BEST Bridge Program
"It helped me get a head start--get a feel for college, how the teachers teach, what the resources are, get to know the campus"
"You get six credits, so that gave us a jump, a head start"
"We learned time management, how to balance our time between football and studying"
Mission
The mission of the BEST program is to help recruit, retain, develop and graduate students as scholar athletes.
Goals
The goals of the best program are to help students:
- Understand their roles as students first.
- Meet the diverse demands of college life.
- Increase their academic success.
- Reach their full potential.
- Strive toward full integration into the life of the university.
Orientation
All students participate in an intensive orientation to the campus, community, and college life. In addition, student athletes participate in a START session to meet academic advisors and register for fall classes as well as receive orientation to academic procedures, study loads, resources, student services and campus buildings.
Assessment
We offer a variety of assessments so we can design a program of support appropriate for each student. Assessment may include academic evaluation of math, writing, and reading levels; learning styles inventory; and an inventory that measures wellness, life planning, leadership, and physical, social and emotional well-being. These assessments allow advisors to guide students into appropriate classes.
Academic Course Work
Student athletes earn credit in required courses such as Math, Writing and Sociology from engaging instructors. They also earn credits in a course designed to enhance academic, personal, and interpersonal/cultural skills. The goal is to increase academic/athletic leadership, retention and success. Students have support from Residence Hall Assistants, Learning Strategists, Tutors and Instructors.
For More Information about the BEST Bridge Program for Student Athletes, please contact the Coordinator, Chris Lenn.
