TRIO Student Support Services - Summer Bridge Program 2009
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TRIO/Student Support Services (TRIO/SSS)?TRIO/SSS is a federally funded program dedicated to help students develop the skills and motivation necessary to successfully pursue and earn a bachelor’s degree. TRIO/SSS provides individual academic advising, financial aid counseling, and academic and career development workshops. All TRIO/SSS services are provided at no cost to participants, and students participate in TRIO/SSS throughout their enrollment at Augsburg College.
Who is eligible for TRIO/SSS?
Student participants must:
• Meet federal low-income guidelines, and/or
• Meet first generation guidelines, and/or
• Be a student with documented disabilities.
In addition, all TRIO/SSS participants must demonstrate academic need for program services.
What is the Summer Bridge Program?
The TRIO/SSS Summer Bridge program is designed for 25 admitted first-year Augsburg students who are TRIO/SSS eligible to get a head start on their academic career at Augsburg College. Summer Bridge students must be enrolled in, and attend fall term courses at the college following completion of Summer Bridge. Summer Bridge participants take two Augsburg College courses for credit, in addition to attending academic support seminars, workshops, and other activities to make for a smooth transition to Augsburg College in the fall. Summer Bridge participants are also required to participate in the academic year TRIO/SSS component during their entire enrollment at Augsburg College.
How much does it cost to participate in Summer Bridge?
Most costs are free to participants, however students may want to bring spending money for miscellaneous personal expenses not covered by the program. These covered costs include course tuition, books, and activity fees! This is a value of over $5000 to participants. Living on campus is a great way to immerse oneself in college life, and to fully experience the Summer Bridge program all participants are required to live-in during Summer Bridge. Exceptions may be made for independent students, religious/cultural reasons, or other reasons at the discretion of the director.
Summer Bridge participants must have their enrollment deposit paid (or waived) to have a room for Summer Bridge. However, this requirement may be waived for those students not planning to live on campus during the academic year.
Where do students live on campus?
Students live in Mortensen Hall on Augsburg’s campus. Mortensen is a secure facility; students access the building with a key “fob” and have keys to their own rooms. All students will live with one to three other same-gendered program participants. Mortensen is conveniently located to classes, the dining hall, Augsburg’s Department of Public Safety office, and many local attractions in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Student participants must stay on campus at night.
For more information about Augsburg residence halls, visit: www.augsburg.edu/residencelife/
Can I bring my car? Is parking available on campus?
Yes, parking is free during the Summer Bridge program in designated parking areas. However, Augsburg and TRIO/SSS assume no responsibility or payment for parking violations, damage to, or loss from personal vehicles.
What about meals? Where do I eat? How do I wash my clothes?
Students will eat in the Christensen Center Dining Hall. Meals in the cafeteria are paid by TRIO/SSS and a generous grant from the Dean of the College. There are coin-operated laundry facilities in each residence hall.
What is the Daily Schedule?
Students will have courses in Religion and Communication. Students will also attend Supplemental Instruction (SI) courses, activities, workshops, and other planned activities. Unless specified otherwise, participation in all activities is mandatory.
Will I receive credit for the Summer Bridge courses?
Yes! The Summer Bridge courses fulfill general graduation requirements for Augsburg College. Credit for Summer Bridge courses is awarded upon successful completion of fall term (of freshman year) at Augsburg. Credits may not be transferred to another institution.
Can I work or have other outside commitments?
Because of the program’s expectations and requirements, it will be very difficult for students to work or have other outside commitments. If you participate in Summer Bridge you must commit fully to the Summer Bridge program.
Can I leave Summer Bridge from time to time?
Students may leave for family emergencies, or during non-scheduled program times. Exceptions will be made at the discretion of the TRIO/SSS Director. Students will receive a calendar of events before the program begins, and again upon arrival to campus.
Can I have visitors during the Summer Bridge program?
Visitors are welcome during non-scheduled program hours. Visitors are under the same rules as TRIO/SSS participants, and visitors may not stay overnight in the residence hall.
What if someone wants to send me mail or a package?
Students may send and receive mail from the on-campus post office. Students will receive more information about this service upon acceptance to the Summer Bridge program and/or their arrival to campus.
What are some other reasons I should participate in TRIO/SSS Summer Bridge?
Besides the free credits and head start on your Augsburg College career:
• You’ll make life-long friendships with other new students before the Augsburg academic year begins.
• You’ll have a network of faculty, staff and peers in a supportive learning environment.
• You’ll enhance your study skills in college-level reading, writing, and thinking.
• It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity!
Where do I get more information about TRIO/SSS and the Summer Bridge program?
Contact Augsburg’s TRIO/SSS program!
Augsburg College
TRIO/Student Support Services, CB #47
2211 Riverside Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55454
(612) 330-1311
triosss@augsburg.edu
Residential Peer Mentor Job Announcement/Description
Download Summer Bridge 2009 Program Application
Summer Bridge participants are given first priority for other TRIO/SSS scholarships that are provided during the academic year.
For more information on how to become a TRIO/SSS student at Augsburg College, please refer to: TRIO/SSS Eligibility
For additional information, download our Summer Bridge program brochure.