Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)

What is EOP?

The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) provides educational opportunities and support to traditionally underserved students who have strong academic potential but would otherwise be excluded from higher education due to circumstances of academic and economic disadvantage.

While the EOP programs throughout New York State share a common philosophical base, each is operated in a somewhat different manner. These differences reflect the personalities of both the host colleges and of the people who administer the programs.

At Potsdam, we are small and personal; all of our student services are designed with one internal focus - helping you to succeed!

You can contact us directly with any questions or comments you may have regarding EOP at SUNY Potsdam; feedback on this site is also welcome.

While EOP is a "special admissions" program at Potsdam, enrolled students take regular college courses and meet the published academic standards of the College; there are no separate courses or standards for students in our program.

Your Special Admission does not imply an inferior intellect or inadequate skills. It simply recognizes that a wide variety of life experiences can impact a student's performance in high school and that there might be special circumstances which need to be considered when evaluating that performance.

Where the real difference lies is in the amount of support and assistance you will receive while enrolled: you will be assigned to one of our Counselors and will receive individual attention regarding your academic progress and any problems you might encounter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

Applicants for EOP consideration must:

meet specific income guidelines
be a NYS resident for 12 months prior to enrollment
require special admissions consideration

How to Apply

Whether you're a first year student or a transfer student, SUNY Potsdam's EOP is here to offer you comprehensive support. Don't hesitate—apply now and embark on your journey to success!

Apply Now!

Putting Things in Perspective

During the pandemic, one thing has become perfectly clear to SUNY Potsdam alumna Latesha Fussell ’11, ’12 & ’14—family is what matters most. As a single mother balancing a full-time job, while also pursuing a doctoral degree in education, she needed to make a change. Fussell recently accepted an impressive new position at Cornell University as the director for diversity and inclusion, and in the process, moved closer to her family where she found a support system that she desperately needed.

"Empowering students to succeed is not just our expectation; it's our commitment. We furnish them with the essential tools, fostering a path where success becomes inevitable."
Diana Valdez Interim Director, EOP

Diana Valdez, Interim EOP Director
Phone: (315) 267-2382
Fax: (315) 267-4890
Email: eop@potsdam.edu

Address
SUNY Potsdam EOP
44 Pierrepont Avenue
Potsdam, NY 13676

Fall and Spring Semesters Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Summer Session Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.