The UD Scholars Program is an academic support program designed to provide select students with high levels of support to encourage academic and personal success from the time they enter the University of Delaware until they earn their bachelor’s degree.  UD Scholars participate in the virtual  Get Ready Program the summer prior to their first semester. Upon successful completion of the Get Ready Program, UD Scholars continue to the Newark campus and receive services such as free individual tutoring, peer mentoring, academic check-ins, and connection to resources through graduation

For Prospective Students: 
Admission to UD Scholars is selective and designed for students who are first-generation and/or come from economically under resourced communities. If you have been invited to interview for a spot to join the 2024 cohort, please register through your My Blue Hen Home portal as soon as possible. Interviews begin as early as January. If you have questions about UD Scholars, please contact our program coordinator at kgoldie@udel.edu.

  • Incoming UD Scholars live in a Living Learning Community (LLC) during their first year on campus. This provides students with many opportunities to build relationships, form study groups, and utilize campus resources. These program benefits begin during the summer prior to enrollment and continue until graduation.
  • UD Scholars are enrolled in the University Studies Program when they begin their college careers. This means that for at least the first semester students do not have a declared major; instead, they select an interest area and are encouraged to explore the many academic options that are available at UD before declaring. Students who have a specific major in mind work closely with their academic advisor to enroll in courses that satisfy requirements for their intended majors. Students who are exploring their options will also work with their academic advisor to discover which academic path best matches their interests and skills.

Program Benefits:

  • UD Scholars receive one-on-one guidance from the Academic Program Coordinator. During meetings throughout each semester a variety of topics related to student success are discussed. These topics include, but are not limited to setting goals, developing skills, university resources, and academic progress.
  • UD Scholars are eligible for free individual tutoring through tutoring services offered by the Office of Academic Enrichment.
  • UD Scholars have the opportunity to participate in academic workshops and social programs to foster a sense of community and belonging.
  • UD Scholars connect with peer mentors (upper division students with varied experiences) during their first year. Peer mentors assist students with getting acclimated to college life and serve as a resource.
  • UD Scholars make connections and friendships early during the summer and form study groups easily.

 

Meet the UD Scholars Program Coordinator

Kelly Meacham portrait

Kelly Meacham, M.A.

Supporting students as they learn and grow throughout their years at UD is the best part of my career. Becoming a college undergraduate is a new experience and an adjustment for students and their families.  I’m here to help UD Scholars successfully navigate this new environment, connect them to resources, and provide a safe space for students to set goals, assess their progress, ask questions, problem-solve, and seek academic and personal assistance.

In addition, I  teach UNIV112: Academic Self Management and UNIV101: First Year Seminar for UD Scholars.

If you have questions feel free to contact me at Kgoldie@udel.edu.

Follow us on Instagram @udscholars_program

Meet the Director

Adrian McCleary portrait

Adrian A. McCleary, M.Ed.

As Associate Director in the Center for Academic Success and University Studies, I direct the academic advisement office that provides support for undeclared (UST) students at UD. Additionally, I oversee the UD Scholars Program and work closely with the Academic Program Coordinator. I have advised various student populations and provided academic support to undergraduate students for nearly 20 years. I enjoy opportunities to connect with students through individual meetings, as well as in classroom settings where I facilitate a variety of workshops and seminars. Additionally, as an administrator, I collaborate with Assistant Dean colleagues and serve on a number of committees through which initiatives and academic policies that impact UD students are reviewed and enacted. I am incredibly passionate about building strong connections with students and enjoy advocating for their needs.

I can be reached via email at mccleary@udel.edu.