Center for Diversity and Inclusion
TRUSelf Program
TRUSelf is an enrichment program designed to support historically underrepresented students entering Truman State University. The program provides students with an opportunity to get established, make some friends, and learn what they need to do to be successful at college.
Qualifying TRUSelf scholars apply to be enrolled in the program the summer before their first year at Truman.
In addition to the opportunity to get acclimated to life on a college campus prior to the start of classes, TRUSelf scholars are enrolled in a year-long mentoring program with upperclassmen.
The program helps prepare students mentally and socially for college-level work, providing insights on academic success strategies at a highly selective university.
How Can I Benefit?
- Gain a greater awareness of self and college by engaging in academically and socially stimulating workshops.
- Develop a “personal success plan” with strategies for overcoming common first-year challenges.
- Enjoy the opportunity to connect with departments, staff, and faculty on a more personal level.
- Connect with notable Truman State alumni of color.
- Explore Kirksville and the Truman campus, learning about resources available to you.
- Build lasting connections and friendships.
- Enroll in a year-long mentoring program with upperclassmen focused on building academic and social capital.
2023 Schedule
TRU Self scholars arrive on campus prior to the traditional move-in date and participate in a four-day program that allows them to explore campus and the community, as well as learn about resources to aid in their success at the college level.
Saturday, August 12—Tuesday, August 15
11:00 am – 3:00 pm | BH 112 | Arrival and Check-In |
3:30 – 4:30 pm | MG 2001 | Family Reception |
5:00 – 6:00 pm | Ryle Hall | Introductions and Dinner |
6:00 – 7:30 pm | Ryle Hall Lounge | Ice Breakers and Fun |
9:00 – 10:30 pm | University Farm | S’mores and Stargazing |
8:30 – 9:45 am | BH 109 | Peer Mentor Led Dialogue |
10:00 – 11:30 am | Diner 54 | Brunch |
12:30 am – 3:30 pm | Day on the Town Tour | |
3:30 – 5:00 pm | Thousand Hills | Mentor’s Choice Activity |
5:00 – 6:00 pm | Ryle Hall | Dinner |
6:30 – 8:00 pm | Stokes Stadium | Minute to Win It! |
8:00 – 8:45 am | Ryle Hall | Breakfast |
9:30 am – 11:00 am | Career Center | Workshop w/ the Career Center |
11:30 am – 12:45 pm | Ryle Hall | University Counseling Services Chat |
1:00 – 2:30 pm | BH 109 | Campus Tour |
3:00 – 4:00 pm | Quad | Peer Mentor Dialogue |
5:00 – 7:00 pm | Dinner at the President’s House | |
9:00 – 10:30 pm | Quad | Movie Night |
8:00 – 8:45 am | Ryle | Breakfast |
9:00 – 11:00 am | BH 112 Library | Habits of Success Workshop Library Museum Activity |
11:00 – 11:45 am | Break | |
11:45 am – 12:45 pm | Ryle Hall | Lunch |
12:45 – 2:00 pm | SUB Down Under | Mix and Mingle w/ Faculty |
2:00 – 3:00 pm | MG 1000 | Identity Development in College |
3:00 – 5:00 pm | Escape Room | Final Hoorah/Escape Room |
5:00 – 6:30 pm | Kababesh | Dinner in Town |
7:00 – 8:00 pm | BH 111 | Final Wrap Up and Chat |
Meet the Mentors!
Bemnet Araga, Junior
Bemnet Araga is from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He is involved as the President of the Habesha Student Union and is a member of CCE and ASA.
Khia Ingram, Senior
Khia Ingram is from Pilot Knob, MO. She is involved with TruSisters, the Association of Black Collegians, the Orchestra, and the Flute Quartet. For fun, she enjoys baking and photography.
Idy Eknamen, Junior
Idy Ekanem is from Port Harcourt, Nigeria. She is a member of the African Students Association, the Nursing Students Association, and TruSisters.
Zae Crenshaw, Junior
Zae Crenshaw is from St. Louis. He is part of the American Chemical Society (ACS), the Association of Black Collegians (ABCS), and Alpha Chi Sigma.
Sarah Smith, Junior
Sarah Smith is from Phillipsburg, Missouri. She is involved in the Cheer Team and CDI.
Jada Ray, Junior
Jada Ray is from Raymore/Peculiar, Missouri. She is involved in TruSisters and is the Secretary of the ABC.
Have questions?
For more information about the TRU Self Program, contact the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, diversity@truman.edu, (660) 785-4142.