Summer Bridge

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.

Get a head start on college and set yourself up for success. Our special summer programs for Fall 2024 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 you prepare for your first year on campus. 

Accelerate

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.

CARDS (Connecting Accessible Resources with Disability Services)

Concerned about the transition to college? Get yourself setup for success by joining Disability Services Summer Bridge program. Learn more.

CLASS (Cardinal Leadership and Service Seminar)

Gain valuable experience in service, citizenship, leadership, and academic success. During this program, you will reflect on your expectations of college, meet fellow first-year students, and learn about the campus and the resources it has to offer. Learn more.

Early Start

Move in early and spend 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. 

Midwest Three State Road Trip

Join us for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities at Shawnee State Park in Ohio, Red River Gorge in Kentucky, and Brown County State Park in Nashville, Indiana. Learn more.

REACH Mentor Program

Build connections with returning students who serve as mentors to help you with the transition to college. This program focuses on the academic and social experiences of students of color and first-generation college students, but is open to all students who wish to develop a peer connection with a mentor. Learn more.

Summit Lake Adventure

Join us for camping, hiking, and canoeing at Summit Lake State Park in Indiana. Learn more.

Jump Start

A first-year transition program for incoming students enrolled in the College of Architecture and Planning, the College of Fine Arts, the College of Health, the College of Communication, Information, and Media, the College of Sciences and Humanities, the Miller College of Business, and the Teachers College. Learn more.

Ball State students are leaders both in and out of the classroom. From leadership organizations, seminars, and even opportunities to earn academic course credit, there are many opportunities to develop your leadership skills!

Beneficence Leadership Conference

Join us Saturday, January 22, 2022 for the 4th annual Beneficence Leadership Conference. This FREE experience is open to all students, staff and faculty to attend, and will include a keynote speaker, free meals throughout the day, and a day of learning through presentations. Registration opens December 1, 2021. Learn more.

Excellence in Leadership

The Excellence in Leadership (EIL) program helps students to develop their leadership skills and define their leadership identity.  The weekly workshops offer focused, development skill building while allowing students to engage and learn with their peers. Students that attend all monthly workshops receive a certificate of completion. Learn more.

Speaker Series

Each year, the Excellence in Leadership Speaker Series brings nationally recognized speakers to campus. These events are free and open to the public. Learn more.

Leadership Studies Minor 

Offered in partnership with the Department of Educational Leadership in the Teachers College, this 15-credit minor will equip with skills needed to lead any type of organization. Learn more.

5:30pm - 6:30pm - DA Performance Recital: Shengxin Liu - Sursa Performance Hall 

Shengxin Liu is a piano student of Lori Rhoden. Program to be announced. This event is free and open to the public. 

6pm - 9pm - Women's Volleyball Home Opener with Student Athlete Support Services (SASS) - Worthen Arena

You + UCOL T-Shirt = Free Concession Voucher!

7:30pm - 9:30pm - Crowder Concert - Emens Auditorium 

Known for his innovative blend of folk, rock, and electronic elements, Crowder's distinct style is characterized by his soulful vocals and eclectic instrumentation. His ability to seamlessly blend genres, from bluegrass to electronic, sets him apart, and with more than 1.8 Billion global streams, he is one of the most influential voices in Contemporary Christian Music.

7:30pm - 10pm - Kinky Boots - University Theatre - September 20th through the 29th

Charlie Price has reluctantly inherited his father's shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Trying to live up to his father's legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. As they work to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair find that they have more in common than they realized and discover that when you change your mind, you can change your whole world. Visit https://www.bsu.edu/academics/collegesanddepartments/theatredance/whats-on-stage/season-listing for full event and credits.

 

 

Serving the community is a great way to meet new friends, make community connections, and have some fun! Whether you are tutoring children, visiting the elderly in long-term care facilities, or donating your time at local food banks or soup kitchens, you will gain practical work-related skills that will benefit you in the future.

Student Voluntary Services

Looking to volunteer for one of the organizations in the Muncie area? Student Voluntary Services can help connect you! Learn more.

Volunteer for an Agency

View our database of volunteer opportunities in our area or search our list of Muncie organizations by their fields. Learn more.

Service Learning

Faculty members can work with Student Voluntary Services to incorporate community service into their curriculums. Learn more.

Alternative Breaks

Spend Spring Break or Fall Break traveling to another community with fellow students. You’ll spend your time off helping a nonprofit agency through volunteer projects. Learn more. 

Cardinal Kitchen

Cardinal Kitchen is a food pantry on Ball State’s campus. Open the last three Tuesday’s of every month, the pantry is located in the lower level of the Student Center, L-27. Learn more.