The following questions are those that are frequently asked by new freshmen who are referred to the Russell Conwell Center and are required to attend the Summer Bridge Program.
Why was I referred to the Russell Conwell Center (RCC)?
You were selected by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to be a part of this program. Students who are selected for the Conwell Center program are usually very motivated, have performed well academically from 9 - 12th grade in high school, are in the top third of their graduating class, but their standardized test scores (ACT/SAT’s) may not reflect their academic ability or meet the University’s minimum requirements for admission.
Do I have to attend the Summer Bridge Program?
Yes, it is mandatory that you attend and pass all of the courses or you will not be permitted to register for your fall or spring semester classes. The Summer Bridge is a wonderful opportunity for you to become familiar with the rigors and demands of college before actually starting your academic career. You must attend a Bridge Program before taking classes in the fall. You also need to know that you are admitted to the University for the Fall 2009 semester only. Should you choose not to come to Temple in the fall, you would have to reapply for admission next fall. You will find that Temple students take classes during both summer sessions to move them closer to graduation, which is what you will be doing as well.
Suppose I retake the ACT/SAT’s and get a higher score. Will I still have to come to the Summer Bridge Program?
You should have your new ACT/SAT scores sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions as soon as possible. They will review your high school credentials and your new scores to determine whether you will have to come to the Summer Bridge Program.
If I was an honor student in my high school, do I have to attend the Summer Bridge Program?
Yes. There are different levels of classes that students take during the Bridge Program. Classes are assigned based on the results of the University Placement Test, which every Temple student is required to take. Classes in English/writing, mathematics, and academic skills are offered during the Summer Bridge Program and each class has a high level designed for honors or very talented students.
I was accepted at other colleges/universities and none of them required that I attend a summer program.
Temple University and the Russell Conwell Center are committed to helping you make a smooth transition from high school to the University. We want you to know what is expected of you as a student at Temple University, the demands and pace of college level courses, who you are as a learner and the different resources that are available to you on campus. The University has very high expectations and we want to help you meet the challenges of your first semester successfully.
If I change my major, will I still have to come to the Bridge Program?
Yes. Your choice of major was not the reason that you were referred to the Center. Students majoring in all fields, as well as those who are undeclared, are referred to the RCC. If you plan to change your major, you must make the change either by writing to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or by calling the New Student Orientation Office (215) 204-8531 before you are scheduled to register. You are assigned a registration date based on the major you selected on your application.
If I am getting Financial Aid, do I have to pay the $200.00 Tuition Deposit?
Yes. The tuition deposit or deposit waver is your way of informing the University that you are committed to attending Temple in the fall and that you want your seat to be held in the freshman class. Your financial aid award may cover a portion of your tuition and housing expenses, but it may or may not be enough to cover your fees. Every student pays matriculation fees, technology fees, health fees, recreation services and others. Other fees are applicable depending on your major. Financial aid is applied to your account once you have registered for your classes. You cannot be scheduled for New Student Orientation to register until your tuition deposit is paid or waived. If there is some reason you are unable to pay your deposit, please call Janice Kersey-Boyd at (215) 204-3245.
I have to work during the summer to pay for my classes and books in the fall. Do I have to come to the Bridge?
Yes. The majority of the students in the Bridge Program have to work. Most of the students talk to their employers about adjusting their hours during the six-week period so that they can take the classes and work after classes are over or on the weekends. Remember, if you do not attend summer classes, you are not eligible to take classes in the fall.
My family has planned a trip/vacation during the summer. Will I have to miss this?
Some arrangements can be made for you to go with your family on vacation if you have proper documentation. Call Janice Kersey Boyd at (215)204-3245 to discuss what you need to do to be excused. If you are excused to go on vacation with your family, you must still complete all assignments for your classes on time. You will have to make arrangements with your instructor.
Do I have to pay tuition for the Summer Bridge Program?
No. You do not pay tuition to attend the Summer Bridge Program. This is an excellent opportunity to for you to increase your academic skills and knowledge at no additional cost to you. Full participation in the program will enable you to be ready to meet the many challenges of the 2009 Academic Year.
What will I do each day in the Summer Bridge Program?
Each day you will attend small classes in mathematics, writing/reading, academic skills, computer updates and other classes taught by instructors and graduate students, who are highly recommended by their departments. You will be assigned to your classes based on the results of the University Placement Test, which every Temple student has to take. You will complete assignments in each class during the six weeks and will be graded on your knowledge of the material.
Are the classes graded? Will I receive college credit for these courses?
You will receive a grade for each course that you take during the summer so that you will know how well you are doing, but you will not receive academic credits for these courses. These courses are tuition free and are not credit courses. During the Bridge Program you are expected to achieve a ‘C’ or better in each of your classes. Once you complete your classes, you will take the placement test again. Most students score higher and are eligible to register for a higher level math or English class in the fall semester.
Do I have to stay in the residence halls during the Summer Bridge Program?
No, we do not provide housing for the six-week program. Most of the students in the program commute, but housing can be arrange for you to stay on campus, at your expense. Call Janice Kersey Boyd at (215) 204-3245 if you wish to stay in the residence hall for the summer.
In what buildings are the classes held?
The summer classes are held in many of the buildings on the main campus. Our goal is to expose you to the different building locations on campus so that you can navigate the campus comfortably in the fall.
If I drive, where do I park my car?
Parking on the street during the summer is easier than it is during the academic year. You can purchase a parking decal which would allow you to park in one of the campus parking lots for a nominal fee. For more information about location and rates, visit the website for the Office of Parking Services at parking@temple.edu
Do I need to let you know that I have a learning or physical disability?
Yes. This confidential information should be shared with the Office of Disability Resource and Services who will see that you receive whatever accommodations that are recommended by your doctor. All information pertaining to you will be kept in the Disabilities Office. Each semester you will receive a letter to give to each of your instructors giving them instructions about how to accommodate you. Please contact this office at (215)204-1280 to find out what they need from you to offer you services.
