Summer Bridge FAQs
Does Summer Bridge cost anything? Do I need to bring money with me for the summer?
The Summer Bridge program covers certain costs such as tuition, fees, and housing. Additionally, students will be given a stipend of at least $750 for the summer to use towards the cost of textbooks, course materials, meals, and personal spending. The stipend is placed on your One Card, which you will receive at Orientation. It is recommended that students bring additional money to account for any purchases that cannot be made with a One Card and to account for any processing delays with the stipend.
Will I earn college credit for the courses that I am taking?
Yes. Students will earn 3 credit hours per course for the summer, for a total of 6 credit hours by the end of the summer. These courses will be placed on your permanent transcript and will count toward your GPA. All students, with the exception of Honors, will also enroll in IDST 101 which carries 1 credit hour. This means some students will leave Summer Bridge with a total of 7 credit hours.
How is course enrollment determined?
Students will be enrolled in classes based on test scores and transfer credits that are available by the start of the Summer Bridge program. This means that all transcripts and placement, AP, and/or IB test scores must be available before the start date of the program to determine class enrollment. The Program Coordinator will work with each student individually to confirm course enrollment.
Am I able to drop a class during Summer Bridge?
As a requirement of the Summer Bridge program, you must remain enrolled in both classes for the duration of the program. You will not be allowed to drop any of your classes during the summer.
Can I go home on the weekends?
Summer Bridge students are expected to stay on campus for the full six weeks of the program with the exception of the weekend of the July 4th holiday. The weekends are a time for students to really embrace the campus and learn more about student life. Fun-filled activities are planned each weekend so you do not want to miss out. These are also great times for studying and getting to know more about UNC, your new home for the next four years!
Do I live in the same dorm for the fall? Do I have to move out of this dorm and then move back in the fall?
Yes, you will need to move out of the assigned dorm at the end of Summer Bridge. Students will move into their assigned dorms for the academic year once move-in begins in August. This is important to keep in mind as you pack for Summer Bridge. Anything you bring with you to Summer Bridge will need to be removed at the end of the program, even if you are assigned to the same dorm in the fall.
Do I have to go home for the mandatory weekend home (usually aligns with the Fourth of July Holiday)? Does the university recognize the Fourth of July Holiday?
The answer to both questions is yes. The university officially recognizes this holiday. For 2024, students must leave campus after classes have ended on Wednesday, July 3rd and will return on Sunday, July 7th. Students should make plans to be picked up and dropped off on the specified dates. Specific times will be shared with students ahead of time.
Do I have to participate in the closing ceremony if I want to leave and go home early?
Yes. All students are expected to participate in all components of the Bridge program. The Bridge closing ceremony is mandatory and students and their families should plan accordingly. You will be able to checkout of the dorm immediately following the closing ceremony.
Does Summer Bridge cover the cost of orientation? Do I still have to attend Orientation?
Summer Bridge DOES NOT cover the cost of orientation. You must pay all fees to the orientation office. You are required to attend orientation. You will need to attend the orientation session that is scheduled for June 20-21, 2024. If you are unable to register for the previously indicated dates, please let the Program Coordinator know. Once you register for orientation, make sure all fees are paid. Failure to pay all fees can lead to account holds that prevent registration for courses.
Do my parents need to stay and attend orientation with me?
Orientation is designed for students and parents/guardians. For information regarding orientation please consult New Student and Family Programs (NSFP) for additional information. Summer Bridge is a separate office and program from the office of New Student and Family Programs. They can answer any orientation questions.
Can my parents/guardians spend the night in the Summer Bridge dorm in order to attend orientation the next day?
We cannot permit this. Parents/guardians will need to handle their own lodging before and during orientation. We recommend reaching out to New Student and Family Programs (NSFP) for all questions regarding lodging during orientation.
Will I get to choose my Summer Bridge roommate? Will my Summer Bridge roommate be my roommate for the fall semester?
Students will have the opportunity to submit their Summer Bridge roommate preference. In the past, students have also submitted requests to have their Summer Bridge roommate be their roommate for the fall semester.