Student Transition Program
A Special invitation to jump-start your college experience
Congratulations on
your admission to
the University of
Mary Washington!
You have been selected to participate in a
very special five-week summer session called
the Student Transition Program (STP). STP
is designed to help you successfully prepare
for life on your new campus. You’ll take up
to two classes during the summer, use the
library, eat in the dining hall, work out in the
gym and fitness center, and meet some great
friends prior to the fall term. Participants in
the STP program receive a full scholarship
for the summer session that covers tuition,
room and board, and textbooks.*
“STP was one of
the most memorable
experiences of my
college career. Not
only did it help me adjust to college
life, it shaped who
I am today. Without
the students,
counselors, and
the guidance of the
faculty members,
I don’t think my
experiences would
have been as
rewarding.”
Amal Yesuf, Class of 2005
You’re probably wondering, why me? It’s simple really. You were accepted to the University as a member of the graduating class of 2012, plus you show potential in a number of areas including student leadership and academic promise. Most STP participants are Virginia residents who come from culturally diverse backgrounds. You can expect to be in a group of about twenty-five other incoming freshmen in this year’s Student Transition Program, but there will be lots of other UMW students on campus, attending summer classes right along with you.
What You Can Expect
As a member of STP, you will live in a
residence hall with a roommate and
interact with current UMW students. You
will learn about academic regulations,
degree requirements, student activities,
and the multitude of resources available
at the University of Mary Washington.
We know the first year is critical in
establishing your overall academic
success. In addition to the five week summer courses, students will participate
in a year long, two credit academic course
in the fall and spring that will focus on the
keys to unlocking academic success.
The STP staff consists of administrators
from Academic Services, The James Farmer
Multicultural Center, and Admissions.
Classes are taught by UMW faculty.
“STP was a great
experience which not
only afforded me an
educational advantage,
but also gave me
the opportunity to
create a very important
bond with members of
the Mary Washington
community.”
Ryan Butts, Class of 2005
Where You Will Live
You will live in one of the UMW
residence halls which feature:
- kitchen facilities
- a laundry room
- study lounges
In addition, each room has the comfort of:
- air conditioning
- telephone lines
- cable television access
- access to the University of Mary Washington computer network and the Internet
You’ll enjoy all of your meals in Seacobeck, the University dining hall, along with the rest of your classmates.
Navigate the Library
University of Mary Washington’s library
is much more than a place to check out
books. You will receive expert instruction
in the use of the online computerized
catalog, CD-ROM databases, Internet
resources, and other library reference
material.
Learn Valuable
Study Skills
During both the summer and the
academic year, STP will offer seminar
sessions focusing on skills that are
integral to your academic success.
Seminars are presented by faculty
administrators and invited guests. Topics
include time and stress management,
student leadership, study skills, the
legacy of Dr. James Farmer.
It’s not all work!
We have arranged for STP participants
to participate in various activities
and events. You will be invited to
concerts, theatrical presentations, and
cultural museums in the Richmond
and Washington, D.C. areas. You will
also take part in community service
projects, off-campus cultural activities,
and dinners with faculty, staff, and
administrators.
“STP was one of
the best parts of my
college experience
at Mary Washington.
Not only did I feel like I got a head
start on what the
campus and classes
were like, but STP
also allowed me
to meet a group
of friends before
the real semester
started-friendships
that will last a
lifetime. I don’t
think we would
have gotten through
freshman year
without each other.”
Portsia Smith, Class of 2004
Find Your Comfort
Zone at UMW
It won’t be long before you familiarize
yourself with Residence Life, Student
Activities, Financial Aid, Career
Services, Athletics, Academic Advising,
and your favorite study spots on
campus. Once you come back in August
for the fall term, you’ll have a readymade
set of new friends, know your way
around campus, and you’ll have three or
more credit hours toward your degree!
Support services in the form of tutoring,
personal counseling, and academic
advising assistance will continue to
be available to you throughout the
academic year.
For more information, please contact:
Leah Cox
Student Transition Program Director & Assistant Dean Academic Services
University of Mary Washington
1301 College Avenue
Fredericksburg, VA 22401- 5300
(540) 654-1010
Email: lcox@umw.edu
www.umw.edu
*Participants are responsible for the
cost of travel to and from UMW and for
items purchased for personal use. In the
unlikely event you withdraw from the
summer program, you must reimburse
UMW for all costs incurred.