New UM-Dearborn program helps re-enrolling students complete degrees

A new campus initiative gives former UM-Dearborn Wolverines the opportunity to return to school and earn their diploma.

Aimed at returning students who have earned 90 or more credit hours, the Dearborn Comeback program provides individualized and targeted support for those wanting to finish an undergraduate degree.

“We want to surround our Dearborn Comeback students with a full suite of wraparound services to get them to the finish line,” Chancellor Domenico Grasso said. “Thanks to the support from President Mark Schlissel, we will continue to create bold, innovative programs that support our students by addressing their needs.” The Dearborn Comeback is one of several upcoming programs, funded through a $20 million campus investment recently made to improve recruitment, retention and graduation at UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint. 

To assist Dearborn Comeback Wolverines in the return-to-school transition, campus staff will guide each student through a specialized readmission process. To keep the momentum toward graduation, a college academic adviser develops a comprehensive academic plan.

Federal aid, scholarships and grants opportunities will be identified and tailored for each student in the program.—  Dearborn Comeback students will be eligible for up to $5,000 in grant funding to help them get to the finish line. 

To be eligible for the program, a Dearborn Comeback student must meet the following criteria:

• Be an active undergraduate student at UM-Dearborn for at least one semester during the timeframe of Fall 2017 through the end of Fall 2019.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.4 at UM-Dearborn
• Have earned at least 90 credits total (30 of the 90 credits must have been earned at UM-Dearborn) 
• Have not graduated from another four-year college or university since leaving UM-Dearborn
• Commit to completing  a degree program over the next three years.  

The university hopes this initiative will not only help students fulfill their personal dreams, but also serve as an engine for the state's economy.

Many in Michigan have taken college courses without completing a college degree. With a graduation rate average of 45 percent, the State of Michigan lags behind the national six-year graduation average of 62 percent. 

Dearborn Comeback complements Michigan’s Sixty by 30 alliance and the Detroit Drives Degrees impact initiative, both of which aim to increase the postsecondary graduation rate to be at or better than the national average by 2030.

“These students are so close to their higher education goals, at a time when there is also need in our state for an informed and talented 21st century workforce — this opens real opportunities on both sides,” said Provost Sue Alcock. “Whatever the obstacles encountered in earning their degree the first time round, we want to get these Wolverines back on track and let them know that we are dedicated to see them graduate and thrive... and join our impressive and ever-growing alumni community network.”

Learn more about the Dearborn Comeback program.