Thirty students at Stony Brook University who faced academic challenges in their first year have improved their grade point averages by an average of one full point on a 4.0 scale after participating in the Sophomore Academic Resilience Program (SARP). Such an increase is unusual, as most college students typically see much smaller GPA changes.
The SARP program is aimed at supporting students who are on or near academic probation. It provides resources to help them develop study skills, manage their time, and connect with campus support services. The university covers all costs for participants, including meals and housing during the five-week summer program.
Nina Freiberger, a lecturer in the School of Communication and Journalism who taught part of the program, highlighted the unique challenges many Stony Brook students face: “So many of our students are working full time in addition to being students. That’s something that’s unique to Stony Brook. Our students are doing everything they can to stay afloat. If they’re not succeeding, how can we help them to succeed so they’re not wasting their money? This kind of program helps to balance the scales of equality versus equity; some students come into college with the skillsets and know what to expect and others don’t.”
During SARP, participants earned five credits—three meeting core curriculum requirements and two from an academic skills course—and engaged with advisors and staff across various university departments. The initiative also included social events and workshops provided by several campus organizations.
Stony Brook University received recognition for its efforts through the Innovative Institution Award from EAB Strategic Advisory Services, honoring institutions that demonstrate experimentation and bold ideas in higher education.
This marks the second year SARP has been offered at Stony Brook. Last year’s cohort saw similar outcomes; most members are now juniors on track for graduation. Four previous participants returned as mentors this year, assisting new enrollees while earning internship credit.
Students praised the value of mentorship within SARP: “Talk to your mentors, they’ve been through everything you’ve been through,” said one participant anonymously in a survey.
Another student commented: “SARP is handing you jewels for free and you’ll be ignorant not to take them.”
Support extends beyond summer programming into the academic year with ongoing workshops, meetings, and social activities facilitated by the Division of Undergraduate Education.
Rachelle Germana, senior associate provost for undergraduate education, noted both student commitment and institutional investment: “This program is time and resource intensive for the university but also for the students. Many of our students work to pay their way through school or to help their families, and not all of them can afford to give their summers to this kind of program. That these students were able to put in the time and effort to be here really demonstrates just how committed they are to their own success and achieving their dreams.”
In addition to improved GPAs, nearly all participants reported greater confidence in their academic abilities as well as improvements in motivation and time management.
Germana added: “Stony Brook is a top university; classes are going to be difficult and faculty are going to have high expectations. These students earned their spot here and we want to see them succeed. But the reality is that our students are balancing a lot, personally and academically. This program acknowledges that. It helps students lean into the experiences and strengths they already have, and direct those strengths toward being successful at Stony Brook and toward their goals after graduation.”
