Office of Academic and Retention Support
Who Are We?
The Office of Academic & Retention Support (OARS) is a student support office designed to increase student retention and graduation rates through support for all facets of the student experience.
OARS provides individualized support to ensure each student's success and graduation at the University of Akron. Through a variety of programs and services, OARS equips students with the necessary resources and skills to create success in their collegiate journey and beyond.
OARS exists to serve all students at UA in support of their academic and personal goals in their collegiate journey. YES to more support!
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What Do We Do?
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Academic Support
Through services such as peer tutors, academic skill focused workshops, and academic coaching, students are given the skills and support necessary to create success in the classroom.
Student Growth
Student growth is encouraged through opportunities such as the Lead Akron: Blue and Gold Leadership Series, the Campus to Career Professional Mixer, and Workforce Development Support.
Mentorship
Students are provided Peer Mentoring to serve as resources to help students navigate first-year challenges and Case Management Support from staff who help students develop strategies for success and make connections to available resources.
Student Impact
The OARS staff is always open to us. I go to them for everything, from the biggest problems to the smallest. They’re just my support system.
Programs
Through a variety of programs, OARS provides students access to support services that equip them with the resources and skills find success in the collegiate journey and beyond.
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Choose Ohio First
The Choose Ohio First STEM Scholarship Program provides financial assistance plus additional resources to support your success at UA. Choose Ohio First is an initiative funded by the Ohio Department of Higher Education to increase enrollment of students in STEM and STEM Education fields with the goal of supporting the growth of Ohio’s STEM industry.
Summer Bridge
The COF Summer Bridge Program is a transformative experience designed to support your academic and personal growth as you transition to university life.
This program goes beyond academics, helping you develop essential study skills, build confidence, and cultivate leadership abilities. As a participant, you will earn up to 7 credit hours, fully covered by the COF program, giving you a valuable head start on your university education. You will also have the opportunity to live on campus in a welcoming environment, build lasting friendships, and create meaningful experiences that will enrich your college journey.
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Level Up
Level Up is designed to help you gain confidence, crush your goals, and build connections—all before classes begin! Through interactive workshops, fun activities, and expert guidance, here’s what you’ll walk away with:
Confidence to Succeed
Connections That Matter
Essential Skills for Success
A Taste of College Life
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Collegiate Success
A community of academic support for students, especially Innovation Generation Scholars and First-Generation Zips, for their first semester until they cross the stage at graduation!
Success is created through...
Learning Community
Exclusive Events
Academic Support
Services
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To support first-year students in adjusting to college life, we pair you with sophomores, juniors, and seniors to meet regularly and participate in events and programs together.
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OARS provides multiple learning communities giving you a chance to deepen your connections to your peers and build a community at UA.
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Staff
Contact Us
Social Media Links
- All Staff Contact
- (330)-972-7760
- Send an email
- Simmons 301