The Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) program is a comprehensive academic undergraduate student success program that provides holistic services to help students complete their academic journey to a bachelor's degree on time (within 4 years).
ACE provides students with a range of academic financial and personal supports to help them thrive.
Benefits, Eligibility, & Expectations
ACE Benefits
- Personalized academic advising and degree planning by the ACE team for all years of attendance
- Customized registration assistance
- Financial Assistance
- Cost of Attendance Award (up to $550 per year) after applicable financial aid
- Monthly stipend (up to $400 per year)
- Textbook assistance (up to $300 per year)
- Career development, leadership training, and civic engagement opportunities
- Academic, financial, and personal counseling
- Engaging, informative, and Interactive workshops, seminars, and community-building events
ACE Eligibility
To fully qualify for ACE at SUNY Old Westbury, students must:
- Be an incoming first-year student admitted to SUNY Old Westbury
Apply Now - Be an incoming transfer student with an earned associate's degree or from another SUNY ASAP/ACE campus
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen (NYS DREAM Act students also eligible)
- Be eligible for in-state tuition
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) applications each year
- Students from mixed-status families are now eligible for NYS financial aid without completing FAFSA at https://www/hesc.ny.gov/altpath Student may also contact ACE staff to learn more about their options to apply for NYS aid.
- Receive at least $1 in federal Pell or NYS grant aid (TAP or Excelsior)
- Not be enrolled in EOP, TRIO, or CSTEP programs
ACE Expectations
Students accepted into ACE are expected to do the following:
- Enroll full-time (12 credits min. 16 credits max.) in ACE approved/supported majors (TBA)
- Complete FAFSA and TAP applications yearly and accept any federal and state grant aid awarded
- Commit to the completion of your chosen degree in four years (freshman/first-year) and adhere to course schedules and degree maps approved by ACE staff
- Enroll in summer or winter courses if 30 credits are not earned by the end of the academic year
- Adhere to ALL ACE program requirements and fully participate in ACE activities including but not limited to:
- Mandatory advising sessions (at least 2 per month)
- Academic workshops, and support presentations
- Enrichment seminars and Career development opportunities
- Respond promptly to all ACE communications sent by ACE staff
- Attend leadership and mentorship meetings
- Civic engagement opportunities
Check Your Eligibility Now
Want to assess your eligibility to join ACE at SUNY Old Westbury? Fill out the interest form and an ACE team member will reach out to you soon!
SUNY ACE Program – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a cost to join ACE?
No, there is no cost, just benefits. Participation in ACE is free to those who join. However, students who join ACE must adhere to ALL program requirements. Students also have access to additional financial support. ACE covers up to $150 per semester for textbooks (totaling $300/year), a cost-of-attendance award of up to $550 annually after financial aid, and monthly stipends of $50 during the semester (up to $400/year).
What's the application process?
Once you’re accepted to SUNY Old Westbury and meet eligibility criteria, you’ll be encouraged to explore and/or apply for ACE. Admission is competitive and reviewed on a rolling basis. You are always welcome to request more information and speak with an ACE team member.
What if the program is full when I apply?
If ACE reaches capacity, you'll be placed on a waitlist. Should a spot open, students will be contacted in the order of responsiveness. This doesn’t guarantee entry, but responding quickly increases your chance.
Can I work while in ACE?
Absolutely! ACE supports students who work part-time. Your advisor will help you balance work, academics, and ACE commitments through a myriad of means.
Can transfer students apply?
Yes, students who are transferring from another SUNY ASAP|ACE campus (and were participants of the program) can continue being an ACE student at SUNY Old Westbury, regardless of credit accumulation, or degree completion status, provided that a plan is in place to support the students' timely completion based on a review of remaining credit and degree requirements. Additionally, transfer students in possession of an associate's degree can also apply for ACE.
What’s the difference between ACE and ASAP?
ASAP supports students in associate (two-year) programs usually at 2 year institutions, while ACE is designed for bachelor (four-year) degree completion usually at four-year institutions
Who do I contact for help or questions?
For more information, reach out to the ACE Program Office at SUNY Old Westbury:
ace@oldwestbury.edu
SUNY ACE at SUNY Old Westbury, Rason Myhand, ACE Program Director
Location
Student Success – Campus Center
H-Wing | Suite H215
Phone
ACE Team
Contact Rason Myhand
SUNY Old Westbury's Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) program is a part of the SUNY replication of the City University of New York (CUNY) Accelerate, Complete, and Engage (ACE) program