The Success Scholars Program is a support program for first-generation and Pell-eligible college students.

Being first-generation is a proud accomplishment! A strong support system can make a big difference in how students navigate the changes and challenges of the college experience and achieve success at UTampa. We recognize that first-generation students bring valuable assets and encounter unique experiences as they begin this exciting journey, and we look forward to supporting them as they become Spartans.

This program, which evolved from the grant-funded Helios Scholars program, provides social, academic, and financial support to assist first-generation students in adjusting to campus life. Students who opt in to the program will engage in social activities, workshops, academic support sessions, service opportunities, and maintain regular contact with peer mentors.  The Success Scholars program is recognized as a First-Gen Forward institution by the First-Gen Forward organization for its commitment to advancing first-generation student outcomes.

Meaningful relationships with faculty, staff, and peers can shape a student's college experience in powerful ways. Whether through formal mentoring programs or informal conversations, these connections help students navigate challenges, discover opportunities, access resources, and build confidence in their academic, personal, and professional goals. Through SPEARs and Success Champions, students have access to a network of mentors dedicated to supporting their growth and success at every stage of their UTampa journey.

SPEAR Mentors:  Peer mentoring is a cornerstone of the Success Scholars Program experience. Success Scholars are paired with dedicated peer mentors known as SPEARs (Spartan Peers Educating About Resources), who help students navigate the transition to college through encouragement, practical advice, and shared experiences.  As fellow students, SPEARs understand many of the challenges first-generation and Pell-eligible students may encounter. They connect Success Scholars to campus resources, academic support, involvement opportunities, and leadership experiences while helping them build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging within the UTampa community.

Success Champions:  Success Champions are graduate students or staff members who provide individualized coaching and mentorship for upper-division Success Scholars as they prepare for life after UTampa. For first-generation and Pell-eligible students in the Gateways Program, as well as second-year students showing early signs of academic concern, such as missed success markers or declining academic performance. Through proactive outreach, individualized support, and connections to campus resources, Success Champions help students address challenges early and stay on track toward their academic and personal goals.

Students who are connected to SPEARs or Success Champions are invited to schedule one-on-one PLAN (Personal Leadership and Academic Navigation) Meetings through the Navigate platform, to set goals, explore career paths, prepare for graduate school, build professional networks, strengthen financial literacy, and develop plans for achieving their personal, academic, and post-graduation goals. 

The University of Tampa is an independent and nonsectarian institution; however, religious/spiritual beliefs and practices are highly respected and encouraged. All spiritual organizations and local places of worship follow The University of Tampa's Spiritual Agreement of Mutual Respect and Understanding. Learn more about spiritual life on campus.

The Sykes Chapel and Center for Faith and Values is a visual statement of the University of Tampa’s commitment to nurturing the development of character and values of its students. It is an inspiring setting for meditation and celebration of all faiths, enhancing the understanding of diversity, world cultures and religions, and improving religious literacy on campus are central to its mission.

For a complete listing of the student organizations that encourage spiritual practices and enlightenment, visit the Involve UTampa student organization directory. Some examples of these organizations include the following:

Better Together
Composed of students dedicated to interfaith cooperation on campus and in the greater community. Its purpose is to promote understanding and respect for diverse spiritual and nonspiritual beliefs by means of dialogue, education and advocacy.

Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU)
The University of Tampa’s Campus Crusade for Christ exists to provide each and every UTampa student with an environment to investigate God, explore the idea of having a personal relationship with Him, and grow in that relationship.

Chabad UTampa Jewish Student Union
The Chabad Jewish Student Union exists to serve as a social, cultural, religious and educational organization to promote and support Jewish awareness at The University of Tampa.

Catholic Student Organization
The Catholic Student Organization's purpose is to bring together and enrich the experience of Catholic students and the student body as a whole by providing an opportunity to enrich our lives through faith, social and community service events.

Intervarsity Christian Fellowship
Intervarsity exists to be a multi-ethnic, Jesus-centered, witnessing community that is desiring to give students at UTampa a chance to grow spiritually and live out the faith.

The Student Experience Advisory Group is a forum for the Provost, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Student Affairs and Strategic Initiatives, and Vice President for Access and Community Programs to hear directly from students about their experiences to better advocate for a learning environment that supports unique perspectives and student needs.

Through our initiatives and student organizations, we strive to provide a welcoming, engaging, and culturally rich experience for every student. 

For a complete listing of the student organizations at UTampa that celebrate various cultural experiences, visit the Involve UTampa page and search for "unity."