History, Mission and Vision

History

Having been in operation for more than 50 years in New York state, the Educational Opportunity Program has its origins in the late 1960s, during the Rockefeller Administration. The State University of New York (SUNY) system objective, articulated in 1966, set forth a long-range commitment that "every student capable of completing a program of higher education should have the opportunity to do so." The Trustees expressed the goal of giving each applicant "what he or she needs to the limit of his (her) capabilities, provided that the applicant is willing to be tested and advised."

Beginning in 1970, EOP students at SUNY Oswego have a long and rich history of engagement, accomplishments and institutional commitment. Recent graduates and current students have earned laurels for their engagement in leadership positions across campus in areas such as Student Government, Residential Life and Housing, and Student Affairs. Additionally, our EOP students gain recognition as scholarship award recipients and honor society members.

Mission

Consistent with the missions of both the State University of New York and SUNY Oswego, the mission of the EOP program is to encourage and assist EOP students in the preparation for, entry to, and completion of a postsecondary degree.

Vision

In collaboration with the institution, the EOP staff will serve as advocates for historically under-represented and under-served student access to higher education; provide services designed to meet student needs and also develop and achieve educational goals; assist students in acquiring the necessary skills, knowledge, and attributes to enter and complete a postsecondary education; provide an environment that recognizes the diversity of backgrounds and learning styles of our student population as well as develop collaborative institutional relationships to promote an environment conducive to the completion of a postsecondary degree.