Passport Mission

Passport Student Staring Thoughtfully
Passport Students Conversing
Students sitting around a table
Passport Students Group
Passport Students in Groups

The mission of the Passport Program is to impact the lives of students through practical, transformational support aimed at academic, professional, and personal development among underrepresented and first-generation students aspiring to earn a degree from the Farmer School of Business. 

It is our goal to create an environment of persistence that empowers undergraduate FSB students through their self-identities to excel in leadership, innovative thought, authentic critical thinking, and problem-solving for top-level opportunities within Miami university and after graduation.

During the four-year high-touch student success program, you will earn valuable skills related to transitioning to college, personal development, time management, study skills, degree planning, internships, and career development for greater employment opportunities after graduating from Miami.

Questions? Contact:

Michelle Thomas at mthomas@MiamiOH.edu or 513-529-4236 or 

Jennifer Troutman at troutmj4@MiamiOH.edu or 513-529-2856.

If you are a talented student with strong academic credentials and have interest in:

  • Studying business within an FSB major
  • Thriving through greater academic support and hands-on student success guidance
  • Developing professionally as a business student for better job opportunities after graduation
  • Mentorship from Faculty, Staff, and upper-class business students
  • Access to key leaders outside the classroom including the FSB Dean
  • Developing close friendships in the Passport Living and Learning Community (LLC) Residence Hall
  • Learning excellence with valuable time management, personal development, and job and study skills

The Passport Program may be for you!

INTEREST FORM


What are the benefits of the FSB Passport Program? Benefits of Passport

Students enrolled in the FSB Passport Program will have access to the following resources and benefits:

  • Coaching and mentoring from the Directors of Student EngagementOrganizations & Diversity
  • Directed Meetings with and access to FSB Dean and key leaders in the Business Sschool
  • Peer mentors from FSB student organizations such as Multicultural Business Association
  • Individualized academic support and development through the Rinella Learning Center
  • Guidance from FSB academic, career, and study abroad advisors
  • Letter of recommendation from the FSB Director of Student Engagement Organizations and Diversity
  • Passport-specific First Year Experience Coursesection for (BUS 106) during the first semester 
  • Access to the Passport Living and Learning Community

Requirements of Passport

Students enrolled in the FSB Passport Program will be required to complete the following:

  • Students must have an FSB major
  • Meet with an assigned academic advisor each semester 
  • Meet with Michelle Thomas or Jennifer Troutmaneach semester
  • Attend tutoring sessions for at least one course each semester
  • Attend faculty office hours each semester
  • Live in Passport Living and Learning Community
  • Participate in professional development opportunities such as:
    • Attend the Meet the B-Orgs event (Fall or Spring)
    • Complete an informational interview or attend a workshop
    • Join a student organization
    • Take a leadership role in the student organization
  • Complete Passport success development goals (grade-specific)

Passport Bootcamp video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqqR9Oo8gbM


Ryan Scholars

The Ryan Family Scholars Program is an innovative scholarship program funded by Miami alumnus Jim Ryan ‘80 and his wife Michelle that takes a holistic student success approach to support students with high financial needs.

Ryan Family Scholars receive tuition, room & board, and fees up to $25,000 annually, admittance into the Farmer School’s Passport Program, and are guaranteed internships through the John W. Altman Institute for Entrepreneurship's Altman Summer Scholars Internship Program. Students may major in any discipline, provided they are minoring or co-majoring in entrepreneurship.

The first scholarships were awarded in the 2020-2021 academic year. Overall, 16 students will receive the scholarship over the next seven years.

Read more about the Ryans' and the students they have supported: