Advancing Completion Through Engagement (ACE)

A comprehensive academic support program designed to help students complete their academic journey through full-time study. 

 

SUNY Old Westbury’s Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) Program is designed to support the completion of your bachelor’s degree within two years (transfers) or four years (first year).  

ACE helps through a personalized degree plan and securing the classes you need, reducing textbook and transportation costs and supporting you to stay the course when things get challenging.  

Key Benefits of ACE program 

  • Dedicated Success Team - ACE Director and Advisor - that provides degree planning and advising for your entire four-year journey. 
  • Specialized career development preparation.
  • Cost of Attendance Award (up to $550/year) after financial aid applied.
  • Textbook assistance (up to $150/semester - $300/year).
  • Monthly funds deposited during semester ($50/month - up to $400/year).
  • Priority course registration.
  • Access to a wide range of workshops and activities to support academic & personal growth.
Twp male students and a female student using computers in the Tech Commons of the Library

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the ACE program for Fall 2025, you must:

  • Be an incoming First-Year Student
  • Meet SUNY Old Westbury’s undergraduate Admissions requirements APPLY NOW
  • Be eligible for in-state tuition
  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application. Receive at least $1 of federal Pell or NYS grant aid (TAP or Excelsior).
    • Note: Students from mixed status families are now eligible to apply for NYS financial aid without completing the FAFSA at https://www.hesc.ny.gov/altpath. Students may also reach out to ASAP|ACE staff to learn more about their options to apply for NYS aid.
  • Not be participating in the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), TRIO Student Support Services or CSTEP
  • Matriculate in approved majors.
  • Enroll full-time
Photo of OW Students Destiny Williams (left) and Jasmine Roldan at in the Capitol Building for disability advocacy day.

 

Student Expectations and Responsibilities

As a SUNY Old Westbury ACE student, we will expect you to do the following on your pathway to a degree:

  • Attend monthly one-on-one meetings with your ACE academic advisor (unless otherwise agreed on by your ACE Advisor);
  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application each year, and accept any federal and state grant aid awarded;
  • Commit to graduating within four years and adhere to course schedules and degree maps approved by your advisors;
  • Maintain full-time status by enrolling in at least 16 credits per semester;
  • Enroll in summer or winter courses if 32 credits are not earned by the end of each academic year;
  • Attend ACE workshops or activities of your choice across each semester as directed by your ACE Advisor;
  • Attend career development opportunities each academic year;
  • Respond promptly to all communications sent out by ACE staff.