Empowering You to Succeed - Academically and Beyond
The Bridges Program at SUNY Potsdam is designed for incoming first-year students who have shown strong potential to succeed in college, even if they didn’t meet all traditional admissions benchmarks. Through a careful review process, the Admissions Committee identifies students who can benefit from personalized support, skill-building workshops, and a welcoming campus community.
Over the course of this two-year program, Bridges equips students with the tools, guidance, and resources needed to transition smoothly from high school to college, overcome challenges, grow academically and personally, and achieve long-term success.
At Bridges, we recognize that every student’s journey is unique, and we are committed to helping each student thrive throughout their time at SUNY Potsdam.
Mandatory Early Move-In & Bridges Summer Program
The Bridges Summer Program begins with a required early move-in experience designed to help students transition smoothly into college life at SUNY Potsdam.
This 7-day residential program takes place just before the start of the fall semester and provides students with the opportunity to build connections, develop essential academic skills, and become familiar with campus resources.
Visit the Bridges Summer Program webpage for full details, including program expectations and frequently asked questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bridges students are incoming first-year students who have demonstrated strong potential to succeed in college but may need additional support to fully thrive. After carefully reviewing applications, the Admissions Committee identifies students who, with the guidance and resources provided through the two-year Bridges Program, can build confidence, develop essential academic and life skills, and reach their full potential at SUNY Potsdam.
Bridges students experience college much like other first-year students, but with added support to help them thrive. You’ll be part of a cohort of peers you’ve already built connections with, have a dedicated Bridges advisor who advocates for you and guides you toward resources, and receive personalized 1:1 support throughout your first two years.
Bridges students have access to a wide range of support designed to help them succeed academically, socially, and personally. This includes:
- One-on-one academic support with a dedicated Bridges advisor
- Financial Support to help cover college expenses
- $1,000 Cost of Attendance award
- $300 Book stipend
- $400 Participation stipend
- Academic tutoring and skill-building workshops
- Guidance on financial aid and scholarship opportunities
- Career exploration and internship resources
- Activities and programs to build community and peer connections
- Referrals to other support programs, including TRIO, CSTEP, and other campus resources
No. Bridges students enroll in the same courses as other SUNY Potsdam students.
Yes! When you arrive for the Bridges Summer Program, you’ll first have the opportunity to move your belongings into your fall housing assignment. After that, you’ll move into a temporary dorm room where you’ll stay for the duration of the one-week program. This arrangement lets you settle in early and experience campus life while the Residence Life staff finishes the final preparations for our full student arrival. You’ll officially move into your fall room on Thursday, August 27, along with the rest of the incoming class.
The Bridges Summer Program is a daytime program with sessions running from morning through afternoon, including built-in breaks for meals and free time. Students will participate in a mix of academic workshops, skill-building sessions, and activities designed to help them adjust to college life. Topics may include college writing, time management, public speaking, career exploration, and personal growth.
You’ll also have opportunities to connect with campus resources, meet your Bridges cohort, and make friends before the fall semester begins. In addition, there will be time to take care of practical tasks such as settling into your residence hall, understanding financial aid and student billing, and preparing for your first semester schedule.
Yes, if a student is admitted to SUNY Potsdam's Bridges Program, they are expected to participate in the summer program.
Starting college can be more challenging than many students expect. It’s a completely new experience, students are adjusting to greater independence, meeting new people, managing a heavier academic load, and learning to navigate campus resources on their own. The Bridges Program gives students the opportunity to arrive early, get comfortable with campus life, build connections with peers, and develop the skills and confidence needed to start the semester successfully.
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.
In addition to early move-in, the Bridges Summer Program, and the 1-credit first-year seminar, Bridges students have a dedicated Bridges Advisor. Your advisor is your main point of contact throughout the program and the first two years, meeting with you weekly to provide guidance, answer questions, and offer support. They also create and lead workshops, share useful tips and reminders, and help connect you with campus resources to ensure you have the tools you need to succeed academically, socially, and personally.
The Bridges Program is more than a pathway to college; it’s a gateway to achieving your full potential. SUNY Potsdam ensures that every student admitted through the Bridges Program has the support needed to succeed and excel in their college journey.