Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP)

Statement of Respect and Diversity:

We, the Nazareth community, embrace both respect for the person and freedom of speech. The college promotes civility and denounces acts of hatred or intolerance. The free exchange of ideas is possible only when concepts, values, and viewpoints can be expressed and challenged in a manner that is neither threatening nor demeaning.

It is the policy of Nazareth College, in keeping with its efforts to foster a community in which the diversity of all members is respected, not to discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, marital or veteran status, disability, carrier status, genetic predisposition or any other protected status. Respect for the dignity of all peoples is an essential part of the college’s tradition and mission, and its vision for the future.

What is HEOP?

The Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) at Nazareth College is designed to provide the opportunity of higher education to capable individuals who, due to a lack of academic and financial resources, might not otherwise be accepted to study at Nazareth.

What is Excel?

The primary objective of Excel-- a program unique to Nazareth College-- is to facilitate access to Nazareth for students whose academics would qualify them for HEOP, but who do not meet that program's state restrictions on residency, numbers, and family income. Students accepted to Nazareth as part of the Excel Program receive the same academic and personal support offered by HEOP.

HEOP/Excel Newsletters

Am I Eligible?

Students seeking admission to Nazareth College under the Excel program must...

have a high school diploma (or equivalent).
be ineligible for admission under standard Nazareth criteria.

Students seeking admission to Nazareth under the HEOP program must meet the above requirements and...

be a resident of New York state.
have proof of financial disadvantage:

- State and Federal income tax returns
- Social Services verification
- Ward-of-the-State verification
- Compliance with State Education Department income guidelines

may be required to provide documentation of historical disadvantage.

HEOP financial eligibility is based on State Education Department guidelines of family income and number of persons in the household. The tables on this page indicate maximum family income standards for students who wish to be considered for HEOP.

To learn more about the scholarships and grants for which you might be eligible, visit the Multicultural Affairs web pages.

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HEOP financial eligibility is based on State Education Department guidelines for family income and number of persons in the household. The table below indicates maximum family income standards for students who wish to be considered for HEOP.

The Arthur O. Eve HEOP Family Income Guidelines

(For students first entering college on or after July 1, 2007)

# in household*		Total annual income in 2007-2008 (based on 2006 tax year)
1		$ 14,100
2		$19,600
3		$22,350
4		$27,800
5		$32,850
6		$38,550
7 or more		$42,900

* Total family members includes head of household.
NOTE: Income limits may be raised if applicant's
household is a one-parent family.

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What Current and Past Students Have to Say about HEOP/Excel:

The HEOP/Excel Program throughout my four years at Nazareth College has been to me like a parent to a child. It has given me guidance, courage, love, security, support, and a sense of pride of what I am and what I have become. This program has laid down the foundation that has made me not only successful at Nazareth College, but also successful in life and that foundation would be an education. This is not just a program. It is a guiding light to a brighter future.
- David Gary, ‘03, HEOP, History Major

Joining the Nazareth community through the HEOP/Excel program gave me a boost of confidence as an incoming student. Not only did I have the support and camaraderie of my peers, but I knew that I had a whole office that believed in me and stood behind my efforts. Whether I needed assistance with class work, help making a decision about my future, or was simply excited about an event taking place on campus, this was always the place that I could come to. I am very grateful for the opportunity that HEOP/Excel gave me and I look forward to being there for future students, as people were available to me.
-Dawn Douglas, ‘05 HEOP, Psychology Major

The HEOP/Excel summer program really helped me get acquainted with Nazareth's campus, the services offered by the College, and college life in general. But it doesn't stop there. HEOP/Excel offers a number of other support services like academic advisement, assistance in looking for employment, or just a sympathetic ear if you need someone to talk to.
- Cedric Gaddis, ‘02, Excel, Business Administration Major

When I used to dream as a child, I remember the images that enveloped my mind: my teacher smiling brightly at me, my friends cheering me on, my mother hugging me because I made it to college. The HEOP Program and staff has given me that chance, accepting me into a program that provides support, and comfort, and sometimes, the smiles, cheers, and hugs that I remember from my dream. The program has armed me with the resources necessary for leadership and scholarship. Now I don’t dream. I become.
- Keniel Simpson, ‘04, HEOP, English Major

To learn more about Alumni Relations at Nazareth, visit Alumni Relations on the web.

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How do I apply?

Complete Nazareth’s common application for admission and indicate that you wish to be considered for HEOP/Excel. (Your application fee will be waived automatically.) Applications are reviewed by the admissions and HEOP/Excel staffs.

Remember to submit a copy of the financial aid (FAFSA) form and your family’s latest federal and state income tax forms with your tax forms and application for admission. (Your high school guidance counselor, local college or university, or community educational agency can give you information about admission and financial aid forms.)

Additional testing and a personal interview are required of students who meet the educational and economic requirements. Although we prefer that students be interviewed and tested while visiting the campus, arrangements can be made to accommodate applicants who are unable to make the trip.

What are the Deadlines?

Submit an admissions application by February 15. Notification of acceptance begins March 1. All financial documentation (FAFSA, etc.) must be filed before March 1 in order to obtain a timely financial aid package.
Nazareth College permits first year candidates for admission to choose among offers of admission until May 1; however, enrollment to HEOP/Excel is limited.

What if I'm Transferring?

If you are a transfer student and wish to receive HEOP services at Nazareth, you must have been previously enrolled in HEOP, EOP, or SEEK at another institution. Verification of your status is required before final acceptance to Nazareth. The Excel program is not open to students transferring to Nazareth from another college or university. Note: Transfer applicants must complete the regular Nazareth College application.

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Academic Support Services

Pre-freshman Summer Institute
This intensive five-week long program – required for students accepted into the HEOP or Excel programs – consists of courses in reading, study skills, science, and writing, and is balanced by sessions dealing with career exploration and coping techniques for a successful adjustment to college life. Students earn course credits and are required to live on campus; the program takes place on the Nazareth campus.

Academic Services Throughout the School Year
We believe that every student we admit can graduate! Our year-round academic support services are geared for student success in and out of the classroom. During the freshman and sophomore years, students participate in regular tutorials that support college level learning and orient them to academic policies and procedures.

We offer personal academic planning that is linked to Summer Institute outcomes, as well as fall and spring assessments and evaluations of student performance. Developmental courses,ongoing tutorials, academic advisement/counseling, and pre-registration course selection bolster student confidence to achieve good grades. We believe you can attain all of your educational goals here at Nazareth College.

Counseling

Full-time counselors are available for HEOP and Excel students in need of personal, social, academic, career, and financial aid advisement.

Financial Aid

HEOP students receive a financial aid package based on family need (as defined by federal financial aid formulas) and the cost of attendance at Nazareth. Both HEOP and Nazareth may provide supplemental financial assistance to eligible HEOP students. In order for the program to best be able to meet your family’s needs, we encourage early completion of the financial aid process.

HEOP/Excel CA3L Incentive Awards

These awards are presented to sophomores and juniors who earn a GPA of 2.5 or higher during the current academic school year. The CA3L Awards represent achievement in the areas of
Community Service, Academics, Arts, Athletics, and Leadership.

HEOP/Excel Staff

Donna M. Dettman, Ed. D., M.A., M.S.
Program Coordinator of Academic Support Services and Lecturer in English

Janielle Losaw
Program Coordinator of Admissions, Recruitment and Student Services

Clemont A. Lynch
Director of HEOP / Excel Program