Strong Start - Office of Undergraduate Studies

Here at the U, we believe a “Strong Start” leads to a strong finish. Our summer academic and residential program will provide an engaging and transformative experience to a diverse group of first-year students. Our goal is to not only help you acclimate yourself to life at the U, but thrive in your college experience, setting you up for a bright academic career.

Students will enroll in 1 math or writing course, and Intro to Design Thinking (DES 2615); general education course, fulfilling general education requirements, all while building meaningful academic and social relationships that will last a lifetime at one of the top research universities in the country.

Strong Start takes place during the second summer session from June 17 – August 2.

Strong Start participants will also be required to register and attend either of the June New Student Orientation Sessions (TBD).

FAFSA* sessions will be offered to provide completion assistance for students and parents. *FAFSA completion is strongly recommended.

Costs TBD:

Tuition & Fees
Housing (single, double, or triple rooms)
Meals

To be eligible for financial aid for Strong Start, complete the 2023-2024 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. This is a different FAFSA than the one you might have completed for enrollment beginning Fall 2024. If you need more information on completing the form, view the How to Fill Out the FAFSA Form video. Or, if you’re ready to complete the form now, you can go here. Be sure to choose the 2023-2024 FAFSA to complete and submit; it is important to complete this as soon as possible. If you need any additional assistance, contact the U’s Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid with questions.

Here are just some of the many advantages of our program:

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Earn 6-7 general education credits

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Stay on campus during program

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Start your residency clock early

community graphic Get involved before fall semester with a built-in community of your peers

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Learn how to navigate campus

Description: Students learn to read and write rhetorically, develop and support claims, and produce and evaluate writing in collaboration with peers. Course readings and assignments emphasize writing for diverse purposes and disciplines.

Description: Writing in undergraduate academic contexts. Students practice analytical and persuasive writing that addresses various academic audiences in a research university. Emphasis on writing for learning, textual analysis, writing from research, and collaborative writing.

Description:In this course we analyze quantitative information about change and growth through specific case studies. The mathematics covered includes topics from financial mathematics, linear and exponential growth, geometric measurements and scaling.

Description: Functions, inverses and graphs; polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic functions; systems of equations and matrices; applications; arithmetic and geometric sequences and series.

Description: Students will gain vital experience in various concepts of design such as: design thinking, product design, structural and environmental design, information architecture, simulation, immersive environments and games. This course counts toward the Fine Arts Exploration General Education requirement, and starts you on the path to earning your Digital Literacy Certificate.