Weber State University
PA-7: Affordability and Access

As mentioned in section 3, we have numerous outreach and support efforts to engage underrepresented students on campus. We are unique in that we also offer the Dream Weber Program for students who are unable to receive full funding from the Pell program. The Dream Weber program provides free tuition and general student fees to students whose annual household income is $40,000 or less by using a combination of federal and state financial aid and money given to the university from generous donors. The purpose of the Dream Weber Program is to help students complete a college degree — which will improve their earning potential throughout their lives. Weber State University has the lowest in-state tuition of Utah's 4-year institutions.

The Student Support Services student advisory board meets with deans throughout the year and also asks department heads/professors if their students are first generation (a trait closely linked to low-income families) so that the program can begin explaining to the professors the unique needs of first-generation/low-income students. Teaching and Learning Forum provides sessions for faculty on student success initiatives, which include consideration of students from low-income backgrounds.

WSU has 4 TRIO programs that work at some level to help low-income students traverse the culture of higher ed. TRIO is a set of federally-funded college opportunity programs that motivate and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds in their pursuit of a college degree. Over 850,000 low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities — from sixth grade through college graduation — are served by more than 2,800 programs nationally. TRIO programs provide direct support services for students, and relevant training for directors and staff. TRIO programs provide the following: academic tutoring personal counseling mentoring financial guidance other educational supports

We are unique in that we also offer the Dream Weber Program for students who are unable to receive full funding from the Pell program. The Dream Weber program provides free tuition and general student fees to students whose annual household income is $40,000 or less by using a combination of federal and state financial aid and money given to the university from generous donors.

The Student 2 Student Program (https://www.weber.edu/s2s) and the Admissions Office work together to recruit students from low-income backgrounds.

In addition to having the lowest tuition costs of Utah's 4-year institutions, Weber State is an open-enrollment institution.

The Nontraditional Student Center is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment to empower nontraditional students to navigate barriers and challenges, access resources for academic and personal growth, and develop leadership skills for success beyond the classroom.

The Melba S. Lehner Children's School, located in the McKay Education Building on the Ogden campus of Weber State University provides quality care and education for young children from the surrounding communities. The school serves as a training lab for students majoring in Early Childhood, Early Childhood Education, and Elementary Education, as well as a teaching school for young children. Extended Hours Preschool and Toddler Programs are available to students, faculty and staff for children age 2-5. Extended School is available for students of WSU Charter Academy and community. The Hourly Childcare Center is a part of the NonTrad Student Center and is a state-licensed facility that provides hourly care to WSU students' children (ages 2-9 years old) while they attend classes.

1) The Nontraditional Student Center is intended to assist nontraditional students (25 years or older, married/divorced/widowed, or a parent) in making a successful academic and social transition to Weber State University. The center is designed to support students' academic progress and social adjustment to the WSU environment by utilizing university departments, faculty and staff, programs, and student organizations to provide assistance and encouragement. It is our vision to provide a welcoming, friendly, and comfortable environment. Our goal is to create a center that helps all students feel recognized, valued, and completely connected to the larger Weber State University community as much as possible. 2) We offer pre-college access and outreach programs that include K-16 partnerships and encourage under-represented students who are traditionally non-college bound to pursue and successfully complete a post-secondary education that meets the mutual needs of the university, public school system and community. Develop and implement strategies for better coordination and linkage of k-16 pipeline outreach and transition activity partners for underrepresented students. Develop strategies for monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of educational outreach initiatives. Facilitate networking and discussion among campus and community entirely involved in outreach. Develop a sustainable funding stream; support programs and expectation. 3) To insure an equal educational opportunity for all individuals with disabilities, Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) provides access to all university functions, activities, and programs. SSD insures Weber State University's compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable regulations and guidelines under state and federal law associated with access for individuals with disabilities. The scope of our services is limited primarily to program access and the rights of people with disabilities to an equal education. The program's responsibility for architectural access is limited to advising appropriate campus and state agencies regarding known and/or anticipated architectural barriers. This department provides specialized services, technology, and advisement to meet the specific needs of each qualified disabled student. These services cover all generally acknowledged types of disabling conditions including certain cognitive and emotional problems (subject to documented verification) in addition to visual impairments, hearing impairments, and mobility impairments. Individualized service programs are designed specifically to fit each student's needs and abilities. SSD supports a strong philosophy of individual independence and self-determination. SSD serves as a resource for both the campus and surrounding community. The staff is well versed on the ethical principles and established federal guidelines related to the rights and responsibilities of people with disabilities. Students as well as faculty and staff can request advisement from highly trained personnel about issues related to disabilities. We also provide a wide range of adaptive equipment and technology designed to assist people with disabilities. This equipment may be made available to the public on a limited basis.