SAEO Scholars Transition Program 

The SAEO Scholars program at VCU is designed to prepare incoming students for the transition to university life through various academic, social, and campus resources and support. Students who enroll in SAEO Scholars will participate in four different components; Smart Start, UNIV 191, Learning Specialist Support, and Empower Hour. This program is free and open to incoming VCU freshmen registering with SAEO.

For the 2025-2026 Academic Year, SAEO Scholars will take a pause on its current programming. Incoming students can still receive support through the learning specialist program and UNIV 191 course offered by SAEO. Students should work with their case manager to get connected to both of these supports. Additionally, SAEO will provide programming over the Summer and at the beginning of the Fall 2025 semester to support first year students transitioning to VCU. For more information regarding this change, please contact saeo@vcu.edu.

UNIV 191: 

SAEO Students will be enrolled in 1-credit course during their first semester. UNIV 191 will provide a setting in which participants will, through direction and feedback, continue to hone their unique skills as new members of the VCU community. We will focus on the development and growth of various skills related to academics, social interactions, how to utilize accommodations, and self-advocacy. The course will also help students develop a support system of resources and techniques that aid in reducing the barriers that are often common in traditional learning programs. 

Learning Support Program: 

SAEO Students will also have access to individualized meetings with our learning specialists. Learning Specialists are specifically trained to work with students on a variety of academic skills that are essential to success, including effective organization, goal setting, time management, and meeting course expectations.