Benefits of the HEOP

College students have more support than they realize, according to Michele Doorley a counselor for the the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) on April 21 in Myers.

“The HEOP office is a place for students to go when they don't know where to go,” said Doorley.
The HEOP is funded by New York State and is designed to help students that are in good academic standing but do not have the financial resources. This program enrolls about 25 to 30 students a year and there are generally a few transfer students during the year.

The office is open on weekdays for students to come in, socialize and do their homework in the lab. When students are unsure where to go for help or support, they turn to the counselor in the HEOP office. If the support they need cannot be offered by the three available counselors, students are recommended to someone who can assist them.

The HEOP has requirements and standards they expect the students to meet. When students are accepted into the program they are expected to do a five week training where they will take basic mathematics and English classes to get them prepared for the semester ahead.

The students must have above a 1.70 grade point average for their freshman year. If a student fails to meet these standards, they will be placed on academic probation and meet with the director of the program, Nadine Shardlow to create a plan on how to improve their grades.

The HEOP offers academic help as well as help with personal needs. The counselors are willing to provide tutors for the students and ensure they have everything they need to be successful.

This program has a great impact on student's lives and their success. Zarchary Smith, a senior business administration major student, talked about his four years in the program as a fun-filled and a successful one. The program offered a lot of support both academically and emotionally. "There were times when I was not sure what I wanted to do or I was really stressed and just needed to talk," said Smith.

“If I didn't have the support from the HEOP staff my outcome would not have been as successful as it is now,” said Smith.

The HEOP program tries to provide the students with as much support and guidance through their college years in order to ensure their success. Sarah Adegbile, a sophomore in the program, also expressed her time as fun-filled, although she was annoyed with the five week program.

“The five week program payed off in the end because I had an example of what to expect when the semester started and I knew the campus and resources that were available to me,” said Adegbile.

"The counselors in the office are excellent with helping to make sure you are choosing the right career path," said Adegbile.

"We try to make sure all the students needs are met and that they graduate successfully," said Doorley.