EOP Program
The Education Opportunity Program (EOP) at Maritime College is a program of academic support and financial assistance for all statewide SUNY students who show promise for mastering college level work. Determination of eligibility is ordinarily made when a student is accepted into the college as a freshman.
Transfer students may me considered for admission to the program if they were enrolled in other EOP, HEOP, SEEK, or a similar academic and financial support program at their previous college.
To qualify for EOP, students must be a resident of New York State and be ineligible for admission at the college under its traditional standards. The ability to show the potential to complete a college program, while at the same time demonstrating financial need, are essential for qualify.
In selecting students to the program, priority is given to applicants from both historically disadvantaged academic and financial backgrounds. A decrease in a family income bellow the EOP guidelines, as a result of unemployment or parental separation in the year prior to enrollment, will not necessarily satisfy financial criteria.
Given that high school grades, GED/SAT scores and class rank are not sole predictors of ability to do college work, interviews with college counselors focusing on past academic, social, and family influences which affected a student's academic history are required. This information assists counselors in evaluating the student's potential success at the college.
Though EOP offers limited financial aid, it is not a form of financial aid replacing traditional sources of funding. Students must discuss their total financial aid package with Admissions and Financial Aid advisors.
Once a student's application to the EOP program has been approved, students are required to attend the five-week Pre-Freshman program described above during the summer. Once the academic year begins, students meet regularly with tutors and are required to schedule several appointments each academic year with the EOP counselor. Student may also expect to receive funds pertaining to various costs throughout their college experience. The amount of funding is contingent upon varying amounts allocated to SUNY campuses each year.
Should a student reach a GPA below 2.0 after four semesters, funds may be discontinued for two semesters. Should the GPA not increase, funds may be withheld indefinitely with academic standing re-evaluated at the end of each year thereafter. Mandated weekly or bi-weekly one-on-one tutorials are schedule for courses in which students have earned below 2.0.
Students who transfer out of Maritime are urged to request a letter from the EOP office certifying past EOP enrollment with their new college. Students attending summer school at another SUNY campus may not transfer their EOP funding to that institution.
In addition to meeting with their Academic advisor, EOP students must discuss changes in major, course schedule, and withdrawal decisions with the EOP counselor.
