Summer Bridge

What is Summer Bridge?

The TRIO Student Support Services Summer Bridge Program is a five-week 花季传媒 designed to help incoming first-year students successfully transition to college. As part of our Summer Bridge program, you become part of an exclusive and supportive student community guided by the TRIO Student Support Services staff and a team of dedicated peer mentors. This unique program provides academic support, campus familiarization, and social activities, ensuring you鈥檙e fully prepared for the challenges and opportunities of university life. In Summer Bridge, you鈥檒l build foundational college success skills to prepare you for academic success and EARN COLLEGE CREDIT while doing it. Outside of the classroom, our extracurricular activities give you the chance to connect with fellow incoming students, bond with your peers, and form lasting friendships. Participating in the Summer Bridge Program is your opportunity to get a head start on college life, gain valuable insights, and take that first step toward becoming a successful and confident college student. We look forward to seeing you in Summer Bridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • What are the dates for Summer Bridge?
    The Summer Bridge program runs during the second 5-week summer semester, from June 26 - August 6. Summer Bridge orientation sessions willbe held during May and June to prepare students for the program/ 
  • Is there a cost for Summer Bridge?
    Summer Bridge helps students jumpstart their college education without any cost to students or their families. Program costs will be covered by a combination of Federal financial aid, TRIO Program funds, and funds provided by UAA. All participants are required to complete a 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine if Federal financial aid is available to them for summer 2025.
  • Will participating in Summer Bridge affect my future financial aid?
    Participating in Summer Bridge may impact future financial aid. For example, students who are eligible for a Pell grant may only do so for a maximum of 12-semesters (i.e., six years of education if attending fall/spring semesters only). Like any other summer semester, participating in Summer bridge is considered one of those semesters.
  • Am I eligible for TRIO SSS

    To be eligible for TRIO SSS, students must be United States Citizens or Permanent Residents and meet one of the following criteria.

    • Be within the 2024 Federal Income Guidelines or
    • First Generation college student (neither parents have a bachelors degree) or
    • Receive services from Disability Support Services at UAA 
  • Am I eligible for Summer Bridge?

    Once admitted into Summer Bridge, students will work with SSS staff to complete further paperwork and steps to prepare for Summer Bridge.

  • How do I apply for Summer Bridge?
    Students who have applied and been accepted to UAA should apply for the Summer Bridge program by and checking the box indicating that they are interested in Summer Bridge at the end of the application .
  • When does the Summer Bridge application close ?
    The deadline to complete all the eligibility requirements for the 2025 Summer Bridge program is March 30th, 2025.
  • What is academic placement testing and how do I complete it?
    Academic placement testing at UAA is used to determine student placement in math and writing courses. Students can submit their ACT/SAT scores to UAA as a measure to determine placement. Students can also complete placement exams through UAA. The ALEKS PPL exam for mathematics placement can be done from any computer equipped with a camera and the ability to download temporary lockdown software. The UAA Writing Sample is used for writing placement and can be done from any computer that allows the student to access their personal email account (not a school email address). Current TRIO UB or ETS students can work with their TRIO advisor for assistance with testing. The testing websites can be found on the UAA Course Placement and Testing webpage.
  • What classes will I be taking?
    All students will enroll in University Studies A190, which is a 3 credit college foundations course.Additionally, based on academic placement testing, students will enroll in either a Introduction to College Writing (WRTG A110) or Writing Across Contexts (WRTG A111).
  • Are instructors or tutors available for assistance during Summer Bridge?
    UAA course instructors have Office Hours available to meet with and assist students. Office hours and contact information for Summer Bridge instructors will be made available to students at the start of the semester. Summer Bridge will also have exclusive group tutoring sessions hosted by Peer Mentors. UAA also offers tutoring services through the UAA Learning Commons (located in the UAA Consortium Library).
  • What happens if I fail a class?
    Failing a credit bearing Summer Bridge course is the same as failing any other college course. Failing a course will result in a grade of F being recorded on UAA transcript. Failing a course will negatively impact your semester and cumulative college GPA. Additionally, failing a course may negatively impact your satisfactory academic progress and eligibility for financial aid. Summer Bridge students will receive a robust offering of academic support and are expected to utilize and attend all required tutoring sessions to assist in successful completion of each course.
  • Where and when are my classes?
    Participants will attend classes on the main UAA campus from Monday through Thursday. Class locations and exact times will be shared with participants before Summer Bridge begins. Summer Bridge is a full day (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) Monday - Friday program. Participants should expect a full day of academic and extra curricular engagement during their time in Summer Bridge.
  • How do I get to my classes?
    There is no Seawolf Shuttle service on the UAA campus during the summer. Students are expected to walk between campus housing, campus dining, and to their classroom buildings. Students are expected to plan their schedules accordingly to ensure that they arrive at all classes on time. Students with physical disabilities will work with the SSS staff to determine alternative transportation options.
  • Can I work during Summer Bridge?
    Summer Bridge is a full day (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) Monday - Friday program. Students are expected to attend all scheduled Summer Bridge programming. Additionally, students will have college coursework (e.g., assignments) to complete outside of scheduled program times. While participants are not prohibited from working during non-program hours, Summer Bridge leaves little time for summer employment.
  • Can I have a vehicle on campus? Do I have to pay for parking?
    Students may have vehicles on campus. However, the Summer Bridge program does not cover the costs of parking on campus. Daily and semester parking is available from UAA Parking Services. For more information about parking on campus, visit the UAA Parking and Transportation website.
  • Do I have access to the UAA gymnasium, fitness center, and other recreational resources?
    Summer Bridge participants have access to all of the same campus facilities as other UAA students. Access to the gymnasium, fitness center, and other recreational resources depends on hours of availability. Students must present a valid Wolfcard to use facilities. More information on recreation facilities can be found at the AVIS Alaska Sports Complex website. 
  • What happens if I do not adhere to the requirements and regulations of the Summer Bridge program?

    At the discretion of the program director, students who do not adhere to the requirements and regulations of the Summer Bridge program and the 花季传媒 may be expelled from the Summer Bridge program and from TRIO SSS. Depending on the nature of the violation(s), the decision to expel a student from the program may be made without prior warning. Additionally, students may face further consequences as determined by the university.