Through the new CUW First-Year Bridge Program, eligible students will have access to a wide variety of valuable tools to help them make the most of their freshman year at college.
Concordia University Wisconsin is pleased to announce the launch of the exciting new First-Year Bridge Program for incoming students who need a little extra help making the transition from high school to college.
“This is an exciting program designed to provide incoming first-generation, freshman, and/or financial aid-dependent students with important information before they begin classes at CUW,” said Elizabeth Kirk, Academic Support Specialist at the CUW Academic Resource Center (ARC). “It will be a great way to help students feel more comfortable and confident as they enter their first year.”
The program provides incoming freshmen with new tools for success as they navigate a new academic environment and face the personal and academic challenges of being a first-year student. Students will develop necessary tools by taking advantage of a special orientation session along with personal, academic, and financial-aid support and counseling.
Participating students will have the opportunity to:
- attend a special orientation session during Fall Welcome Week
- pair up with an ARC Peer Academic Coach to guide and mentor students through their first year
- familiarize themselves with campus early on
- create meaningful relationships with students
- engage with CUW professors and staff in an encouraging environment
“Our primary focus will be basic transitional skills, campus life, study habits, and mental health practices,” Kirk said. “Participating students will meet 1-on-1, every other week, with an academic support specialist their first semester. In addition to providing support, mentorship, and guidance, these meetings help form an important relationship that can help them succeed academically, socially, and emotionally throughout their time at CUW.”
Upon completing the program, students will be better equipped to:
- navigate the development for necessary transitional skills
- attend to their own intellectual, psychological, and physical well-being
- have a better understanding of CUW resources and connections to enhance their academic experience
- practice the mindset and learning strategies required for lifelong success.
- identify and utilize team building skills
An online informational meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 29, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Anyone interested in applying or learning more should contact Elizabeth Kirk at elizabeth.kirk@cuw.edu.
About the ARC
The Academic Resource Center provides free services, programs, and support for all CUW students so they can grow into independent learners and adjust to life as a college student. The ARC offers academic services and accessibility services, as well as additional resources in areas such as:
The center is located in Luther 200 (between the library and faculty offices) and is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
For more information about the CUW Academic Resource Center, visit www.cuw.edu.
— This story is written by Mike Zimmerman, corporate communications manager for Concordia University Wisconsin. He may be reached at michael.zimmerman@cuw.edu or 262-243-4380.
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