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’ve been admitted to SUNY Potsdam through the Bridges Program and have submitted your deposit, your college journey begins this summer.
The mandatory Bridges Summer Program is designed to help students transition into college while beginning to understand their why for being here. It creates a supportive space where students can be themselves, build confidence, and start shaping who they want to become academically and personally.
Before the fall semester, students will enroll in a 1-credit course taught by Potsdam faculty and participate in workshops and team-building activities focused on connection, self-reflection, and academic readiness. Students will also move into their residence halls early, giving them time to explore campus, build relationships, and connect with their community before the rest of the incoming class arrives.
Accepted students will be notified on a rolling basis throughout the spring and leading up to the start of the summer program to confirm their participation.
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 20, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Students will move in early and drop off their belongings in their Bridges-themed housing of choice. For the first week, they will live together in a dedicated residence hall, giving them time to settle in, connect with one another, and ease into campus life before the full campus arrives.
- Campus & Community Orientation
Students will start their college journey side by side with other Bridges students, getting to know campus spaces, resources, and traditions together. These shared experiences help build a sense of belonging and create the beginnings of a Bridges family.
- Peer & Mentor Connections
Students will form meaningful connections with peer mentors, faculty, and staff who are here to support them. These relationships offer guidance, encouragement, and a strong support system as students grow academically and personally.
| Date(s) | Activity |
|---|---|
| August 20 | Move-In & Welcome |
| August 21 | First Day of the Course, Community Building |
| August 22 -23 | Program Activities & Community Building |
| August 24-26 | Coursework & Workshops |
| August 27 | 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 2026
Date
August 20 - 27, 2026
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 kick-start 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 the same day.
The Bridges Summer Program is mandatory and all Bridges students must attend.
We highly encourage students to check in between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on day one, which is typically a Thursday. 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.