Mission
The ONDAS Student Center at UCSB promotes the success and retention of first-generation college students with an emphasis on the first year transition and underrepresented student experience. We provide mentoring and academic support in a learning-centered space for students to connect with faculty, staff, and peers in order to grow personally and excel academically.
History
In 2014, UCSB was recognized as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education, making the campus eligible for new federal funding to develop new capacities and programs. From 2015-2020, the ONDAS Student Center (OSC) was funded by a Department of Education Title V HSI grant that supports these purposes. The grant recognizes UCSB’s strong and shared commitment to academic excellence and diversity, and provides new programming and services that will benefit all students on campus. To strengthen the academic success and retention of undergraduates, ONDAS delivers two main areas of activity: supporting first-year experiences (freshmen and transfer) and faculty professional development. In 2020, the ONDAS Student Center was institutionalized by the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and continues its work as an academic resource center in the Office of Teaching & Learning.
Facts & Figures
In 2023-2024, 31% of the student population (including transfer students) identified as first-generation college students
Over 65 faculty have engaged with the ONDAS Student Center since our opening
On average, over 2,500 students utilize the ONDAS Student Center each year
Alpha Alpha Alpha: A National Honor Society dedicated to honoring the academic achievement of first-generation college students was chartered at UCSB in 2021