EOP: Making a Worry Free Transition to College

The Summer Bridge

The EOP includes a summer bridge program that will make the adjustment to campus life a little easier. It’s a required, four-week, residential summer session, where students get to know the college, its residence halls, and its programs, all before the fall semester begins. And because attendance at the summer bridge program is required for all EOP Scholars, Goucher provides you with a stipend to offset the loss of any summer income.

During the summer bridge program, you’ll attend academic sessions to enrich writing, reading, and math skills, and workshops that will help you develop effective study habits and manage stress. You’ll have the chance to attend small classes and meet regularly with peer tutors and mentors. It’s a great way for students to prep for college and get comfortable on campus before classes even start.

Feel free to take a look a sample week schedule from the summer bridge program.

The Summer Stipend

The EOP Scholars are provided with a stipend to supplement any loss of income experienced while attending the summer bridge program. The stipend is taxed as work-study employment and requires the students to submit a work permit, W-2, and I-9 forms.

Workshops and Activities

In addition to the academic sessions, EOP Scholars participate in personal and academic development and awareness workshops regarding financial aid, the first-year experience, community living, student engagement, technology services, public safety, library services, and many other toipcs. The EOP Scholars also attend workshops facilitated by the assistant dean for multicultural affairs that may address topics like financial literacy, time management, effective study habits, stress management, coping strategies for emotional distractions, and success strategies. EOP Scholars participate in a number of evening and weekend experiences as well, including a Goucher scavenger hunt, “rap” sessions, dining out, movies, visiting local museums, and attending festivals in the Baltimore/ DC area.

The Living Environment

Meals are provided three times daily Monday through Friday and twice daily Saturday and Sunday by the college’s dining services company, Bon Appétit. EOP mentors reside in the residence halls with the EOP Scholars and are available to address questions and concerns that may arise after business hours.