The University at Buffalo Daniel Acker Scholars Program is an individualized program for academically talented students who are traditionally underrepresented in higher education for an individualized academic experience. Consideration is given to students with financial need, first-generation college students and underrepresented minority students (African-American, Latina/Latino American; and Native American). A supplemental application is required.
A component of the University at Buffalo Cora P. Maloney College, this unique program offers support services and activities that help students with exceptional academic potential maximize their college experience from enrollment to graduation. (Who was Daniel Acker?)
Acker Scholars have a long tradition of contributing to student leadership at UB and participating in community service. Since the first class of students enrolled in 1984, participants have gone on to complete medical, dental and law school, M.B.A.’s, and various graduate programs across the nation. Our graduates are: accountants, physicians, corporate executives, engineers, lawyers—the list goes on—and stand ready to help more students achieve their educational and career goals.
Acker Scholars come to UB as part of a community: they attend orientation together, live together, and learn from one another. This supportive, family-like atmosphere helps students develop friendships, realize their goals, get involved, and excel at UB.
Selection Criteria
First year students are selected to participate in the Acker Scholars Program each year. Students must be citizens of the United States or Permanent Residents and residents of New York State. A limited number of Out-of-State students may also qualify. The criteria for consideration for the scholarship program are as follows:
Students who satisfy these criteria will be further screened and qualified applicants invited by the Office of Admissions to receive the Scholarship.
During the first year of study, freshmen must complete at least 12 credit hours each semester, and achieve a cumulative grade point average (gpa) of 3.0 or higher for the academic year.
In order to continue the award Acker Scholars must maintain a cumulative 3.00 grade point average each year for up to four years of full time undergraduate study.
Services
Help With Costs
While the Daniel Acker Scholars Program is not a financial aid program, incoming Scholars students who are New York State residents are awarded the SUNY Empire State Diversity Honors Scholarship. Students typically receive $4,970 per year for their four years of undergraduate study, provided that they maintain a minimum 3.00 cumulative grade point average. Out of state students are also eligible and receive a comparable scholarship award.
Acker Scholars are encouraged to apply for additional kinds of financial aid available through UB, as well as for state and federal aid programs. Students should make an appointment with UB's Office of Financial Aid, or contact their high school guidance counselors for assistance in obtaining and completing the necessary financial aid forms. For additional information about scholarship and financial aid programs of interest to minority students, participants should click the Scholarships link on the CPMC website or visit the UB Student Response Center (SRC). This site offers links to several searchable databases and is an excellent source of information for students looking for educational opportunities and funding.
Individualized Advisement
Acker Scholars get the best of both worlds - all of the advantages, diversity and choice of attending a large university, with the personal attention and guidance of a small college. We've even designed a special course that helps students quickly adjust to the rigors of university-level coursework. The Acker Scholars Program, with fewer than 250 students altogether, makes the university experience more personal.
Acker Scholars are part of a select community of scholars at UB and receive individualized counseling guidance, and support from the program director. Familiar with the university and all the services and programs it offers, the program director can help students identify resources. This makes the university experience more personal and helps students take advantage of the many services and programs available to enrich their university experience.
Help with Academics and Enrichment
Freshman Seminar Course
Cora P. Maloney College offers a specialized, 2-credit course designed specifically for Acker Scholars. CPM 101 Freshman Seminar is designed to facilitate a smooth transition to the university environment and academic studies. Acker Scholars who are enrolled in the CPM 101 Freshman Experience Seminar develop a better understanding of themselves, UB, and each other. CPM 101 is an excellent source of information, and provides a semester-long orientation to UB both in and out of the classroom.
Learning Strategies Course
Acker Scholars can take advantage of a small, personalized section of the Methods of Inquiry course (GSE 155). This course is all about thinking. The course offers undergraduates concrete ways to approach their studies by helping them become actively involved in their own learning processes. All activities in the course explore the theoretical foundations of learning and thinking, but the main emphasis is on ways to recognize and use effective learning strategies as first steps towards understanding and well-reasoned critical thinking. Students will learn how to respond to lectures and reading materials actively; to predict examination questions; to write clear; well-organized papers; and to study effectively and efficiently.
Tutorial Services
Acker Scholars have access to tutorial services at no cost through the Center for Academic Development Services (CADS) Tutorial Lab. This comprehensive tutorial lab is located on the ground floor of the Undergraduate Library (UGL) in Capen Hall and serves as a resource where students can receive individual and group tutoring in all disciplines in order to maximize their academic potential. If you need help with classes or are looking for a tutor in a certain course, you can sign up for one in the CADS Tutorial Lab, 46 UGL in Capen Hall, or check out the online site for more information.
Acker Scholars are also encouraged to apply for other student support programs through CPMC, like the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) and the SUNY Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (SUNY LSAMP). CSTEP provides minority and/or economically disadvantaged students with the opportunity to explore scientific, technical, and health-related professions.
SUNY LSAMP is a student enrichment and support services program designed to improve the academic performance, retention, graduation and graduate school admission rates of historically underrepresented minority students who are pursuing degrees in the areas of Natural Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Acker Scholars are offered the opportunity to attend conferences to assist in their career development and preparation for graduate and professional schools through CSTEP and SUNY LSAMP.
Preferred Housing
The university reserves a section of rooms in Richmond Quadrangle in the Ellicott Complex for Acker Scholars and those who live on campus are required to live in Acker scholar housing for the first year only. Here they will be provided with a good living facility, and a staff concerned about student development. Academic achievement and personal development are the objectives of residence hall programs, but student success and happiness depend mostly on a commitment to their future.
The residence halls are an excellent place to meet new friends, participate in numerous activities, develop new interests and learn to live and grow in a community extremely rich in diversity. The staff and students who are a part of the residence halls come from diverse backgrounds and social groups. UB encourages acceptance and appreciation of people regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or religious affiliation. The UB residence hall community values diversity, and believes that our society is strengthened the open exchange of diverse views. To that end, we encourage staff and students to reach out to each other and develop positive relationships.
Cora P. Maloney College
The Daniel Acker Scholars Program is administered by Cora P. Maloney College, a unique academic community Within the University at Buffalo. Chartered in 1976, the college is named for the first woman elected to the Buffalo Common Council in 1957- Mrs. Maloney was a strong advocate of educational equality and excellence, as well as community awareness. Designed to provide undergraduate students with academic and residential experiences from a community perspective, Cora P. Maloney College places a strong emphasis on excellence, achievement among under-represented groups, cultural awareness, and scholastic enrichment. In addition to courses for the entire university community, we provide a number of support programs to help economically disadvantaged students and those from historically underrepresented groups achieve their personal, educational, and career goals. Students who take advantage of our programs while attending UB thrive in a supportive atmosphere. We offer tutoring; facilitate internship and research opportunities, and sponsor workshops, speakers, events, and various student clubs and organizations.
Contact Information
Please visit the Contact page to get information on how to contact us.