Ancestral Knowledge and Cultural Diversity
What do we do?
The Ethnic Diversity Program (PDE) provides academic follow up and general support to over 700 undergraduate students who belong to vulnerable populations included in the national policy for affirmative action.
How do we do it?
We monitor our students from the moment they apply to USFQ to ensure that they have guidance on how to prepare for the entrance examinations and how to fill out financial forms. Many of our students are first generation and the vast majority come from rural places with very limited access to quality education. Having the courage to apply for admission to a private university is already a great step.
Once a student is accepted, we assist them applying for financial aid provided by USFQ funds. After admission is confirmed, our students have a special online orientation course. During orientation week, our students have a special session to meet their dean and program chair. Each semester we conduct seminars on studying techniques, how to cope with new environments, how to manage time, etc. Our students meet on a regular basis with departmental chairs, and there is one-on-one counseling when necessary.
Our students are monitored in all aspects of their health, with special emphasis on mental health. An outside group of therapists helps us with students who require treatment. This is very important because by law, USFQ can not provide psychological counseling and, in most cases our students do not have the means to pay for these services. Students who require academic help will access special services such as one-to-one tutoring. We hire student tutors from our program, which also provides a source of income for them. They also know how to help PDE students navigate difficult courses at USFQ.
We also help students seek external funds for study abroad opportunities. USFQ has a very strong exchange program, and our students are often considered for special scholarships. We also help them to travel to international events and overseas internships. After graduation, we provide guidance in job seeking and also assist in pursuing graduate study.
Why do we do it?
Freedom is one of USFQ´s basic principles. There is no freedom without knowledge and education, and we want our graduates to lead and contribute to an international and globally free society. Some of our graduates have already made significant accomplishments in their careers.
