Muscat Scholars Program (MSP) Summer Bridge - 2023

Program Overview and Purpose

The Muscat Scholars Program (MSP) summer bridge program is a two-week program at the University of San Francisco (USF), geared towards providing first-generation undergraduate students with academic preparation, belonging, and mentorship prior to their transition into a collegiate setting. Starting on July 24, 2023, MSP Scholars will participate in remote courses geared towards their academic development. All program costs during the Summer Bridge experience (room & board, MSP-sponsored activities, and transportation) will be paid by the Muscat Scholar Program. Students will need to provide their own funds for personal expenses and activities not sponsored by MSP.

 

Summer Residential Component

The residential component of the MSP Summer Bridge will take place between August 5 - August 11, 2023 and transition into USF’s New Student Orientation starting on August 12, 2023. Please complete the Muscat Scholars Program (MSP) Arrival Day Questionnaire prior to your arrival.

 

Residence Hall and Meals

All incoming MSP Scholars will be provided with housing and meals during the duration of the summer bridge program at no cost. MSP Scholars will reside in their Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 housing assignment. during the Summer Bridge program. Each residence hall floor has a shared communal bathroom. Participants should plan to bring their own linens and personal items. All scholars are required to reside in the residence halls for the duration of the program and are expected to abide by rules and regulations.

Incoming Scholars will be housed in their Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 housing assignments during the duration of the summer bridge program. Scholars in the summer bridge who plan to live off-campus will need to transition out of their summer housing assignment no later than 9:00 AM on August 11, 2023. MSP scholars will be provided with Flexi points via One Card to be used at dining locations on campus. Note, this will not impact existing student meal plans for the Academic Year 2023 - 2024.

 

Summer Bridge Courses

This is an academic program. MSP Scholars will complete two 1-credit courses during the duration of the summer bridge program. All MSP Scholars will take the following courses:

  • Intro to College Writing
  • One-MSP elective: 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 on the weekend and some evenings during the program. Students will have opportunities to get to know the neighborhoods surrounding USF as well as the city of San Francisco.

 

Accommodations

MSP Scholars who are in need of physical accommodations should email casa@usfca.edu. MSP Scholars who are in need of academic accommodations should register with the Office of Student Disability Services (SDS).

 

MSP Summer Staff

Peer Mentors

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

Program Coordinator

The Peer Mentors are supported and supervised by the Program Coordinator who oversees the daily program operations and assists with planning during the summer.

 

Commitment

The MSP coordinators and MSP Peer Mentors make a commitment to develop and lead a program designed to facilitate the success of the student participants. In return, they expect student participants to make the following commitments:

  • 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.
  • Reside in the USF residence hall for the duration of the Summer Bridge program, including weekends and overnights, and adhere to the regulations and rules regarding residency in the halls. If you live in the vicinity of San Francisco, and will not be living on campus during the school year, you are still required to live on campus during the program.
  • 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.

For more information, please contact MSP Coordinator Paz Medin at pmedina3@dons.usfca.edu or CASA at (415) 422-5050.