At Ball State, we provide a distinctive series of co-curricular programs and services meant to support and engage our incoming first-year students as they transition to campus each August. For more than twenty years, Ball State has put on Summer Bridge Programs that provide opportunities for students to connect with peers, faculty, and staff while experiencing campus and the Muncie Community before the first day of class. Our students who have participated in the Summer Bridge programs often point to that experience as a key factor in their sense of belonging on campus and confidence in their abilities to be successful at Ball State.
The safety of our students, their families, and our employees are paramount during COVID-19 so we have made the unprecedented move to conduct Summer Orientation “virtually” this year. Although we are planning to resume appropriate in-person academic activities and many campus operations for the Fall semester within the context of the public health crisis, we are suspending all our Summer Bridge Programs for August 2020. Given the important student success outcomes associated with our Summer Bridge Programs, we will instead focus our effort on contributing to the student transition and student connection programs during Welcome Week and the critical First Six Weeks of the Fall semester. Information about Welcome Week will be available in August.
NOTE: EXCEL is holding a virtual program for August 2020. Click EXCEL below to learn more about the virtual program.
Get a head start on college and set yourself up for success. Our special summer programs for Fall 2021 incoming freshmen will help you meet other students, build confidence, learn leadership skills, and get more familiar with Ball State University – all before your first day of classes. Have fun, make friends, and challenge yourself as your prepare for your first year on campus.
Develop the skills you’ll need to succeed at Ball State by learning how to get involved in student activities, develop leadership skills, succeed academically, explore campus, and make friends. Learn more.
Uncover career goals and make plans to get you exactly where you need to be through college and thereafter. This program is organized in partnership with our Career Center. Learn more.
Gain valuable experience in service, citizenship, leadership, and academic success. Past participants have gone on to serve as student mentors, student president, and as the student representative on the University’s Board of Trustees. Learn more.
Move in early and spent three extra days getting familiar with Ball State and earn college credit by participating in seminars. You’ll attend sessions covering a dozen topics such as preparing for college, criminal justice in pop culture, visual design, and more. Learn more.
Designed for first-year students of color and first-generation college students, this program partners first-time freshmen with older classmates, who serve as mentors who guide them through the transition to Ball State. Learn more.
Explore the Smoky Mountains during this summer camping trip, organized by our Outdoor Pursuits program. You’ll get to go rafting, paddle boarding, mountain biking, zip lining, and more. Learn more.