First Year Development Program's Summer Bridge

The First Year Development Program begins with a six-day intensive learning experience that introduces students to college life.   Students with examine their challenges and work to find resources and solutions to challenges that may impact their academic learning and living experience.  Students will attend a mini-course on critical reading and thinking taught by experienced faculty. Students will learn about the challenges of transitioning to college, including living in a dorm, caring for yourself mentally and physically; as well as academic success strategies, such as time management, test taking, effective reading, and note taking. Study time and fun activities organized and facilitated by upper class Group Leaders will offer a students a chance to get to know each other and the upperclass students they will work with for the next year. 

2013 Summer Bridge will begin Sunday, August 25th at 3:00 p.m. and end mid-day August 29^th.  Students will then attend Welcome Weekend (August 30^th - September 2^nd) , a required event for all first year students at St. Scholastica. Students will need to say goodbye to their family and friends by 2:45 p.m. on the 25^th so you can meet with your group leader (upperclass student leader) in Somers Courtyard (outside Somers Front Desk entrance). After this meeting, students, leaders, and advisors will have dinner together in Somers Main Lounge with other student groups.  For FYDP students, admission to the College requires attendance and full participation at Summer Bridge and Welcome Weekend. Please plan accordingly with athletics, employers, and family commitments.

Student Expectations:

• Students may not have any visitors during Summer Bridge (boyfriends, parents, etc.).
• Students may only leave campus during free time, and must return before the next assigned activity.
• Students may not work during Summer Bridge.
• Students must comply with Student Codes of Conduct and rules set forth. (Failure to comply during Summer Bridge will result in the immediate dismissal from FYDP and consequently the College.)
• Students may not use cellular phones during class.
• Students will respect other group members, leaders, and advisors, and conduct themselves ethically and responsibly.
• Students will be encouraged to be open and honest regarding adjustment to college issues.
• Students must actively participate in class and community activities.
• Students must complete course work by assignment due dates.