Summer Bridge Program FAQ

Questions about...

Program Details

Accommodations

Academics and Program Content

Program Details

How will I know if I have been admitted to the Summer Bridge Program?

Decisions on enrollment in the Summer Bridge Program are generally communicated in late spring or early summer.

How long is the Bridge Program and when will it take place?

The Bridge Program at Ohio Wesleyan University is a free, three-week residential experience program with academic credit that aims to provide first-year students the skills needed to thrive at OWU. This year it runs from August 1st through the 16th.

I have other commitments during the Summer Bridge Program dates, can I still participate in the program.

Scholars must commit to the entire Summer Bridge Program in order to get the most out of it. On a case-by-case basis, allowances may be made for missing an event or events.

Who does the Summer Bridge Program center?

The Summer Bridge Program welcomes all incoming first-year scholars but has a special emphasis on historically marginalized populations.

What am I going to do when I get there?

Workshops will be held, and scholars will learn about the services and resources available on campus, make connections with other scholars and professors, and improve their time-management abilities.

What are the important dates?

• Bridge Program Move-In: Sunday, July 23, 2023
• Bridge Program Trip (Required)*: Monday, August 1, 2023
• Bridge Program Last Day of Class: Tuesday, August 15, 2023
• Bridge Program Closing Ceremony & Move into fall assignment: Wednesday, August 16,
  2023
• Camp OWU: August 18-19, 2023
• First Day of Classes: Wednesday, August 23, 2023
• This is a residential program; thus, participants are required to stay on campus during the duration of the program. This includes nights, weekends, and Bridge trip.

Accommodations

What should I bring with me?

The program fully covers lodging, food, and program-related social activities, although scholars still need to bring personal belongings. Scholars may find Residential Life's Packing Guide helpful.

Should I bring everything I need for the entire school year to Summer Bridge Program?

All Bridge Program participants should keep in mind they will be required to move two times: once into the summer residence hall for Bridge Program, then again into their permanent residence hall for the fall.

We recommend only bringing absolute necessities for the Bridge Program, such as clothing, personal items, and school supplies needed for the three weeks of the program. Families, friends and others who were planning to help the student move in could still bring all of the students' other belongings on the campus-wide move-in day, Thursday, August 17, 2023. Especially for those students traveling from longer distances, this approach allows families to maintain the cost of one plane ticket or other mode of transportation, and not overload themselves or their student with luggage.

Where will I stay?

Scholars will stay on campus during the Summer Bridge Program. You will not be housed in your permanent housing assignment. Scholars will have the opportunity to move into their fall housing assignments before other first-year's.

Am I allowed to pick my roommate?

Roommates will be chosen for the scholars. This approach aims to create a diverse network of relationships that may be useful for each student as they move. We do honor all university approved housing accommodations.

How do I apply for a medical room accommodation?

Housing accommodation requests are managed through the OWU's Accessibility Services Office. To request a housing accommodation application contact them at aso@owu.edu.

What meals are provided?

Throughout the program, it offers total food coverage. This covers meals while traveling and most nights' evening snacks.

I am an international student, can I arrive early?

Scholars should contact the International & Off-Campus Programs (IOCP) Office to coordinate arrival.

Am I allowed to have visitors or guests during the Summer Bridge Program?

Guests or visitors are not permitted while the Summer Bridge Program is in effect. Violation of this policy may result in removal from the program.

Academics and Program Content

Where is the trip and what will we be doing?

Cohort Trips:

• 2018 – Flint, Michigan
• 2019 – Flint, Michigan
• 2020 - Paused
• 2021 – Richmond, Virginia
• 2022 – Richmond, Virginia
• 2023 – Louisville, Kentucky

These interactive and immersive trips are designed to help scholars apply the knowledge learned in the classroom in a practical setting. The trip will also bridge the curricular and co-curricular experiences.

Do I receive course credit for attending the Summer Bridge Program?

Yes, after successfully completing the program, you will have a credit in a college-level course to start the fall semester.

What will I be learning in class?

The relationship between race, gender, sexual orientation, and athletics as it relates to Black-centered civic engagement and activism in a capitalist society is explored in this course. We use the knowledge of mass media, black studies, political science, and feminist perspectives to critically examine a range of social concerns. In order to provide reparative justice for persistent social injustice, we will talk about how to change a political system that is based on gendered and racial inequality.

What does a typical day look like?

A typical day consists of a half-day spent concentrating on academic pursuits and a half-day
spent participating in co-curricular activities to advance knowledge and skills.

Typical Day:

• 8am - Breakfast
• 9am-Noon - Co-Curricular Sessions
• Noon- Lunch
• 1-5pm- Class
• 5pm- Dinner
• 6pm- Small Group Time
• 7-9pm – Social Time/Optional Evening Activity/Homework

*We do schedule in free time most days*

What are the weekends like?

On weekends, students participate in a co-curricular activity for a few hours and have free time the other half of the day.

Example:

Saturday

• 9am-Noon – Independent Time/Laundry/Sleep/Social
• Noon- Lunch
• 1-5pm- Community Service
• 5pm- Dinner
• 6pm… - Social Time/Optional Evening Activity/Homework

Sunday

• 9am-Noon – Independent Time/Laundry/Sleep/Social
• Noon- Lunch
• 1-5pm- Wellness Activity
• 5pm- Dinner
• 6pm… - Social Time/Optional Evening Activity/Homework

Am I allowed to leave campus or the trip?

Without the explicit consent of the program directors, scholars are not permitted to leave the campus or the trip. Violation of this policy may result in removal from the program.

If I have any other questions related to the Bridge Program, who can I contact?

Scholars can contact the Summer Bridge Program Staff at omsa@owu.edu for any questions related to the program.