By Mia Hairston, CETL Program Coordinator
KCP Connections is a grant-funded program through the Michigan King-Chavez Parks Initiative offered at Detroit Mercy. This program offers both personal and academic support to promote degree completion and career readiness. Although geared toward underprivileged populations, KCP Connections is available to all University students. KCP Connections personalizes its services to help students establish a sense of belonging, overcome obstacles, and gain valuable resources for academic success.
KCP Services
College Life Coaching: One of the most impactful services KCP offers is one-on-one guidance from a College Life Coach. This service can be tailored to the needs of students and can cover an array of topics such as academic goal setting, support with time management, strategies for finding motivation, and developing study skills. Coaching sessions are flexible, subject to availability, and follow the student’s preferred pace.
Resource Navigation: KCP connects students with tools and resources (academic advising, counseling, tutoring) to further establish a support system and maximize the Detroit Mercy experience.
Programming & Events: Special events such as workshops, networking opportunities, and KCP Ambassador Meet-ups (the student-led extension of KCP) help further support and peer engagement.
Faculty Involvement
Faculty members are essential in creating a supportive environment for students, specifically those of underprivileged backgrounds who often feel out of place or lack guidance. By collaborating with KCP Connections, faculty can help strengthen the support base, and improve student confidence. Listed below are ways faculty can support KCP Connections:
- Build a supportive classroom community
- Establish a safe space for student/faculty dialogue
- Refer students to KCP Connections
- Mentor Students through KCP Connections
- Promote University Resources & Services
For more information on KCP Connections at the University of Detroit Mercy contact Rafael Cruz, College Life Coach.
Rafael Cruz
College Life Coach
Student Success Center, McNichols Campus Library, Room 319
Office: 313-993-1527
Email: cruzserr@udmercy.edu