Summer Ascent, a new weeklong, pre-semester program debuted in August, and a select group of students benefited from the intensive introduction to life at Plymouth State. The bridge program reinforced study skills and problem-solving techniques, while also teaching the fundamentals of networking and relationship building. These proficiencies prove critically important to students’ successful transition from high school to the University.

The program was offered on a scholarship basis, which covered housing, meals, tuition, and academic materials.

“PSU is committed to helping all students navigate their path to success, and Summer Ascent allowed students to move to campus early and jump-start their PSU career,” explains Dean of Enrollment Management Jason Moran. “A collaborative planning group comprised of faculty and staff created a proactive program emphasizing mentorship, team building, skill training, and fun.”

“I found the Summer Ascent Program to be incredibly valuable,” says Nolan O’Donnell ’22. “Coming from the Baltimore area and knowing next to no one on campus, the small cohorts made it easy for me to quickly establish relationships with other students and faculty members. When regular classes came around, I could tell I was better prepared. I knew where all my buildings were, had experienced critical thinking sessions, and simply felt more comfortable sitting in the classroom.”

Highlights included two one-credit courses developed by faculty across disciplines. The Habits of Mind Experience (HOME) introduced the four pillars of PSU’s General Education Program—Problem Solving, Integrated Perspective, Purposeful Communication, and Self-Regulated Learning—and in the “toolkit” course, students worked with faculty on specific skill sets such as blogging, digital production, and other in-demand topics. The complete curricular experience aligns with the ethos of Plymouth State’s Integrated Clusters learning model in which students and faculty representing multiple disciplines work to create a pathway to the future.

A week in Plymouth during the summertime wouldn’t be complete without outdoor adventures, and participants enjoyed hikes, yoga, and community activities. “Developing friendships and a support network for their time at PSU is a big part of the program,” says Moran. “In addition to earning two credits before the fall semester even started, participants bonded with mentors and friends; connected with faculty, staff, and other students; and enjoyed early success. We’re confident that this program will pay many dividends for them over the course of their years at the University.”

■ Peter Lee Miller

Isidro Rodriguez photo.