The Bluffton University Discovery Program gives students who did not meet the original admissions criteria a chance to attend the university.
The program started about fifteen years ago when Bluffton realized some of its students could use some additional assistance as they began their college education. The goal is to help students succeed.
“When you need help, ask for it. It takes a village to raise a college student.”— Jacqui Slinger, director of academic development services, Wit file photo
“The Discovery Program was designed for students who didn’t meet the qualifications for regular admissions for Bluffton, but for whom we see a lot of promise, so we give additional support to those students so they are successful academically and socially,” said Jacqui Slinger, director of academic development services.
When a student in the Discovery Program first arrives at Bluffton as a freshman, they have to meet regularly with Slinger and take the Applied College Skills course.
After the first year, students have the choice to continue to meet with Slinger. She said most students decide to continue to meet with her for the rest of their time at college.
The amount of students accepted in the Discovery Program has changed over the years. At first, the university accepted fewer than 20 students; however, in the past five years, it has accepted 50 students. This year marks the biggest class of discovery students Bluffton has ever had with 58, Slinger said.
Keith Holmes and Kalus Arnold, two students in the Discovery Program, said the program helps them a lot as students.
“[The Discovery Program] pushes me to be the best student and keeps me on track,” said Holmes.
“The study tables, having tutors and everything is helping me to get a better grade,” said Arnold. “You can look at my transcript right now, and there is an incline every year because of the tutor I go to and the extra help I get.”
Lamar Nisly, vice president and dean of academic affairs, said Jacqui Slinger is a big reason why the Discovery Program has been very successful.
“We have witnessed many students flourish in college, growing from their basis in the Discovery Program,” said Nisly. “The program’s success is largely attributable to the tremendous work that Jacqui Slinger does with her students. She is intensely committed to seeing each one succeed, and she knows just how to blend the proper amount of support with an occasional kick in the pants when it’s needed.”
