Summer program helps students make transition to college

For the fourth straight year, leaders in Oakland University’s Center for Multicultural Initiatives (CMI) are looking forward to helping newly-admitted students make a successful college transition through the CORE Summer Bridge program.

With a focus on underrepresented students, particularly African-American and Latino students, this innovative and free program is part of a broad effort to support diversity on campus and engage students from urban settings, according to CMI Director Omar Brown-El.

"Our goal is to provide freshmen students with accelerated learning opportunities to reduce the adjustment and transition period from high school to college,” Brown-El explained.

Participants reside on campus during the weeklong program in July and will receive 12 hours each of college-level math and reading instruction. Current OU students will be on hand to offer tips and answer questions about campus life, academics and support resources. A variety of social events and activities will also take place in the evenings.

CORE – which stands for Collectively Oakland Retains Everyone – is a collaborative effort between several university departments. A dedicated team of professionals from OU's First Year Advising Center, Student Financial Services, Office of Undergraduate Admissions, University Housing and a team of OU faculty will work together to coordinate the program and address student needs. The program is funded through the Office of the Senior Associate Provost and the Division of Student Affairs.

Additionally, CMI staff members will act as a support system to CORE participants during the academic year.

“All participants will meet with the program coordinator and a peer ambassador during their first year to address any academic or social needs,” said Brown-El. “CMI also will provide space for mandatory study hours for all participants.

To learn more about CMI programs, view the website at oakland.edu/cmi or call (248) 370-4404.