What is the Educational Opportunity
Program (EOP)?
EOP, enacted by law in 1969, is a state
mandated program that provides access to a
college education for first generation college
students. Students who are from low income and
educationally disadvantaged communities are
targeted for the program. EOP provides special
admission consideration, academic advising,
financial assistance and retention services to
eligible undergraduate students who are
California residents. In addition, EOP provides
instructional support to students through the
EOP Learning Communities Program.
What is an EOP Learning Community?
A learning community is comprised of a set of
core courses that groups of freshman students
are required to enroll in together. Because both
the students and faculty all work and learn
together in a community atmosphere, a supportive
environment is created for the student. This
helps to foster the student's academic growth
and college success.
How are students placed in an EOP Learning
Community?
A student must first complete their EOP
admission file, as well as take the English
Placement Test (EPT) and the Entry Level
Mathematics Exam (ELM), preferably by the May
test deadline. The student must then attend an
EOP workshop and agree to the terms of the EOP
Contract, which outlines the requirements of the
program. Upon receipt of the student's test
scores and contract, students are
administratively enrolled in the appropriate
courses. A letter is mailed informing them of
their course placement and the university mails
out a confirmation of this schedule in
mid-August.
What types of courses are available to
students in the program?
Students enrolled in an EOP Learning
Community are typically registered for a set of
4-5 courses in the typical EOP Learning
Community program configuration and a set of 2
courses in the Pre-College Communities. (See the
course listings below for details).
EOP Learning Communities
English (e.g., LS-15, 86, 87, Eng. 1, 1X, 1A,
2)
**Math (e.g., LS-7A, 7B, 10A, 10B)
EOP Freshman Seminar (e.g., ETHN-21)
General Education Course
LS-39B Group Tutorial Course
*Pre-College Communities
General Education Course
LS-39B Group Tutorial Course
Notes:
*Students in the Pre-College Communities
scoring into preparatory English and math
receive priority registration in these courses
by the program. Students are also instructed to
enroll in 1-2 courses that they select on their
own to ensure full-time enrollment status in the
university.
**Students scoring 550 or above on the ELM
are instructed to register for a general
education math course on their own, in order to
complete their learning community course
schedule.
What are the benefits of being enrolled in
an EOP Learning Community?
There are many benefits to being an EOP
learning community student. The program helps to
provide students with a smooth transition to
college. Students receive academic advising and
peer counseling that is critical to their
success at the university. Tutorial assistance
in English and math and various other subjects
helps to supplement the learning experience of
the student. Students in learning communities
also have a chance to build a positive working
relationships with CSUS faculty. Peer support
and program events also help to ensure the
success of first-time freshman EOP students.
How is an EOP Learning Community different
from a University Learning Community?
Unlike the university learning communities
program, students in an EOP Learning Community
are required to participate in the program and
are placed in a learning community on the basis
of their EPT and ELM test scores and EOP
admission status. This helps to ensure that
students receive the necessary skills and
support services that are critical to the their
completion of preparatory English and math
course requirements.
How can I obtain more information about
the program?
For additional information about the EOP
Learning Communities Program, contact Marcellene
Watson, the EOP Learning Communities Program
Coordinator at (916) 278-7812.
