Whether you’re looking to get a head start on the first semester or would like to immerse yourself in a fun and enriching experience in the first few weeks of the semesters, these opportunities may be for you! Take a look at our Fall 2025 New Student Experiences.
Pre-Semester Experiences
You are invited to participate in an incredibly special opportunity to kick off your educational journey at SCSU: Summer Institute!
Students who join the Summer Institute will:
- Start their first semester with an improved and strengthened academic foundation
- Connect with like-minded peers and ease the transition into the SCSU community
- Learn and practice academic success skills and strategies necessary for college-level courses
- Have the opportunity to participate in fun group outings, activities, and more!
The pre-college experience allows participants to meet and make connections with a diverse group of peers prior to classes beginning. Resident students will be able to move in early. FLEX will explore topics such as values, relationships, personal and professional goal setting, diversity, and much more. This program is provided at no cost to students or families.
For more information, contact the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership Development at studentinvolvement@southernct.edu or (203) 392-5782.
This mentorship program is a four-year commitment that starts before your first year at Southern and continues until you graduate. Participants will receive academic, professional, and personal support and guidance. This program aims to help you feel more comfortable and confident, learn new skills, make new friends, and gain experiences that will boost your success after graduation. Resident students will be able to move in early. Plus, you’ll earn a $500 scholarship at the end of each semester, rewarding your hard work and dedication!
In-Semester Experiences
Attention Commuters! Meet other first-year commuters for fun weekly experiences which will include a variety of different activities that will be based on YOUR interests. Throughout the first 6 weeks of the semester, you will be able to attend football games, go to escape rooms, see movies, and other fun activities! Each participant will receive a commemorative gift at the end of the program.
For more information, contact Orientation, Transition, and Family Engagement at orientation@southernct.edu.
Join fellow first-year students for weekly activities designed to introduce you to the opportunities and resources available at the School of Business while connecting with regional businesses and employers. Over the first six weeks of the semester, you’ll have the chance to get to know fellow business students, engage in personal and professional development, and deepen your understanding of both yourself and the Southern community.
For information, contact Amy Grotzke.
The Mentor Academic Partnership (MAP) Program supports the academic, social, and communication needs and goals of neurodivergent and other students at Southern. Through a safe, supportive and encouraging environment, participating students learn to strengthen their academic, social, communication, self-advocacy, problem-solving and executive functioning skills to become more engaged in campus life and navigate the challenges of life in college and beyond. For more information, please contact the Center for Academic Success and Accessibility Services (CASAS):
Email: casas@southernct.edu
Phone: (203) 392-6828
Visit the CASAS office: Buley Library 303
Join us in the first few weeks of the semester to get fit, get active, and get connected! We'll have one-off tournaments like dodgeball and kickball, group fitness classes like yoga and pilates, and some outdoor activities like nature walks and canoeing trips!
For more information, contact Andrew Marullo.