Bridges to Success Starts Here!
Start your college adventure off right with the mandatory Bridges Summer Program at SUNY Potsdam. This program will give you a head start on academics, campus life, and building a community of friends and mentors. It’s more than just a summer program—it’s your first step toward success in college and beyond.
If you have been admitted to SUNY Potsdam through the Bridges Program and have submitted your deposit, it's time to start preparing for the mandatory summer program!
Our mandatory pre-college summer program is designed to help incoming first-year students transition smoothly into college life. Before officially starting in the fall, students will enroll in a 1-credit course led by Potsdam faculty and participate in team-building workshops and activities.
Students will also get a jump start on campus life by moving into their dorms early. This gives them the opportunity to explore the campus, meet new friends, and connect with their community. They’ll begin their journey ahead of the rest of the incoming students and enter orientation with a solid support system already in place.
Accepted participants will be notified on a rolling basis throughout the spring and prior to the start of the summer program to confirm their attendance.
View Bridges Summer Program Welcome Packet (PDF)
Overview and key benefits:
- 1 Academic Credit – FY 150: MetaSkills
This one credit, course is designed to assist students in defining their reasons for being in college, defining their expectations for academic success, developing a sense of responsibility for their own education, and expanding their repertoire of academic skills.
- Early Move-In – Thursday, August 14 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Students will move in ahead of the general population to get a head start on their transition.
- Campus & Community Orientation
Gain early exposure to campus resources and build a sense of belonging through guided exploration and engagement.
- Peer and Mentor Connections
Build relationships with peer mentors, faculty, and staff to support your academic and personal journey.
What You'll Experience
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| August 14 | Move-In & Welcome |
| August 15 | First Day of the Course, Community Building & Workshops |
| August 16 - 17 | Program Activities & Community Building |
| August 18 - 20 | Coursework & Workshops |
| August 21 | Completion of Summer Program & New Student Move-In |
Our mandatory pre-college summer program is designed to help incoming first-year students transition smoothly into college life.
Kickstart Your Journey to SUNY Potsdam!
Bridges Summer Program 2025
Date
Thursday, August 14 - Thursday, August 21, 2025
Location
The Bridges Summer Program will take place on the SUNY Potsdam campus, in Potsdam, NY.
What’s Included?
All the essentials to help you succeed: tuition for the summer program is covered, along with all the materials, tools, and resources you need to kickstart your college journey with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, parent(s)/guardian(s) cannot stay with you in the dorms during the Bridges Summer Program. If your parent(s)/guardian(s) require housing/lodging, then they will need to make separate arrangements with local hotels for lodging.
No, they are not required to attend the Bridges Summer Program. Parent(s)/guardian(s) will typically drop off their student and depart on Thursday, August 14.
The Bridges Summer Program is mandatory and all Bridges students must attend.
We highly encourage students to check in between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Thursday, August 14. We are unable to accommodate requests for early check-in. However, if you need to come earlier, then we recommend that you utilize the surrounding hotels for the night prior.
Yes! Students at SUNY Potsdam are generally allowed to have cars on campus. However, you must register your vehicle with University Police and purchase a parking permit. All vehicles parked on campus must display a valid permit at all times.