Starting Strong 

Transitioning to the University of Houston may seem intimidating, with nearly 50,000 Cougars calling UH home. Through the Emerging Leaders Academic Success Program (ELASP) at the C. T. Bauer College of Business, new business students are successfully guided through the adjustment process each year. 

ELASP for Freshmen and ELASP for Transfer Students are both one-semester-long programs that help Bauer students academically, professionally and personally grow at the University. The programs include workshops and mentorships. Students also get exposed to career development opportunities in collaboration with the Rockwell Career Center. 

“It's a holistic view of how a student can be successful,” Program Manager for Student Experience Dell Ivy said. “We show them how they can stand out, support and advocate for themselves through ELASP’s student success programming.” 

Historically, ELASP students have completed the program in good academic standing. The average GPA for active ELASP freshmen is 3.82 in their first semester. For transfers, the average GPA at the end of the program is 3.68. 

HUB for Student Success staff members are a resource to support participants' academic needs. Additionally, the program discusses study skills and exam preparation during the time management workshop. 

“'Proactiveness is better than reactiveness’ is something that we always tell students,” Ivy said. “We try to get them in the mindset of doing things early, often and with consistency.” 

The program encourages students to find connections with each other, embracing the slogan "your network is your net worth." Students tend to naturally build these connections with peers in the program, and through peer mentors.  

“The program is designed to create social moments such as a headshot mixer or go to an ice cream social where students can connect with peers, build their network and find inspiration in each other’s journeys,” Ivy said. 

Once students have completed the program and meet certain eligibility criteria, they are able to apply for the ELASP scholarship.