First Year Summer Scholars

September 3 - 19, 2024

The First Year Summer Scholars Program is a FREE two-course program to be held September 3 - 19, 2024. Students earn four free credits upon completion of the program. Based on academic information provided during the admission process to Portland State, select students are required to attend the Summer Scholars Program as a condition of their admission.

This program is intended to prepare students for the rigors of college and is designed to introduce students to PSU, the resources that we offer, and support for exploring majors while providing four FREE credits toward their PSU degree.

Eligibility and Requirement

All incoming first year students whose cumulative unweighted high school GPA is below a 3.0 are required to participate in the Summer Scholars Program (September 3-19, 2024) and to complete a 1-credit course during fall, winter, and spring terms in their first year at PSU.

Students who are unable to participate in Summer Scholars must contact us at summerscholars@pdx.edu as soon as possible.

Official First Year Summer Scholars Requirement

I feel like the program helped me prepare for college a lot. I learned study tips, research tips, and ways to reach out for help.

Harmony, 2022 Summer Scholar

First Year Summer Scholars Program

Dates: September 3-19, 2024

Summer Scholars is a positive and engaging learning environment. Learning occurs in a learner-centered classroom, meaning YOU are the center of what we do. You’ll earn 4 free credits toward graduation. Working with an advisor, you’ll enroll in courses designed to ensure a solid foundation for future studies

Each day will bring new and exciting activities, guest speakers, panels, projects, and ways to connect with the PSU campus. This program is intended to prepare you for the rigors of college, so you will be jumping right into college-level work. This means you should be prepared to spend approximately 14-20 hours per week outside of class doing class assignments.

You will participate in events, study with each other, and build connections across the PSU community.

Notifications

If you are required to participate in the Summer Scholars program, you will be notified via email.

If you are required to participate in the program, the Summer Scholars event will be included on your Admitted Student Checklist on the Admitted Student Portal.

Detailed information for participants will be shared via email leading up to the program.

Coursework

You will be taking two college-level courses designed to introduce you to PSU, the resources that we offer, and begin exploring your major pathway. The first course that all Summer Scholars will take is an Academic Skills course, designed to ease the transition from high school to college. Your second course is intended to introduce you to what it means to be a scholar in your chosen field of study.

UNST 199: Academic Success (2 credits)
UNST 199: Exploring Pathways at PSU (2 credits)

The Summer Scholars Program continues through fall, winter, and spring terms with free, required 1 credit workshops. These interactive courses are designed to focus on in-term subject matter, keeping scholars on the road to success. Students will learn effective time management skills, strategic note-taking, and the art of acing exams, providing participants with practical tools to navigate the academic rigors of college life.

Please note that this free 1 credit course cannot count towards your full time status to receive Financial Aid.

Campus Activities

We offer evening and weekend activities during Summer Scholars such as cosmic bowling and movie & game nights. You are encouraged (though not required) to attend evening activities whether you are living on- or off-campus.

Priority Registration & Orientation Support

Participants who pass the Summer Scholars program courses will receive priority registration for fall term. Summer Scholars will receive more information with special information sessions during in-person New Student Orientation.

The academics were cool to get a little bit of a sneak peek of what college life is like, without too much pressure. But the most impactful thing was definitely the social element. I made a lot of friendships that have lasted. It was good to get a feel of what it’s like to navigate relationships and friendships at college, and how that is different from high school.

Micah, 2022 Summer Scholar

Academic Support

Peer Mentoring

You will be matched with an experienced PSU student who will help support your smooth transition to college life through consistent and individualized coaching during the summer and throughout your first year at PSU.

First-year Support

All year, you’ll work closely with an academic advisor to identify and pursue your goals. You’ll also have access to dedicated tutors and plenty of opportunities for customized personal development.

Year-Round Holistic Support

You will continue to be part of the Summer Scholars community and receive year-round support by participating in a 1-credit workshop during the fall, winter, and spring terms of your first year.

Housing

FREE housing is available for the duration of Summer Scholars for students who are required to live on campus. You will receive additional information via email if you qualify.

Being on campus early for this program was really exciting. Not getting overwhelmed by the hundreds of other students that were normally there as I learned my way around was really nice. I can safely say that I know my way around campus from this program alone. Being on campus early gave me a sense of comfort, because I knew that I wouldn’t be as stressed in the first few days of term.

Harmony, 2022 Summer Scholar