Goodwin University Inc

Goodwin University seeks to address gaps in higher education opportunity in the state of connecticut by crafting programs and services to enable low-income and minority students to earn college degrees at a higher rate than is generally achieved at publicly-funded institutions but at a lower financial cost than other private colleges. Over half of Goodwin's graduates were the first in their families to attend and complete college. Goodwin University's academic programs, which include four master's degree programs, nine baccalaureate programs and a range of associate degrees and certificates, all tied to workforce needs, helping to ensure the employability of graduates. Many of Goodwin University's students thrive in a supportive academic environment, but require individualized support services to overcome obstacles to educational completion. To serve this population, Goodwin provides one-on-one advising, case-management, and counseling services, as well as tutoring and peer-mentoring. One such program, the Goodwin achievement program (gap), offers foundational classes at no charge to students whose reading and math skills fall below college-level proficiency. The University also supports initiatives targeted at closing the educational achievement gap, including the men of vision in education (move) and women invested in seeking education (wise), which provide financial aid, case management, and mentorship for young men and women from minority backgrounds, and summer bridge, a college readiness program for urban high school graduates. Goodwin University promotes teaching excellence among its faculty by promoting professional development and assessment. Goodwin faculty are supported in their individual research endeavors, where an emphasis is placed on those activities which best translate to student success inside and outside the classroom. To help promote a culture of teaching excellence, Goodwin provides a grant program to inspire innovation and improvement in program development.