The Biology Undergraduate Scholars Program (BUSP) is a large-scale, professional development program for underrepresented minority (URM) students in life sciences majors. The program takes a holistic approach to assisting students to thrive academically and personally through supplemental education in chemistry, calculus, and biology; through sound academic and personal advising by experienced professional staff and faculty advisors; and, through practical experience in the discipline afforded by internships in research laboratories.
Institution:
University of California - Davis
Academic Level:
Baccalaureate
Issue Area:
Academic Program
Year:
2006
Designation:
Examples of Excelencia
Designation:
Finalist
Key Personnel:
Champagne, Connie
Address:
University of California, Davis
Address 2:
1 Shields Avenue
City:
Davis
State:
CA
Zip:
95616 Goal/Mission:
The program was initiated with the goal of increasing the performance and persistence of URM students in biology majors at the University of California -- Davis (UCD). Over time, BUSP goals have evolved to include preparing students to pursue post-baccalaureate programs, such as doctoral studies and/or human and veterinary medicine studies. 2003 BUSP entrants (the group with the most accurate and complete figures) outperformed their non-BUSP classmates in chemistry, biology, and calculus. Another measure of program success is post-baccalaureate achievement of program participants. Recent BUSP Latino graduates are enrolled in life sciences PhD programs at prestigious institutions.
Outcome:
Since its inception in 1988, BUSP has provided academic enrichment activities to over 1,000 students, of whom 46% are Latino. Of the 151 BUSP student participants in 2005-2006, 52 (34%) are Latino. Up to 50 freshmen are admitted annually.
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