Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Summer Bridge Program Eases Transition to College Life
8/5/2015 12:00:00 AM | Academics
BOCA RATON, Fla. -
The transition from high school to college can be a difficult one, especially for student-athletes who have to be prepared both academically and athletically. Florida Atlantic University's Student-Athlete Center for Academic Excellence (SACAE) has revamped its Summer Bridge Program in order to make this transition smoother and more comfortable for Owl student-athletes.
FAU's Summer Bridge Program offers six weeks of invaluable workshops to help prepare student-athletes for what to expect in the classroom and on the playing field. These sessions included training on academic tools such as Grades First and BlackBoard, NCAA rules and regulations education, a mock lecture with a university professor to work on note taking and study skills, a leadership development and communication seminar, nutrition lectures, and a session on building positive relationships.
"This program allows student-athletes to get acclimated to the collegiate environment while things are a bit slower and they have more time to absorb the information," said Marlon Dechausay, associate athletic director for academics. "It is also a great opportunity for the athletes to bond as a freshman class and get to know each other as both student-athletes and people."
"The program got me ready for the fall," said men's basketball newcomer Jeantal Cylla. "If I would have come here in the fall, I would have been clueless. I think Summer Bridge gives us a head start and a preview of what to expect as a student-athlete."
This summer, FAU had 42 student-athletes in the program coming from men's and women's basketball, women's soccer, women's volleyball and football. The students are required to take six credits during the summer and attend all Bridge sessions.
"We have seen positive results through this program as evidenced by the exemplary academic and athletic performance of these student-athletes as they move through their college careers," said Dechausay. "After taking part in Summer Bridge, the athletes know what to expect and know how to handle any situation that may arise."
The feedback from student-athletes has also been encouraging.
"This program helped a lot. It was just really nice to know there are other things you can do to get into the college experience without jumping right into it," said Abbi Reid, indoor volleyball player.
"My favorite part of the Summer Bridge program was the leadership seminar. It really taught you how to speak in front of a large crowd and advance your speaking skills," said freshman football player Kemar Downer. "Once I came here and saw that they had this program, it really boosted my confidence in doing well in school, which I have been."
"My favorite part of the Summer Bridge program was when the FAU Police Department came and talked about how we all have that one friend who may be a bad influence," said Mimi Godoy, women's soccer player. "I think it is essential as a student-athlete to surround yourself with people who are of the same mindset and put yourself in a good environment so that you stay healthy, stay out of trouble and are eligible to play."
