Center for Diversity and Inclusion
TRU Self Program
TRU Self 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 TRU Self 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, TRU Self 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!
Tai Woods, Sophomore
Tai is a sophomore, Psychology major, from St. Louis, MO. Tai is a member of the Student Activities Board, TruSisters, and Association of Black Collegians.
Thomas Spaulding, Sophomore
Thomas is a sophomore, Business Administration major, from Chicago, IL. Thomas a member of the football team and Association of Black Collegians (ABC).
Alia Allison, Sophomore
Alia is a sophomore, English/Pre-MAE major, from Buffalo, MO. Alia a member of Alpha Sigma Gamma and TSUnami Women's Ultimate Frisbee.
Zae Crenshaw, Sophomore
Zae is a sophomore, Chemistry major, from St. Louis, MO. Zae is an executive member of Association of Black Collegians and Alpha Chi Sigma. Zae was also part of the TRUSelf cohort last year.
Kenny Damper, Senior
Kenny is a Biology & Environmental Studies major from St. Louis, MO. Kenny is a member of the Association of Black Collegians, McNair, and Jazz Band.
Jessie Philips, Sophomore
Jessie is a sophomore, Political Science & International Relations major, from Kansas City, MO. Jessie participates in Speech and Debate, Association of Black Collegians (ABC), Student Government, Delta Zeta, Political Science Student Association (PSSA).
Have questions?
For more information about the TRU Self Program, contact the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, diversity@truman.edu, (660) 785-4142.