These activities are often co-sponsored with other departments. The goal is to provide direct service to students while informing them of campus departments which can specifically meet their needs. In addition, staff serve as campus-required advisors to one or more student organizations or interest groups. STEP provides incoming EOP freshmen with a two-week residential orientation to both academic and social support services departments. All students receive writing and math instruction provided by the academic departments.
Students also enroll in an affective skills course.
Math and science honor students are involved in an additional week of hands on laboratory experience and tours. The primary staff and faculty for STEP beyond EOP are advisors from Letters and Science, Campus Learning Assistance Services, Writing Program, Math Achievement Program, Orientation, and Counseling and Career Services. PODS is a program initiative which has a student centered focus on achieving academic excellence. The goal of this program is to create a community group that enhances learning. Students work in groups of approximately 15 participants organized by major.