New Hawk Scholars Program Assists with Transition to College

The transition from high school to college can be difficult, but for first-generation, high financial need, and historically underrepresented students, it can be a steeper uphill climb that can lead to persisting in college at lower rates than their non-marginalized peers.

New Rockhurst University Director of Multicultural Belonging and Engagement LaTisha Davis has been there herself, inspiring her to launch the Hawk Scholars program to support the success of students and carry out the University’s mission-driven commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. 

The program will allow Hawk Scholar participants to arrive on campus three days before general move-in. Those three days will be filled with presentations, panels, and social activities by partnering with offices from Student Success, Student Development, Mission and Ministry, Admissions, Financial Aid, Student Accounts, Computer Services, Study Abroad, Honors Program, Campus Safety, and Dining. 

Davis knows first-hand the benefit of being allowed to get familiar with campus early.

“When I started my journey as an incoming freshman, I came to campus early as a member of the dance team,” said Davis, who attended Wichita State University as an undergrad. "We met other students, faculty, and staff, so I know how much it benefited me as a first-gen student.”

Davis went on to earn her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Wichita State, then a master's in Liberal Arts from Baker University. She is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Kansas. She came to Rockhurst from KU, where she served as associate director of TRIO STEM and director of the Childcare Access Means Parents in School program. In 2015, Davis helped start an early move-in program at KU for first-time college (FTC) students from historically underrepresented populations.

“We heard from students that it really helped them find a sense of community, meeting their peers and faculty and staff early on. We would see a significant difference in their sense of belonging from their pre-program survey to their post-program survey.”

That feedback included students mentioning how they felt their identity was reaffirmed and valued, it increased their comfort and confidence going into the first day of classes, and helped them know how to make friends in college.

Rockhurst’s program is built with the same outcomes in mind, and will be open to 50 students per year.

“I definitely hope it will help students find their community here at Rockhurst, and introduce them to resources, faculty and staff early on,” she said.

The program goes beyond orientation, extending through graduation to help students achieve their academic goals by providing personal, professional and academic support. This includes creating a supportive network through peer and faculty mentoring, monthly group meetings, study groups, cultural events, workshops and professional networking opportunities. Additional focus will be placed on building social and emotional strengths, financial literacy and aid, and celebrating diversity and multicultural learning.

Davis believes the Hawk Scholars program will increase GPA’s, strengthen retention rates, as well as grow completion and graduation rates. 

To be eligible, students must identify as first-generation, Pell-eligible, and/or from a historically underrepresented group. There is no cost to participate and applications are accepted through July 15 each year.