Muscat Scholars Program (MSP) Summer Bridge for First Generation Students - 2024

Program Overview and Purpose

The Muscat Scholars Program (MSP) Summer Bridge is a three-week immersion experience at the University of San Francisco (USF). It is geared towards providing first-generation undergraduate students with academic preparation, belonging, and mentorship as they begin their studies at USF. 

Starting Monday, July 22, and ending Thursday, August 1, 2024, MSP Scholars will participate in two remote courses geared toward their academic development.

On Saturday, August 3, 2024, MSP Scholars will move in early to their residence hall on campus to take part in the summer residential component of the Summer Bridge.

All program costs during the Summer Bridge experience (room & board, MSP-sponsored activities, and transportation) will be paid by the Muscat Scholar Program. Students are responsible for their personal expenses and activities not sponsored by the Summer Bridge experience.

Summer Residential Component

The in-person residential component of the MSP Summer Bridge will take place between August 3 - August 9, 2024, and transition into USF’s New Student Orientation starting on Saturday, August 10, 2024.

Residence Hall and Meals

All incoming MSP Scholars will be provided with housing and meals during the duration of the residential component of the summer bridge program (August 3 - August 9, 2024) at no cost. MSP scholars will be provided with Flexi points via One Card to be used at dining locations on campus. Note, that this will not impact existing student meal plans for the Academic Year 2024 - 2025.

MSP Scholars will reside in their Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 housing assignments during the Summer Bridge experience. Each residence hall floor has a shared communal bathroom. Participants should plan to bring their linens and personal items. All scholars are required to reside in the residence halls for the duration of the residential component and are expected to abide by University rules and regulations.

Scholars participating in the Summer Bridge who plan to live off-campus will leave their summer housing assignment no later than 9:00 AM on August 9, 2024.

Summer Bridge Courses

This is an academic program. MSP Scholars will complete two 1-credit courses as part of the Summer Bridge. All MSP Scholars will take the following courses:

  • Intro to College Writing and;
  • One-MSP elective: (Class topics may vary) Pre-Med at USF, Conflict Resolution through Communication, or Families in Business and the Business of Families. 

Each of these courses is taught by University faculty/lecturers. If courses are completed successfully, students will receive one (1) credit per class completed toward graduation and grades contributing to their GPA.

Off-Campus Activities

There will be off-campus trips and activities during the program. Students will have opportunities to get to know the neighborhoods surrounding USF as well as the City of San Francisco. The Office of First Generation Initiatives covers transportation costs.

MSP Summer Staff

PEER MENTORS

Muscat Scholars are assigned a Peer Mentor who is a sophomore, junior, or senior. The Peer Mentor is a resource scholars can rely on for assistance throughout the program and during the school year. Each mentor has undergone training and has prior experience with the Muscat Scholars Program. Scholars are also placed into smaller groups that are led by a Peer Mentor. These groups meet in the evenings, discuss activities, and provide support for Scholars. Peer Mentors live on campus for the duration of the Summer Bridge program.
 

PROGRAM COORDINATOR

The Peer Mentors are supported and supervised by the Program Coordinator for First Generation Initiatives who oversees the daily program operations and assists with planning during the summer. The Program Coordinator and the Director of First Generation Initiatives will reside in the residence hall along with the Summer Bridge participants.

Commitment

The Program Director for First Generation Initiatives, the Program Coordinator, and Peer Mentors developed a program designed to facilitate the success of the student participants. In return, they expect student participants to make the following commitments:

  • 1. Be free of other obligations for the duration of the program (e.g., jobs, rehearsals, practices, non-MSP classes, and activities). The program is intensive and does not allow for outside activities. We have agreements with BASE/Martín-Baró/St. Ignatius Institute to excuse students for their programming.
  • 2. Reside in the USF residence hall for the duration of the residential portion of the Summer Bridge program, including weekends and overnights, and adhere to the regulations and rules for living in university housing. If you will not be living on campus during the school year, you are still required to live on campus during the residential portion of the program.
  • 3. Attend and actively participate in classes, workshops, and other activities sponsored by the Muscat Scholars Program.

Participants become official University of San Francisco students once they begin the program. All policies, procedures, and disciplinary policies are expected to be adhered to. See the Fogcutter Student Handbook at https://myusf.usfca.edu/fogcutter for more details.

If Scholars fail to commit to any of these points, we reserve the right to remove participants from the program and/or have participant conduct reviewed by administrative staff.

MSP Scholars who may need accommodations should register with the Office of Student Disability Services (SDS), and review the Accommodations and Services page.

For more information, please contact the Program Director for First Generation Initiatives, Ester Marquez Perez at emarquezperez@usfca.edu or (415) 422-2986.