SUMMER BRIDGE 2024: August 14th- August 20th
When and what is the Summer Bridge program?
The R2S summer bridge program is an extension of FY orientation and program orientation for R2S Students. For residential students, you will be required to live on campus during this period. For commuters, you will be expected to arrive to campus daily for all workshop sessions, weekend and evening events are optional, but you are encouraged to participate. This pre-semester program will help students to…
- Define their college why
- Understand their responsibility in shaping their success
- Understand how to connect with the members of their support network
- Acquire the skills to time manage, prioritize, and make a plan for their first 3 semesters
- Familiarize themselves with the campus and community
- Build community
- Identify/locate campus/community resources
- Develop professional communication and self advocacy skills
SAVE THE DATE : August 14 2024 - August 20 2024
What is UNC 100? :
UNC 100 also known as mastering the academic environment is a semester long course that continues to acclimate our first year students to the rigor and expectations of college. The professors connected to the course specifically teach sections connected to this program. Your classmates are all also R2S students. This course build community and familiarity amongst your cohort. Success Navigators are also co-assigned to this course and will periodically facilitate classes.
How do I access my book voucher? :
As long as you have maintained active participation in the R2S program (see making the most of R2S section) your book funds will automatically populate to your student account no later than the first week of classes. You will then be able to order your books through the school’s Barnes and Noble website. Book vouchers can be used to purchase books, or course supplies. Merch, food, and technology (except a calculator) is currently not permitted.
What is a Success Navigator?
A Success Navigator is a professional staff employed at Buffalo State University who has at least earned a Bachelor’s degree. Success Navigators are assigned to a new set of incoming first year students annually. Their main responsibility is to act as a wholistic support guide for their assigned students, this may include but is not limited to;
- Success Planning
- Registration Support
- Financial Aid Advocacy
- Resource Connections
- Social Connections
- General Advocacy
How often should I meet with my Success Navigator as a FY student?
We recommend meeting with your Success Navigator monthly. In order to schedule a meeting, email your Success Navigator directly, or use their meeting link. If you are experiencing increased barriers, we recommend you meet with them 2x/month.
How do I prepare for my Success Navigator Meeting? :
- Think about your current successes
- Think about your current struggles/barriers
- Review your student account in Banner
- Review your current grades in Brightspace
- Review your previous student success plan in BSP and consider any goals you would like to change or delete.
What Should I bring to my meeting? :
- Laptop
- Planner
- Pen
- Any questions you have
What will these meetings focus on? :
First Year Guide
Summer
Meeting #1: Introductions (recommended to occur between June-July)
- Get to know your Success Navigator
- Affirm your college why
- Obtain support for completing your new student checklist
- Register for the Summer Bridge program
Fall
Meeting #1: Introductions (recommended to occur Week 1-4 of the semester)
- Get to know your Success Navigator
- Clarify any questions about your schedule
- Review your financial aid statement and clarify any questions
- Proactively set up tutoring or other academic resources
- Define your goals for the semester
Meeting #2: Maintaining Progress (recommended to occur Week 5-9 of the semester)
- Wellness check-in regarding your overall adjustment and social balance. Connection to resources if needed
- Update your Success Navigator on your academic progress
- Review your financial aid statement and ensure your FASFA is completed for the next academic year, clarify any financial questions, discuss the CAPS portal for eligibility
- Proactively set up tutoring or other academic resources, discuss midterm preparation
- Review and adjust your success plan as needed.
Meeting #3: Preparing for next semester (recommended to occur Week 10-14 of the semester)
- Wellness check-in regarding your overall adjustment and social balance. Connection to resources if needed
- Update your Success Navigator on your academic progress
- Review your financial aid statement and ensure your bill is under the hold threshold ($1,500), make a plan to rectify if it is not
- Proactively set up tutoring or other academic resources, discuss finals preparation
- Begin discussing registration for the next semester. Obtain pre-registration assistance and instructions for self registration.
- Review and adjust your success plan as needed.
J-TERM
Meeting #1: Reflecting on your journey (must occur between the end of fall and before the start of the spring semester)
- Wellness check-in regarding your first semester
- Update your Success Navigator on your plans for J-term and any current needs (Discuss J-term course progress, if app)
- Review your financial aid statement and ensure your bill is under the hold threshold ($1,500), make a plan to rectify if it is not. Clarify any financial questions
- Discuss the progress of current goals and brainstorm potential spring goals
- Appeal support (if needed)
Spring
Meeting #1: Re-defining your Intentions (recommended to occur Week 1-4 of the semester)
- Re-affirm your college why
- Clarify any questions about your schedule
- Review your financial aid statement and clarify any questions
- Proactively set up tutoring or other academic resources
- Define your goals for the semester
Meeting #2: Maintaining Progress (recommended to occur Week 5-9 of the semester)
- Wellness check-in regarding your overall adjustment and social balance. Connection to resources if needed
- Update your Success Navigator on your academic progress
- Review your financial aid statement and ensure your FASFA is completed for the next academic year, clarify any financial questions, discuss the CAPS portal for eligibility
- Proactively set up tutoring or other academic resources, discuss midterm preparation
- Review and adjust your success plan as needed.
Meeting #3: Preparing for your 2nd year (recommended to occur Week 10-14 of the semester)
- Wellness check-in regarding your overall adjustment and social balance. Connection to resources if needed
- Update your Success Navigator on your academic progress
- Review your financial aid statement and ensure your bill is under the hold threshold ($1,500), make a plan to rectify if it is not
- Proactively set up tutoring or other academic resources, discuss finals preparation
- Begin discussing registration for the next semester. Obtain pre-registration assistance and instructions for self registration.
- Review and adjust your success plan as needed.
- Discuss your continuing student support network
- Discuss how to stay connected with R2S after your first year.