Pre-Screagle Summer Institute

For: Newly admitted students/Incoming college freshmen

The Pre-Screagle Summer Institute (PSSI) is a multi-week bridge program providing academic support, social/emotional growth, and professional development to USI’s incoming freshmen students during the critical summer term.  This research backed and intentional focus on creating community, providing resources, removing barriers, and building healthy and sustainable academic and personal practices before their first year of college, ensures that the proper habits are formed to propel PSSI admitted scholars from the Summer Institute into a successful transition for their first year of college and beyond.  

The PSSI Daily Schedule, starting at 9am and ending at 8pm, leaves little room for error as scholars are busy tackling college-level courses taught by University faculty, meeting with academic advisors, college success coaches, and/or mentors in their respective offices, enjoying a delicious meal with cohort members, or utilizing study tables to complete homework assignments and/or prepare for an upcoming exam. PSSI scholars are enrolled in multiple college-level courses (i.e., math, composition & rhetoric, literature, and essential general academic skills like time management and stress management for those new to the college experience).

1. Support the important transition from high school to college and beyond
2. Strengthen academic, socio-emotional, leadership, and paraprofessional skills
3. Demonstrate successful completion of collegiate level courses
4. Master academic policies crucial for successful retention and graduation (i.e., degree requirements, financial aid, advising, and more)
5. Interact with key campus resources all committed to student success
6. Enhance students' wellbeing and outlook throughout the collegiate journey