The Student Affairs Diversity Initiatives (SADI) are designed to empower, support, and assist African American students, Hispanic/Latinx students, and students of color in achieving their goal of earning a college degree.
About SADI
In the fall of 2009, the university introduced a new mentoring program, the African American Male Initiative (AAMI), to improve retention and graduation rates for first-time entering freshmen African American male students. At the conclusion of the fall semester, 44 out of 58 AAMI new student participants ended their first semester at UALR in good academic standing. Fifty-five percent earned a 3.0 GPA or higher, and 91% of AAMI participants returned for the spring semester.
Growth
In 2012, the program was expanded to include African American women and Hispanic/Latinx men and women. The program has since been renamed Student Affairs Diversity Initiatives (SADI) and is housed within the UA Little Rock Multicultural Center. Collectively, the SADI program includes the African American Male Initiative, African American Female Initiative, and the Hispanic/Latinx Initiative, as well as the SADI Mentoring program.
SADI Programs
- SADI Mentoring Program
- African American Male Initiative
- African American Female Initiative
- Hispanic/Latinx Initiative
Why join the SADI program?
Right away you will meet students with whom you will have classes and who share common interests. And you will:
- have individualized help with course advising
- be connected with a peer and professional mentor
- attend trainings and workshops to develop your academic and personal skills
- participate in fun social activities on and off-campus
- get updates on volunteer, internship, and job opportunities
Approach
The SADI Student Development Model reflects a holistic approach. The four components of the program are Mentoring, Transitional, Academic Support, and Professional Preparation.
Mentoring Program
The SADI Mentoring Program provides the opportunity for first-time, first-year students and transfer students to be connected with peer and professional mentors to help ease the transition into college. Students participate in numerous relationship-building activities and academic workshops throughout the year. Students rely on their mentors to answer questions regarding the university and for guidance to resources for academic support.
In addition to mentoring responsibilities, SADI’s peer mentors participate in leadership training and work directly with staff to develop an interactive, educational experience for freshmen program participants. SADI’s professional mentors also help host our monthly “Reality Check” programs and other Multicultural Center events.
2023-2024 SADI Mentee & Member Application
The Transitional Program
The Transitional Program consists of programming designed specifically for first-time entering and transfer freshmen. SADI’s Transitional Program’s goal is to ease the transition from high school to college for these students and consists of the following programs:
- Summer Bridge Academy
- New Student Orientation
- First Year Experience Course
Academic Support Program
The Academic Support Program consists of academic success workshops, tutoring and direct links to on-campus resources like the Writing Center and the Math Lab.
The three I’s of the program, early Intervention, Identifying needs and Intrusive advising are utilized to motivate students to achieve academic success. Students’ academic performance is recognized each semester at an awards ceremony.
Professional Preparation Program
The Professional Preparation Program gives students the opportunity to gain skills that are essential to success outside of the classroom. The goals of the SADI Professional Preparation Program are as follows:
- Enhance students’ knowledge of professional expectations and workplace etiquette.
- Provide hands-on opportunities for the students to resolve problems in a collaborative, team environment.
- Create a space for the development of productive relationships between students and their peers as well as students and staff.