The Summer Bridge Program will take place over the course of three days during late July 2022. The schedule below includes sessions from last summer’s program and is a good example of what to expect this year!
In addition to several community building activities, sample sessions include:
Welcoming Remarks
Dr. Anibal Torres, Director of Academic Affairs
Our Director of Academic Affairs, Dr. Torres, will offer a brief welcome to EOP students and offer his perspective on the importance of pre-college programs at Penn State University.
Our First Year
Dr. Denise O’Neill, Director of Enrollment Management
Dr. O’Neill will provide an overview of the Educational Opportunity Program, goals for the summer bridge program, and expectations for students. Our first-year students have a great desire to do the very best they can to successfully manage the start to their career at Penn State – the Summer Bridge Program is the starting point! Learn more about how all the program elements will merge together. An opportunity for questions and answers will follow.
Academic Success Coach Expectations and Meet n' Greet
Aziza Damweber, Coordinator of Student Success
Each EOP student will receive an Academic Success Coach. Meeting with your coach on a regular basis will allow you to path a pathway to academic, personal, and career success. Academic success coaching is one-on-one interaction with a student focusing on strengths, goals, student skills, engagement, academic planning, and performance. This will be your first opportunity to meet your academic success coach. (Due to scheduling, some coaches may not be available for this session.)
Math Institute, Part I and II
Dr. Maryam Kiani, Associate Teaching Professor, Mathematics
The Math Institute is for students who want to improve their math skills and/or need a refresher in this content area in preparation for their college math course they will take in the fall. Topics such as the “fear” of math and understanding the value of math skills in all 6 aspects of life will be addressed.
Writing Institute
Michelle Kaschak, Assistant Teaching Professor, English
The Writing Institute is for students who want to improve their writing skills. It is an opportunity to focus on content area in preparation for courses they will take at Penn State Lehigh Valley. Writing is infused into the curriculum and is a cornerstone for overall success. The goal is to develop some common standards as well as shared expectations in terms of workload and learning outcomes.
University Panel - "The Penn State Experience"
University panelists from academic advising, career services, student affairs, registrar, bursar, and the Learning Center will provide valuable information and answer important questions about the Penn State Experience.
Snack n' Paint
Dr. Elizabeth Flaherty, Associate Teaching Professor, Arts Administration
Enjoy some fresh air as you tap into your artistic side as you create your very own Penn State artwork to take home with you! This session will be in the courtyard.
16 Personalities
Career Strategies Staff
The 16 Personalities framework is built upon Jungian theory and Big Five personality traits. It utilizes similar acronyms from Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and provides practical information on personality types and their influence on careers, relationships, core values and how we approach our education. Discover how you might share (and differ) from your classmates using 16 Personalities as a reference point.
Importance of Campus Involvement
Tom Dubreuil, Director of Student Affairs
Learn how student involvement at Penn State can enhance your college experience. Students will learn about a number of ways to become involved with co-curricular events!
Healthy U!
Lorie Khalil, Coordinator of Athletics Programs and Head Women’s Basketball Coach
Join Head Women's Basketball Coach and Fitness Center Coordinator, Lorie Khalil, for a dive into fitness and wellness in the college setting. You will want to wear sneakers for this interactive session!
Setting Goals during Your First Year at Penn State
Dr. Denise O’Neill, Director of Enrollment Management
Setting short and long-term goals is an important part of collegiate and career success. When we set goals, it has a positive impact on our performance because it directs our attention and efforts towards what it most important. This session will also cover how to create S.M.A.R.T. goals: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely.
Closing Remarks
Dr. Tina Q. Richardson, Chancellor
Penn State Lehigh Valley Chancellor, Dr. Richardson, will help close out the Summer Bridge Program by sharing her thoughts on the importance of student success programs at Penn State.