Commuter Program
EOP's Transitional Programs are designed to assist students with their acclimation to the university environment. The Program’s goals are to give students a head start towards a successful college experience and the opportunity to begin building community with other students.
In 2009 our Programs included Bridge Residential, Bridge Commuter, and FreshStart.
At final count, we had a total of 439 EOP students participating in a Transitional Program. There were 127 in the Residential Bridge Program, 167 in our Commuter Bridge Program and 145 in our FreshStart Program.
Bridge Programs – Residential and Commuter
The Bridge Program is a six-week program with both residential and commuter components: Residential Bridge is the first module of a three-semester program designed to successfully transition EOP first time freshmen from high school into the university. It includes an intense summer academic experience with academic credit. Their purpose is to 1) expose the students to the demands of college; 2) provide the tools needed for students to successfully navigate these demands; 3) create a community of learners and critical thinkers; 4) develop support systems and student advocates and; 5) instill pride in their rich historical background and an appreciation for the diversity.
Planning for the next year’s Bridge summer experience begins a few weeks after the programs close in August. And planning for the student’s three-semester experience is ongoing. The EOP Bridge staff assesses and makes adjustments to the program design in response to a wide range of factors. And, of course the ability of the Bridge students to make successful transitions is always key!
Academics
The academic curriculum for both the residential and commuter programs included either a developmental (097) reading course, ad developmental (098) writing course or a developmental math course linked with a freshmen seminar (University 100) focused on university/academic survival skills. Faculty joined Bridge from the following departments: Asian American Studies, Chicano/Studies, Pan African Studies and Developmental math. Successful completion of all assignments ear the students six to eight units of college credits in Humanities, Social and Behaviors Sciences, or mathematics.