Vietnam: Da Lat University

· Annual student population: 21,000

· 10,290 total Pathways students

· Pathways participant since 2001

The Da Lat University is a public university based in Da Lat City, capital of Lam Dong province, in the Central Highlands of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Web site: www.dlu.edu.vn

Goals
Da Lat University's Pathways to Higher Education program aspires to grow the number of students from historically marginalized communities attending and graduating from their institution and to provide them with the skills to succeed professionally. To provide more students with opportunities for higher education and professional success, the University’s Pathways program is focused on improving or developing:

• Outreach practices
• Financial aid counseling
• Mentoring programs for Pathways students
• English language and computer training courses

Target Population
Through the Pathways program, the University is reaching out to students from historically neglected minority and indigenous groups like the K’ho, Ede, Raglai and Cham. It is also recruiting women and students from low-income families or rural areas.

Outcomes
To date, the Pathways program:

• Developed outreach programs to rural high schools and ethnic minority boarding schools
• Improved recruitment practices and admissions policies
• Developed support services and groups for Pathways students
• Introduced new courses and curriculum changes

• Van Thong, Huynh, MD. The University of Dalat Final Report, November 2006.