DUCES = Academic Success & Retention
Diverse students
Uniting together
Creating opportunities
Empowering and encouraging others to achieve
Success and sustainability
Mission
The mission of DUCES is to increase retention and academic performance of underrepresented undergraduate students at Case Western Reserve University by:
- Creating a support system that fosters personal, scholastic and professional development
- Enriching the college experience and quality of student life
- Offering opportunities that will empower & prepare students to succeed and sustain in and beyond the academic environment
Purpose
The DUCES program was created by the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA). The purpose of the program is to help increase the retention and overall academic performance of underrepresented (e.g., African American, Hispanic, Pacific Islanders and Native American) undergraduate students at Case Western Reserve. The DUCES program is also intended to provide a support system for student participants and offer individual/group support, academic support, peer and professional mentoring, leadership training, career planning, and community service opportunities.
Pledge
Be a part of the process that will help to identify and address the growing needs of underrepresented students.
Be a part of the solution by sharing ideas and resources that will help create a support system that foster personal, scholastic and professional development of underrepresented students.
Be a part of the change that will enrich the college experience and quality of student life for current and prospective underrepresented students, and will empower and prepare students to succeed and sustain beyond the academic environment.
DUCES Student Eligibility Criteria
- Interest in academic success and retention
- Currently enrolled at CWRU (full or part-time)
- Complete a brief DUCES Student Interest Form
- Complete a one hour DUCES introduction/membership session
- No specific GPA, academic level or major/minor requirements apply
DUCES Student Participation
- Participation in the DUCES program and the activities is voluntary
- A student’s level of participation is contingent upon his/her interest, need, or availability
- Student’s that take the DUCES pledge are committing to their own academic success and retention, and to that of their peers and prospective students
- Any level of involvement can help enrich the college experience and quality of student life for underrepresented students
DUCES Student Involvement
Let your voice be heard
- Attend forums, meetings and workshops to address and identify the needs of underrepresented students
- Serve as a student representative on a committee
- Complete online surveys and questionnaires
- Share your concerns and ideas
- Reach out for assistance and support as needed
Build relationships
- Attend icebreakers, retreats, and other networking/social activities designed to build stronger relationships with your peers, CWRU graduates, faculty, professional staff, alumni and community partners
- Seek a mentor
- Work on projects with other students, faculty, professional staff, alumni and community partners
Make a difference
- Offer academic and social support to those in need
- Participate in a community service project
- Become a mentor
Program Benefits
- Individual academic support available
- Recognition for academic achievements (3.0 & above cumulative GPA)
- Recognition for commitment and dedication to academic success and retention
- Recognition for serving others
- Notifications for special opportunities specifically for DUCES members
- Networking and mentorship connections
- Pinning ceremony for graduating DUCES seniors
- Community service involvement
- DUCES membership card
If you are interested in learning more about DUCES, please e-mail duces@case.edu.