Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP)

About Nazareth College

Nazareth College is a coeducational college with undergraduate and graduate studies in liberal arts and sciences and professional programs in health and human services, education, and management. Nazareth has a strong commitment to experience-based learning and civil engagement. In the past decade, Nazareth has produced 18 Fulbright recipients and two Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowships.

"Naz helped me to acquire the knowledge that I need to be a well-rounded individual when I venture out into the real world. Another reason I love Naz is that it opens you up to other cultures, ethnicities, races, and backgrounds, and forces you out of your comfort zone, leaving no room for ignorance." -Diedre Willer, Sophomore, Nursing Program

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, gender identity or expression, 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 a comprehensive program that provides academic support to capable students who, due to lack of academic and financial resources, might not otherwise be able to study at Nazareth.

What is Excel?

Excel-a program unique to Nazareth College- was designed to facilitate access to Nazareth for students whose academics would qualify them for HEOP, but who do not meet that program’s criteria on residency and/or income.

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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. Note: Income limits may be raised if applicant's household is a one-parent family.

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

The Arthur O. Eve HEOP Family Income Guidelines

Please Click Here for detailed family income guidelines.

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What Students Have to Say about HEOP/Excel:

"The HEOP/EXCEL program gave me the ability to have to the chance to go to college and do what I dreamed of and more, but what I thought I would not be able to do. The program has given me more than the financial support though, they have given me the support of a group right by if I need help with anything else or just need to be pointed into the right direction."
- Samantha Eklund, Junior, Psychology Major with Women’s Studies and Music Minors

"My college experience has been the best experience I have had. It has changed my life. Nazareth’s HEOP/Excel family supported me financially, and has guided me every step of the way. The summer program also helped me to be more aware of what college is like. I am grateful for the opportunity and I would never exchange my new Nazareth family for the world."
- Daliza Alvarez, Freshman, Psychology Major with Dance minor

"Being in the HEOP program has been a great experience. It builds a support base that makes school feel like a home away from home. If you were to move the E in HEOP to the end you get the word HOPE, and that is what this program gives us."
- Tenelle Pierce, Freshman, Undeclared

How do I apply?

Complete Nazareth’s common application for admission. On the Nazareth College supplement indicate that you are interested in being considered for the Higher Education Opportunity Program by checking “Yes” on question #3 (even if you are applying to the Excel Program).

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.

Send directly to Nazareth College from your high school:

Official high school transcript
Letter(s) of recommendation (one to three letters from high school counselor(s) and teacher(s)
Student writing sample (about 500 words in length)
List of senior courses

Additional Application Information

Visual and Performing Arts applicants must contact the Admissions office to arrange an audition or portfolio review.
Please note that the $40 application fee is waived for all HEOP/Excel applicants.
After your application is complete, the HEOP/Excel staff will contact you to obtain your income verification documents and to set up an appointment for a personal interview and testing.

What are the Deadlines?

	Application Deadline	SAT/ACT (Optional)	Submit FAFSA	Notification Date
Early Decision (Binding)	Nov 15	Nov test date	CSS Profile (Call for more info)	Begins after Dec 15
Early Action (Non-binding)	Dec 15	Dec test date	No later than Feb 15	Begins after Jan 15
Regular Decision (Non-binding)	Feb 15	Jan test date	No later than Feb 15	Begins after Mar 1

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