A Program for College Success

The Collegiate Bridge Program is designed for freshmen students who meet minimum UW-Eau Claire admission requirements and demonstrate the potential to be successful, but who may need a more structured introduction to to the university learning environment during the first year.  Collegiate Bridge students develop a realistic understanding of the demands of college-level work, build the academic and personal skills necessary to succeed in college, and become acquainted with and take advantage of available student support services.

Students in the Collegiate Bridge Program also benefit from smaller class sizes, and closer contact with instructors, student mentors, and advisers.  Additional tutoring services are also provided if desired.

Evaluations from past participants indicate that the program provided them with a solid base, eased their transition from high school to college, and got them off to a good start.

Come Join Us

In the Collegiate Bridge Program, you begin your college years with both a blend of helpful structure and independence designed to help you make the most of your first year and lay a solid groundwork for continued success through graduation.  As a Bridge student, you will take courses that emphasize development in the following areas:

•  Negotiating the college culture
• Adjusting to college
• Goal-setting/time management
• Learning and study strategies
• Personal leadership and development
• Critical reading and thinking
• Writing

Class Schedules

During your UW-Eau Claire's summer orientation session, you will register for the following fall semester courses.  

• English Composition (3-5 credits)
• Social Science or Humanities course (3 credits)
• Introduction to University Curriculum (2 credits)
• 1 or 2 more courses of your choice (2-4 credits)

During the following spring semester, you and your Bridge classmates will continue the Introduction to University Curriculum course (1 credit) and select the remainder of your schedule with the help of your university adviser.

Out of Class Activities

As part of the Bridge program, planned out-of-class activities provide additional learning and leadership opportunities.

Other Program Benefits

Collegiate Bridge students benefit in other ways as well.  While many student services are available to all university students, the Collegiate Bridge Program provides additional services not available to other students:

Tutoring-course tutoring in any course is arranged for Bridge students as needed.
Academic Advising-professional advisors will meet with Bridge students during their first year to assist with course planning and scheduling
Career Development-professional career counselors will meet periodically with Bridge students during their first year to guide students through career planning and development activities
Computing-Bridge students will receive early orientation to university computing services and use a variety of computer applications throughout the year

Program Cost

Students participating in the Collegiate Bridge Program pay $125.00 (in the fall only) in addition to their regular university tuition.  For students receiving financial aid, this cost is considered part of your educational expense for the year.

Application Process

Applicants who feel the Collegiate Bridge Program will be helpful must first complete and submit the UW System Application for Undergraduate Admission available from your high school or complete the electronic application form via http://www.apply.wisconsin.edu.

For More Information

... about the Collegiate Bridge Program, contact

Linda Spaeth, Collegiate Bridge Program Director 
Academic Skills Center
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
P.O. Box 4004
Eau Claire WI 54702-4004
Phone:  715-836-3019

Or email spaethlj@uwec.edu

... about UW-Eau Claire and the application process. contact   

Office of Admissions
Schofield Hall 112
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
715-836-5415

Or access the Admissions website at www.uwec.edu/admissions