TRiO Student Support Services
Summer Bridge Program
What is the Bridge Program?
The TRiO Summer Bridge Program is designed to give you a jump-start on your Mansfield University
experience through academic, social, and team building activities. This 5-day experience provides you
with information on college coping skills, campus technology, and social and recreational activities. In
addition, you will be able to purchase your textbooks early, ask questions about financial aid, and get
answers to advising questions. Bridge participants will be allowed to move into the residence halls
early. All of these activities are paid for by TRiO.
We have found that TRiO students, in particular, come to campus with many questions and often
need more one-on-one guidance navigating the college system. This program will help ease the
transition to college and answer many of your questions before classes begin. The Bridge workshops
give you an idea of what to expect inside and outside of the classroom. In addition, the program
allows you the opportunity to meet other new students.
Come take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to prepare yourself for a successful college
career!
Activities During the Program
Academic
· One-on-one academic advising
· How do I prepare for classes?
· How do I navigate campus technology?
· Learning Strategies
. Strengths Quest
· Study Skills
College Survival
· Where do I go for….?
· Student question and answer panel
· Campus Culture
· Opportunity to meet with Financial Aid, Housing, and Other Campus Departments
Social
· Resiliency, Team Building and Low Ropes
. Drapers Honey Tour and Beijing Garden dinner on TRiO
· Ice Cream Social with the Mansfield University President at his house
· Movie night, Town Tour with your TRiO Peer Mentors
· Time on your own to get settled in your college life
Bridge Program Q&A
What does the program cost?
TRiO covers the workshops, materials used during the program, meals, room in the residence halls,
and organized recreational activities during the Bridge Program. Any spending money or meals
beyond 3 a day will be up to you.
Do I have to live on campus to participate?
No, however, most students see it as a perk of the program. Even if you are commuting to campus
in the fall, you can live on campus during the Bridge Program if you choose. Students who will be
residing on campus in fall 2013 will move into their assigned rooms for fall.
I’m a non-traditional student. Should I still participate?
Yes! We understand you may not be able to participate in all activities, but we encourage you to
attend as much as you can. Past Bridge participants have reported they feel more confident about
returning to school after participating in the TRiO Bridge Program.
I’m transferring to Mansfield University from another college. Should I still participate?
Yes! While you will likely already know some of the information we will cover, you will get the
chance to get acclimated to the Mansfield University campus before other students begin to arrive.
I can’t attend. Can I still be in TRiO?
If you cannot attend the Summer Bridge program we will place you on the TRiO waiting list for
fall.
Why Should I Participate in the TRiO Bridge Program?
 Become more familiar with campus and its resources
 Get better prepared for courses
 Move in early if you are an on-campus student
 Receive priority status for the textbook loan program
 Make connections with faculty and staff that can answer
questions in the future
 Get the inside scoop from current students
 Meet new people and make friends
 Feel more confident about college
 Have lots of fun!
What Have Past Participants Said About the TRiO Bridge Program?
“The program helps create a group of friends and gives you a leg up on college life and work.”
“The services are great because I learned a lot about what the semester will be like and had a lot of fun!”
“I like that I got to learn everything a little earlier than the incoming freshmen. TRiO rocks!”
“I really enjoyed this program and everyone is very nice. I also liked the fact that everything is so laid
back and comfortable between staff, mentors, and students.”
What Do I Need to Do Next?
 Check the dates. Check-in for the Bridge Program will start at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 18th, and
the program will end after lunch on Thursday, August 22nd.
 Complete the registration form below. Please save and email your completed
registration form to: amase@mansfield.edu.
 Once we’ve received your registration form, we’ll send you a packet of information including a
detailed schedule and release forms to complete before the program, and directions
on where to go on the first day .
 If you are living on campus in the fall, you will move into your room on Sunday between 2-4 p.m.
TRiO Summer Bridge Program Registration Form
Please return this form to TRiO no
later than
Wednesday, July 19th
2013
 No, I will not be participating in the TRiO Summer Bridge Program. [If you are unable to attend but
would like to be a TRiO participant in the fall 2013 semester, it is important that you contact Annette
Mase at the number listed below.]
 Yes, I plan to participate in the 2013 TRiO Summer Bridge Program from Sunday, August 18th until
Thursday, August 22nd!
Please select your living arrangements for the fall semester:
 I will be living on campus in the fall 2013 semester and will be living in my room during the
Bridge Program.
 I will be living off-campus in the fall 2013 semester but would like to stay in a residence
hall during the Bridge Program.
 I will be commuting to the Bridge Program and know to obtain my parking permit
beforehand from the Campus Police.
Do any of the following apply?
 I will need an accommodation for my disability (please contact our office).
 I have special dietary restrictions. (Please specify.)
Please complete the information below:
Name
Street Address
City, State, ZIP
Phone/Cell Phone
E-Mail
Questions? Please contact Annette Mase
Phone: 570-662-4365
Fax: 570-662-4363
E-mail: amase@mansfield.edu