Asian Pacific American Student Affairs (APASA) presents its signature retention program targeting incoming first-year students at the University of Arizona.  The primary goal of the EDGE program is to increase the retention and graduation rates of Asian American and Pacific Islander students by focusing on four pillars of success: Engagement, Diversity, Growth, and Excellence.  Students participating in the EDGE program gain a positive support system for academic and social development through guidance by Retention and Education Peers (REPs), connecting with a cohort of peers, and participating in workshops, cultural events, and service-learning opportunities. The EDGE program is open to all students!

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EDGE Participants
Selected students will be chosen to participate in the elite EDGE Program for a full academic year. EDGE Program participants will be placed in REP-led clusters with their peers and receive resources and valuable skill sets to help them be successful in traversing the college experience.  

Objectives:
By participating in the EDGE program, participants will:

• acquire important knowledge, skills, and social connections to achieve their goals
• develop connections and commitments to the UA community
• engage in active learning about issues related to diversity, growth, and excellence

To apply to be an EDGE Participant : Click Here (Incoming Freshmen only!)

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Retention and Education Peers (REPs)
Selected high-achieving upper division students will be selected and trained as REPs, who will lead a cluster of EDGE participants for a full academic year and serve as representatives for APASA to the larger campus community. REPs will have weekly responsibilities each month, including

• Managing and coordinating a cluster of 5-8 EDGE participants
• Presenting curriculum to their cluster groups, entire EDGE program, and selected outreach areas.
• Having one-on-one meetings with EDGE cluster members
• Researching and coordinating multiple service learning projects, socials, and philanthropies
• Tracking EDGE participants' assignments and attendance through D2L and MASS WebDoc
• Evaluating and assessing EDGE participant engagement and progress of their academic and personal goals
• Duties as assigned

Each month will feature a selected topic focusing on skill-development for all EDGE participants. REPs will receive a semesterly stipend. Submitting the application also indicates that you have read and understand the responsibilities and time commitments REP position and options as outlined in the position descriptions and website.

1. 2009-20010 REP Employment Application (link to online application also below).
2. A Current Resume. Please list your relevant on and off-campus work, educational, and co-curricular experiences. Email your resume (as an attachment) directly to Dan Xayaphanh at danthaix@email.arizona.edu
3. One Completed REP Recommendation Form from a valid reference.

Please take note of the following mandatory dates::

March 13, 2009: Application due (by 5pm)
March 30-April 3: Interviews
April 10: Notification of Selected REPs
April 17: First meeting with REPs
May 2 : Announcement of REPs at LOTUS Laureate
Week of August 17: REP Fall Training (all week)
Week of August 24: Welcome Week
Week of September 1: Program start

To apply to be a REP: Click Here
Please be aware, there are several essay questions on the application. They are the following (all are max 2000 characters):

1. Please explain your reasons for wanting to become a REP.
2. How have your past experiences prepared you to serve as a REP? Please state any skills, strengths, or qualities.
3. Have you ever been involved in a peer advising/mentorship program before? If so please write briefly about your experience. If not, please write about an experience in which you feel that you helped a peer.
4. What are some major issues that incoming freshmen face? What are some major issues that Asian American and Pacific Islander students face in college?