................................................................15

Tutoring...............................................................................................................................................................15

College Prep Saturday Sessions (CPSS).................................................................................................................15

College Tours, Cultural Experiences and Activities...............................................................................................16

High School Credit Elective Courses.....................................................................................................................16

Community Service..............................................................................................................................................16

Transportation.....................................................................................................................................................16

Academic Advising..................................................................................................................................................17

Academic Assessment Information......................................................................................................................17

Academic Responsibility Policy...............................................................................................................................17

Remaining in Good Standing................................................................................................................................17

Transportation.........................................................................................................................................................18

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Merit Program.........................................................................................................................................................18

Stipends...................................................................................................................................................................19

The Academic Year Merit Trip..................................................................................................................................19

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General Program Information Application and Selection

Who We Serve:

Upward Bound Math and Science at East Central University is funded to serve 66 high need students that are low-income, first generation students whom attend one of the seven target schools within a five county area in rural Oklahoma. The schools served include: Ada, Byng, Mason, Maysville, Wetumka, Calvin, and Asher.

Participants in the project must meet the following criteria:

1. Low-income participant, which means a student whose family taxable income did not exceed 150 percent of the poverty level amount in the calendar year proceeding the year in which the individual initially participates in the project. (CFR regulations) follow the link to gain access to the current years federal low income levels: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/incomelevels.htmlUBMS assures the participant is low-income by accessing the parents Income Tax returns obtained during the initial Technical Review Committee Interview.

2. Resides in the target area, or is enrolled in a target school at the time of acceptance into the project. UBMS assures the participant resides in the target area by verifying the information found on the UBMS application.

3. Has been determined by the project director to be committed to the project, as evidenced by being allowed to continue in the project for at least

a. Ten days in the summer component b. Or sixty days during the academic year

UBMS assures the participant is committed, by having the student and parent read the terms of the continuation agreement at the Technical Review Committee interview. The student and parent sign this sheet and then the student is placed on a probationary status to determine commitment to the project. For a participant whom is selected during the summer program, the probationary status time is 10 days. For a participant whom is selected during the academic year that for probationary status is 60 days. The participant is monitored by the director during this probationary period to determine commitment to the project and its goals. If the student does not meet the commitment goals, the student is determined by the Director to be not committed and is removed from the program.

4. First-generation, an individual neither of whose natural or adoptive parents received a baccalaureate degree or a student who, prior to the age of 18, regularly resided with and received support from only one natural or adoptive parent and whose supporting parent did not receive a baccalaureate degree.

5. Must have completed the 8th grade, but not entered the 12th grade at the time of initial selection. At least 13 years of age, but not older than 19 years of age. UBMS assures the participant meets these guidelines by the completed application and school records collected during the Technical Committee Interview.

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Students can also be categorized as “demonstrating academic need” the criteria for selection is as follows:

1. Did not score at the Proficient level on the most recent state exam in Reading, English, or Math. 2. Has a grade point average of 2.5 or less.3. Has not completed Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, by the end of the 8th grade and is currently not

enrolled in Algebra or Geometry

UBMS assesses whether or not a student has an academic need at the time of the Technical Review Committee Interview when the potential participant presents his/her EOI scores, transcripts, and current school schedule.

Process:

Prospective students are either referred to our program by: school administration, community member, parent, or the child themselves. Students interested may contact the office at 580-559-5689 to access an application or find our application online at: https://www.ecok.edu/student-development/trio-programs/upward-bound-math-science/prospective-students

Once the application is received by the office, along with all appropriate paperwork listed below, the parents and/ or guardians will be contacted within 10 days to set up a Technical Review Committee Meeting. This meeting typically includes the committee members: Director, Academic Counselor, two ECU students, and one ECU faculty member.

Each member of the Technical Review committee will review the application and complete a Technical Committee Review form, which they rate subareas during the interviewing process. A student can get a score of 100 on their Technical Review Committee forms from each committee member. In some cases (rising 8th graders) the total score may only be 90 due to them not taking the Science OCCT. In other cases, the essay is not essential and could lead to the total possible points being only 80. These sections should be marked Not Applicable on the Technical Review Committee forms. The parent and child must also view and accept the terms of the continuation contract. The applicants with the highest scores will be given advanced or priority placement into the program, if a seat is available. Applicants will be notified of whether the student has been accepted or placed on waiting list within five business days of the Technical Review Committee

Paperwork: Parents and students should read, complete, and return the following forms on or before the deadline to submit applications.

1. Upward Bound Math Science Academic Year Handbook 2. Completed application- students and parents can get an application in the following ways

a. Contact their school counselor b. Call the office at 580-559-5690 to request onec. Print out the application from our website address (see above)

3. Copy of the most recent Federal Income Tax Returns 4. Copy of the Social Security card and/or Birth Certificate 5. Copy of the students insurance card 6. Copy of the students transcript

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7. Copy of the students most recent EOI scores8. Copy of the students most recent ACT, PLANN, Explore scores 9. Copy of disability or guardianship papers (if applicable)

Deadlines: There is no specific set deadlines and Technical Review Selection Interviews can occur at any time throughout the academic year provided that the project Director determines participant positions are vacant. A delay in the required paperwork being completed and turned into the UBMS office, will delay student’s possible acceptance into the program.

Expenses

All expenses for participating in the Upward Bound Math/Science program are paid for with program funds. The program provides meals, supplies, classroom materials, books, paper, pencils, and for expenses incurred during activities on the weekends.

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What we Believe!

This college preparatory program prepares students for successful entrance into a college or university and completion of a degree and ultimately a career in the STEM fields. It is designed to assist students with the development of their academic skills and to provide guidance for success beyond high school. To do so, students participate in two components: a six week Residential Summer Academy and a nine month Academic Year Component, which supplements the traditional school year. Students participating in the program are expected to:

Be Prepared: Be prepared to be challenged academically, socially and give the program their best.

Be Attentive: Be attentive and ready to learn at all events.

Be Responsible: Be responsible and accountable for their academic and personal development as well as the rules and regulations.

Be Committed: Be committed to participation, academic success, and personal growth.

Be Open: Be open to learning new things, meeting new people, and having new experiences.

Be Punctual: Be on time to all Upward Bound Math/Science activities and events.

Be a Model: Hold yourself and others to a high standards for behavior, trustworthiness, and the ability to resolve conflicts peacefully.

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Disciplinary PolicyEach student is expected to adhere to the established code of conduct. A strong desire to pursue an education should be the aspiration of all students selected for this program. The UBMS program is here to foster that goal and to provide the tools necessary for students to not only succeed in high school but also in a postsecondary environment and beyond. The acquisition of knowledge is vital to each student’s academic development. Part of that process is creating an environment that fosters learning and an environment where students may pursue positive peer relationships and connect his or her dreams with realistic postsecondary educational goals.

Rules of Conduct

1. Pursue learning and set high academic and personal goals. 2. Do not exhibit disruptive behavior

o Committing disrespectful, offensive, or threatening behavioro Creating interference or a negative impact within the learning environment or activities of other

students o Causing an impediment in the delivery of services o Refusing to participate in the learning environment o Harassing physically, verbally, or psychologically

Making threats or engaging in abusive behavior towards an instructor, staff member, or other students

3. Show respect for everyone, other cultures, beliefs, religions, etc. 4. Be role models with high standards of conduct, trustworthiness, and the ability to resolve conflicts

peacefully. 5. Take personal responsibility for oneself and for the well-being of the UBMS community. 6. Respect ECU and its faculty, staff, and grounds. 7. Follow the instructor’s syllabus and rules and guidelines for their classrooms or CPSS8. The use of profanity will not be tolerated. Music that contains profane language or vulgar language is

considered inappropriate and will be confiscated and returned to parents. 9. Students are not allowed to engage in inappropriate public displays of affection, sexual activities, or

sexually harassing behavior. If this is the case students can be dismissed from the program. Hand holding, kissing, etc. is not allowed.

10. A student may not borrow any item without explicit permission of the property owner. Theft will result in immediate dismissal.

11. Students and/or parents or guardians are responsible for the repair, replacement, or compensation for any damaged property. Vandalism or intentional destruction of property is prohibited and can result in immediate dismissal.

12. Students must be considerate and keep the noise level down at all times while on campus or otherwise stated.

13. For students whom drive their own vehicles to workshops, activities, and events, UBMS is not responsible for providing a parking pass, and will not assume any responsibility for damage, loss, accidents, or tickets incurred by students.

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Hygiene and Dress CodeAs part of the UBMS mission for social skills as well as job skills, we require that all UBMS students, instructors, and staff shower, brush their teeth and change clothes daily, or more frequently as needed. UBMS students and staff are expected to adhere to the dress code by dressing appropriately, in good taste and consistent with program activates at all times. If a student is deemed inappropriately dressed by a staff member, he or she will be sent to the office and will be subject to disciplinary actions.

1. Clothes should not distract from the learning environment: a. Clothes that are excessively tight fitting or revealing b. Clothing with holes, rips, or tears the reveal the bodyc. Tops that don’t cover up the middle torsod. Skirts that don’t cover the lower torso e. Exposed undergarmentsf. Obscene language or images on clothing g. Clothing viewed as threatening or harassing by another student or staff member

Internet and Technology Guidelines

The computer lab is accessible to UBMS students; however, there are a few things to know in order to successfully continue to use the lab.

1. Students are given a username and password by the UBMS office manager, or as needed for an activity. 2. Students are given a flash drive during the summer and are required to keep this flash drive in order to

save materials from the CPSS class when requested. Students are expected to bring those subsequent flash drives back to all UBMS workshops and summer.

The following rules are in effect when using the ECU Computer labs:

1. No FOOD OR DRINKS allowed in the lab at anytime, no exceptions. 2. Do not try and fix issues with the computer, always consult a staff member. 3. All computers must be logged off and shut down at the end of each class period, unless otherwise

specified by a staff member. 4. Students are not allowed to alter computer settings, or download or tamper with the computer and the

computer software in anyway. Doing so can results in suspension of their right to use ECU computers. 5. Students should ask for permission before printing, and minimize the number of items printed. 6. ALL sites that are not educational in nature or do not aid the student in an assigned UBMS project or task

are strictly prohibited. 7. Be respectful of ECU items that do not belong to you. UBMS students and parents are responsible for any

damage done to the ECU computers and lab equipment.

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Grounds for Dismissal

Being a part of UBMS is a privilege and we have high expectations for our students. Each UBMS participant is expected to read, understand, and adhere to the policies stated in this handbook.

The following actions are grounds for immediate dismissal without reasoning or notice:

1. Causing or threatening physical injury to another person, whether a fellow student, staff member, or another outside person.

2. Bringing alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs onto campus at any time. 3. Smoking or possession of smoke (including e-cigarettes or vapors) or possession or use of tobacco

products on campus. 4. Possession of weapons or fireworks. 5. A student may also be terminated if a problem has been addressed with the parent and student and

cannot be corrected. 6. Theft of personal or ECU property or another affiliate of the program, vandalism or intentional

destruction of property7. Tampering with fire extinguishers, security equipment, etc. 8. If a student leaves the site of any UBMS activity without permission from the appropriate staff member

could be immediate grounds for dismissal. 9. If a student is placed on academic or other probationary status, and student fails to meet the

qualifications of the improvement plan a student can be suspended from activities, stipends, summer residential programs, etc. If the student does not get back into good standing with the program the student can also be dismissed from UBMS without the possibility of re-admittance.

Disclaimers

1. All rules and regulations can be subject to change. 2. UBMS staff members, University Police, or personnel may search any student with responsible suspicion

that the student is in danger or in possession of unauthorized items or illegal items.

Disciplinary Action

With 66 high school students participating in our academic program, there may come a time when it is necessary to take discipline measures to minimize problems and assure the safety of the student. Problems are handled individually depending on the severity and consistency of the rule breaker. It is the aim of the UBMS staff to instill self-responsibility by teaching the student to accept consequences based on decisions made by the student. The most important task in this process is for the student to arrive at the conclusion that there is no acceptable rationale for unexcused rule breaking. Therefore, we try to be fair to the student in one-on-one discussions and to design an appropriate plan of action if the rule breaking continues.

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The following actions will be considered for rule breakers:

1) One-on-one talks with a staff member. (verbal warnings)

2) Early evening retention to dorm room.

3) Denied or lessen stipends

4) Billing of any damage to any facility.

5) Denied attendance to field trips and recreation events.

6) Dismissal from the program. Parents will be contacted to transport student’s home early at their expense.

First Referral

The student participant may receive a written referral by any staff member. The originating staff should complete the “ Student Referral Form:” and give to the academic counselor. Who will make comments on the actions needed or taken and file in the students folder.

Second Referral

A second written referral given to the PD will result in a parent conference by phone or in person, within 24 hours of the referral. The student participating maybe placed on academic or behavioral probation.

Third Referral

Should a third violation of any kind occur, parents will be notified immediately to discuss the cause and possibility of recommending immediate dismissal of the student participant.

THE DIRECTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO FORFEIT THE SECOND AND THIRD REFERRAL IF A RULE IS BROKEN THAT IS LISTED ABOVE THAT REQUIRES IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL.

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Emergency and Personal SafetyECU University Police: 580- 559-5555

Ada Police Department: (580) 436-6300

Student Medical Care

It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to provide primary health and injury care for the students via health insurance. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to cover the expense for prescriptions and provide follow-up treatment via the family physician or other source. UBMS requests copy of all students medical cards in case of an emergency. In these rare emergency cases, deemed so by a UBMS staff member, students will be taken to the nearest hospital emergency room and the health insurance card will be presented. The medical consent and history form will also be presented along with the students’ primary insurance. Parents will be kept up to date on their child’s condition in a timely manner. UBMS is not responsible for any medical care or medical payments regarding the UBMS student.

If a student suffers a mild illness or injury while at a UBMS activity or event, a staff member will contact the parent or guardian immediately to arrange for pickup.

Personal Safety

East Central University and UBMS have taken every precaution to ensure the student’s safety here on campus and on activities and events that UBMS sponsors. We believe in providing and safe and healthy environment. Our policies and procedures are set in place to ensure the safety of our students; however some responsibility must fall on the student themselves.

To help protect themselves, students should follow these requirements:

1. Make your personal safety your number one priority. Awareness, avoidance, and risk detection are the best ways to avoid being a victim.

2. Every student must sign in or out and NEVER leave a designated area without the permission of the staff member.

3. Be aware and alert of your surroundings. Avoid walking in unpopulated areas and never walk alone. 4. Report any suspicious activity or people to a UBMS staff member, immediately.

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Mandated Reporting

All Upward Bound Math/Science personnel are mandated reporters by law. In case of suspected or reported child abuse or neglect, staff will make a report to Child Protective Services and/or proper authorities. If a student is deemed to be a danger to himself or others, UBMS staff members are required to make a report to proper authorities.

Academic Year Component All Academic Year Saturday Sessions and Activities are posted online on our calendar as well as sent out in remind messages. You can access the online calendar at https://www.ecok.edu/student-development/trio-programs/upward-bound-math-science/calendar-events or you may call the office and request a paper calendar.

TutoringUBMS tutoring will occur at the student’s home school during designated days of the week, times are typically from 3:30-5:00 p.m. Parents and students will be notified each year when the tutoring schedules are set and these are followed weekly. Tutoring is conducted by a highly qualified university student whom is a STEM major themselves. Students whom are making less than a 75 in a course, whom did not score proficient or above on state assessments, or whom need remediation for their ACT are mandated to tutoring sessions. Mandatory tutoring is at the discretion of the academic counselor and project director. Students must obtain prior approval to miss sessions, or discontinue tutoring. Not going can result in being on probation or being dropped from the program. Tutoring is a valuable tool directed at serving and supporting the academic needs of each individual student.

Rules for Tutoring Include:

1. Students are required to sign in and out on a tutor log each time and be prompt, positive, and engaged. 2. Students are required to bring notes, homework, and books from courses they are not doing well in or

are a part of their academic probationary improvement contract. 3. Corrected assignments and tests to review with the tutor. 4. Study guides 5. Questions

College Prep Saturday Sessions (CPSS) The intent of the CPSS is to supplement your academic experience in high school and prepare you for college life. These are regularly scheduled events that occur on a Saturday and expose students to things they are not experiencing in the high school setting. Workshops typically include a hands on experiment or exercise, including our Botball challenges. (Remind messages and a calendar will be sent out in August about workshop themes, times, and dates)

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A. Things a student MUST bring to a Saturday Session: Progress Report—students will lose points towards earning their stipends without a monthly

progress report- $5.00 less. If a student does not have access to their progress report, a student may come earlier and print a report off in the ECU Computer lab

Binder, Pen, Pencil, Paper, USBB. General Rules for the CPSS Sessions

A student must bring their monthly progress reports to earn their full stipend. A student must be prompt, positive, and engaged in the CPSS activities and assignments. Respect the guest speaker and refrain from the use of electronic devices or talking The student must be prompt and present for the entire session in order to earn their stipends. Stipends will be dispensed at the end of the sessions for the previous months CPSS Complete all assignments and tasks written on the board before the end of the CPSS

College Tours, Cultural Experiences and ActivitiesAt least one time per month UBMS will host a cultural activity or field trip. Parents and student will be sent a reminder of the event, time, location, and agenda through our Remind text messaging system. Students are not able to attend these activities if they have violated a code of conduct rule or are on academic probation with UBMS or their high school.

High School Credit Elective Courses UBMS is forging a partnership with each High School Administration and School Board to allow a suite of electives to be taken by a UBMS student and given credit on their high school transcript upon completion. These electives are delivered by compasslearning.com and will allow the students to explore other interests that are not offered by their high schools. In order to earn credit the student must have completed the entire course with a 75% or higher.

Community ServiceUBMS is committed to providing students with the opportunities to give back to their communities through community service projects. Students are required to participate in at least three hours of community service per year.

Transportation

UBMS will provide transportation for all activities, internships, and events for the duration of academic period if ECU has transportation available for our use for that particular event or CPSS. Students and/or parents are required to call and let the UBMS office know if they need a ride to the event or CPSS at least one week prior to the event. Not notifying us one week prior could results in the student not getting transportation provided by UBMS. Students are expected to adhere to rules while riding on the ECU buses. These include: wearing their seat

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belts when bus is engaged, not moving while the bus is engaged, refraining from making loud or distracting noises while the bus is engaged and picking up and cleaning the bus after every event and trip.

Academic Advising Students will receive academic advising once per month. The counselor will visit high schools and meet with their students to discuss a variety of topics related to academic and personal success, as well as college and career readiness and exploration. This is a chance for students and counselors to develop and strengthen their relationships with one another, as well as students to ask questions and check in with their counselors. Advising may occur on an individual or group basis and may also be conducted via phone. A monthly schedule is set and followed each academic year, each students home school will be visited on the same day of the month and at the same time. If a student missed their scheduled academic advising day, then that student should contact the academic counselor to get an update on the itinerary discussed during the meetings.

Academic Assessment Information All UBMS students are assessed at pre-entry, monthly, during the summer residential component, and yearly. Pre-Assessments are taken upon entry into the program and can include: transcripts, EOI scores, ACT, Plan, Explore, etc. This will allow the academic counselor to establish a baseline from which to work on improvements in the student’s college readiness skills. Students will also be required to take the PreACT, Explore, Plann, Engage, and 11-12th grade ACT and provide scores. This assessment will help the staff in determining the best resources and course of action to ensure the student is college ready.

Academic Responsibility Policy When a student is admitted into UBMS, he or she agrees to actively participate in a partnership with parents, guardians, instructors, teachers, high school administrators, and the UBMS staff. Each student must sign a continuation contract and fulfill the following requirements to continue to be a part of this amazing opportunity.

1. Students must attend at least 70% of the CPSS sessions. 2. Students must be active in the academic or summer residential components. 3. Students must earn a GPA of 3.0 or better to remain in good standing with the program. 4. Any student earning below a 3.00 GPA or C or lower in any course during the academic year will be

placed on an UBMS probationary contract.

Remaining in Good StandingIn order to maintain good standing with the program, students must do the following:

1. Adhere to our rules and code of conduct

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2. Participate in either or both the academic year component or the summer component 3. Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher4. Maintain a C or better in each course for the entire academic year5. Complete four hours of community service per year6. Students are required to take and submit scores (at their home school or with UBMS) ACT Engage, plan,

Explore, and ACT for 11-12 graders.

Students whom don’t meet the “good standing requirements” will be placed on an academic probationary period or plan of improvement. Parents and students will be notified and the student is required to work with the academic counselor on the plan of improvement to bring his/her standing back to good. Students who fail to do so can be suspended from program activities, summer residential program, stipends, and can be dismissed from the UBMS program for failing to meet academic requirements.

Merit Program

The Upward Bound Math and Science staff has developed an equitable system designed to reward each participant’s attendance, improvement, involvement, aptitude, and behavior throughout the academic program. We believe that everyone in the program is capable of high achievement and have established a merit system to provide encouragement and motivation for each student to achieve at his or her very best academically and socially. Merit points are given for efforts that go above and beyond (exceptional attitude, good sportsmanship, good attitude, helping others, volunteering, etc) Teachers, residential, and administrative staff can issue merits.

Stipends

Stipends are a reward system for good grades and attendance. Students are only allowed to obtain a maximum of 40.00 per month. Students can earn stipends by attending the CPSS and following the CPSS guidelines and expectations.

Stipends will only be dispersed at the CPSS. It is the students responsibility to obtain the stipend if for some reason they were gone during dispersal. Stipends that have expired (60 days) will be forfeited and not regenerated.

IF a student signs up or RSVP’s for an event and does not attend, that money for the ticket or pass will be deducted from the student’s stipend. Students should provide a 24 hour notice if unable to attend an event. This will be noted on the RSVP trip list and ticket.

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The Academic Year Merit Trip

UBMS takes a merit trip at the end of each academic year (if funds are available). In order to participate in the merit trip students must have earned a C or better in each class, maintained appropriate and respectful behavior with other students, staff, and instructors, followed the code of conduct, and completed all required expectations according to the handbook.

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