Arrupe Scholars: Connect. Lead. Transform.
Arrupe Scholars is a year-long program within the THR1VE Center at Xavier University, designed to support promise students and first-generation students. Rooted in Jesuit values and the principles of Ignatian Belonging, the program provides mentorship, academic resources, and targeted interventions to foster a sense of purpose, community, and success. It specifically supports promise students and helps them navigate their transition to college with personalized support.
For interest in the Arrupe Scholars program, please reach out to Dr. Daniel McSpadden at 513-745-3756 or mcspaddend@xavier.edu.
Program Goals
- Increase retention and persistence rates for promise and first-generation students
- Foster Ignatian Belonging by helping students find connection, purpose, and academic success in their Xavier journey
- Provide academic, career, and leadership development support
- Strengthen relationships with faculty, staff, and peers to enhance student success
- Encourage self-reflection and growth through Ignatian values and spiritual formation
Ignatian Belonging & Community Building
The Arrupe Scholars is designed around Ignatian Belonging, journey with students towards their hope filled academic journey:
- Seen – Recognizing every student’s strength
,and potential - Known – Building authentic relationships with faculty, staff, and peers
- Loved – Feeling valued and supported in their academic and personal journey
- Empowered – Developing confidence to persist and excel
Retention-Focused Strategies
- Group mentorship with faculty or staff
- Peer mentoring circles led by upper-class first gen and at-promise students
- Targeted academic interventions, including early check-ins, midterm progress check-ins, and end-of-semester registration planning in partnership with OALS
- Early alert system to identify and support students in partnership with Care & Support Services
- Specialized tutoring and study labs for challenging courses
Student-Aligned Personalized Network of Communication
- Monthly “First Look” newsletters with themed guidance and success stories
- Connection to ‘ASP Network’ chat group
- Text message reminders for key deadlines and connection with staff mentor
- Video messages from faculty, staff, and peer mentors- (Faculty, staff, or peer mentor of the month”
- Weekly check-ins from staff mentors to offer support and guidance
- Real-time engagement via social media through live tweeting and Instagram Q&A’s