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| UNDERGRADUATE - FIRST TIME FRESHMEN |
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- Who is eligible to apply?
- Who should apply?
- How many students will be admitted?
- What is the cost?
- What is involved?
- How is the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) track different from the College Bridge track? Can a student be in both?
- Is on-campus residence required?
- Do participants have to complete the UST Immunization Form prior to the program?
- What should be considered in making the decision to commute and not live on-campus?
- When will the institute take place?
- When will the institute take place?
- How is the program sponsored?
- Can students use financial aid to pay for the Mendenhall Summer Institute?
- Are there any scholarships available through this program?
- How is the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) track different from the College Bridge track? Can a student be in both?
- How to apply?
- Additional Questions?
- Who is eligible to apply?
All first-year students admitted to UST are eligible to apply to the Mendenhall Summer Institute.
- Who should apply?
Any interested first-year student who would like to begin their studies at UST early. The summer institute is designed to prepare students for rigorous demands of college and to support students at many different levels of preparation for these demands.
It may also be helpful to think of MSI as a jump-start for students who may need a bit more time to adjust to college life. Past participants have stated that while the program is rigorous, it truly prepared them for their first semester academically and socially
- How many students will be admitted?
We are selecting a cohort of 75 students.
- What is the cost?
The cost for the two courses and all of the educational and social activities during the five-week session is $750. This does not include books, housing, or parking. Book costs are estimated at $175-250 for the courses, depending on the availability of used textbooks. Lunch is provided each day of the program for participants (Monday-Thursday).
For those students interested in living on campus during MSI, the cost for lodging is $500 for the duration of the program. Supplementary meal plans (breakfast, dinner, weekend meals) are available at an additional cost and are highly recommended for convenience and time. Commuting students are welcome to purchase supplemental meals, if interested.
- What is involved?
Students are enrolled in two courses during a five-week term: the College Transition track will provide “The Culture of Writing” (ENGL 1311) & “The Nature of Mathematics” (MATH 1325) and the STEM track will provide “Success through Enhancement of Mathematics Skills” (MATH 1425) and “Introduction to Scientific Methods” (UNIV 1201).
Each track provides 6-credit hours of courses. All these courses, with the exception of MATH 1425, count as elective credits. They do not satisfy the university core requirements but count toward graduation requirements. MATH 1425 does meet the core mathematics requirement.
All students in the program take their College Bridge or STEM track courses as a cohort. Students participate in classes and academic support activities Monday-Thursday from 9am – 4:30pm.
- How is the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) track different from the College Bridge track? Can a student be in both?
The Mendenhall Summer Institute this year will have two tracks offered to students. The STEM track will provide students with STEM-related interests the opportunity to learn problem-solving techniques beneficial for future science courses. Students in this track should have strong interest and commitment to study in the STEM fields.
Both tracks offer students an intensive academic experience with excellent support to prepare them for their Fall semester. All students are supported by programming and peer support provided by the Mendenhall Summer Institute.
Students in both tracks will have opportunities to attend workshops on information literacy, time management, and personal and career development. It is logistically impossible to participate in both tracks simultaneously.
- Is on-campus residence required?
No. Students may live in Guinan Hall or commute to campus. Housing is not included in the program fee. However, the residence life program is offering students housing for $500 for the five-week period (this does not include additional meals). Students interested in housing for the program should complete an online housing application through the residence life website at stthom.edu/residencelife .
- Do participants have to complete the UST Immunization Form prior to the program?
Yes. The UST Immunization Form is required to be completed by ALL incoming students. Immunization Records are required to be on file in the Health Promotion & Wellness Office no later than 10 days prior to the
Start of classes.
For the Mendenhall Summer Institute, students will need their immunization record to be on file BY TUESDAY JUNE 26th. If you have questions regarding the UST Immunization Form or need more information, please contact (713) 525-4626 or email wellness@stthom.edu
- What should be considered in making the decision to commute and not live on-campus?
Please note that while on-campus residence is not required, commute times to and from campus should be considered in making the decision to live off-campus. Commuters should make note of traffic patterns and alternative routes, if needed, to make scheduled class times during the program.
Past participants who commuted advised future students to also consider time needed for on-campus tutoring, library work, and opportunities for group studying. If you have further questions or need advice in making a living arrangement decision, please contact the program director.
- When will the institute take place?
Classes and other program activities will begin Friday, July 6th with other five-week summer courses. For all Mendenhall Summer Institute participants, we will offer a program orientation the evening of Thursday, July 5th.
This orientation will also include a family orientation for all parents and other family members of Mendenhall Summer Institute participants. The orientation will be provided both in English and Spanish, to better serve the Spanish-speaking families of our students.
- When will the institute take place?
Classes and other program activities will begin Friday, July 6th with other five-week summer courses. For all Mendenhall Summer Institute participants, we will offer a program orientation the evening of Thursday, July 5th.
This orientation will also include a family orientation for all parents and other family members of Mendenhall Summer Institute participants. The orientation will be provided both in English and Spanish, to better serve the Spanish-speaking families of our students.
- How is the program sponsored?
The program is made possible by the generous gifts of Mrs. Trini Mendenhall Sosa, former UST board member and ongoing friend of the university. STEM participants are funded by a STEM summer program grant to aid in their program costs.
- Can students use financial aid to pay for the Mendenhall Summer Institute?
Yes. Many students may be able to apply for financial aid to cover the $750 tuition cost of the institute. To do this, students must submit a FAFSA for the last academic year (2011-2012) in addition to the FAFSA that they submitted for the upcoming academic year (2012-2013), as summer financial aid eligibility is calculated based on the previous academic year.
- Are there any scholarships available through this program?
Approximately one-third of students enrolled in MSI will be awarded grants at the end of the summer program. College Transition participants will be eligible for annual Mendenhall grants of $2000 to support their ongoing UST education. STEM participants will be eligible for a STEM grant of the same amount.
Grants are not guaranteed to all participants. A selection committee will award grants based on academic merit and financial need. Completion of the FAFSA for the upcoming academic year (2012-2013) is needed for consideration of both the Mendenhall and STEM grants.
- How is the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) track different from the College Bridge track? Can a student be in both?
The Mendenhall Summer Institute this year will have two tracks offered to students. The STEM track will provide students with STEM-related interests the opportunity to learn problem-solving techniques beneficial for future science courses. Students in this track should have strong interest and commitment to study in the STEM fields. Both tracks offer students an intensive academic experience with excellent support to prepare them for their Fall semester. Student in both tracks will have opportunities to attend workshops on information literacy, time management, and personal and career development. It is logistically impossible to participate in both tracks simultaneously.
- How to apply?
Each admitted student has received a copy of the Mendenhall Summer Institute brochure and application instructions. Additional materials can be requested from Emily Stickle, UST Admissions Counselor, or Dr. Ricardo Montelongo, Director for Student Success, and on-line through the Admissions web page.
Deadline for submission of applications has been extended and review of applications will continue until the program is filled.
- Additional Questions?
Admissions and Financial Aid questions may be directed to Emily Stickle, UST Admissions Counselor, stickle@stthom.edu or (713) 525-3504. Program questions may be directed to Dr. Ricardo Montelongo, Director for Student Success (Mendenhall Summer Institute Director) montelr@stthom.edu or 713-525-6972.
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