Lynchburg College began its Summer Transition Program (STP) in 1987.
- The purpose of the program is to aid students of diverse social, ethnic, religious, racial, and national cultures, as well as first-generation college students and those who are Pell Grant eligible, in making a successful transition from their high school environment to being a student at Lynchburg College.
- This highly recommended free program supplements our mandatory summer Student Orientation and Registration (SOAR) that is required of all new students.
- STP provides an opportunity for students to get to know one another as well as the College resources available to them through workshops, information sessions, and cultural and social outings.
- Participants meet and interact with faculty, staff, and student leaders and become familiar with campus facilities, services, and programs prior to the arrival of the entire freshman class.
Summer Transition Program students have a proven record of becoming campus and community leaders as well as recipients of local and national awards. They have held positions as Resident Assistants and Hall Directors, Bonner Leaders, Westover Honors Society members, Student Activities Board chairs, Connection Leaders, Enrollment Student Ambassadors, organizational leaders, and Student Government Association presidents. Statistics show that students who participate in STP have a higher retention and success rate at LC.
Summer Transition Program 2009 begins August 14, 2009,with check-in and move-in (for residential students). The formal five-day summer program ends with a closing banquet on August 19, but activities and mentoring continue throughout the fall and into the spring semesters. August SOAR begins just after STP on August 21 followed by Welcome Week for all freshmen on August 23. Classes begin on August 27. There are new initiatives for the program including career development seminars and a general studies course, "Introduction to Computer Concepts," in which select participants can enroll. These exciting new initiatives are funded by grants from Verizon, the duPont Foundation, and the Virginia Foundation of Independent Colleges.
Benefits of the Summer Transition Program are:
- Arriving early to campus (you can choose which side of the room you want!)
- Meeting fellow new students, current students, faculty, staff, and alumni (you'll know more LC people than other new students will!)
- Becoming familiar with campus locations, programs, services, and opportunities (you won't have to wait until the first day of classes to know where to go!)
- Gaining valuable skills that will aid in your success (time management, getting along with your roommate, wellness practices, etc.)
- Establishing lifelong relationships (we have had students meet at STP then go on to marry after graduation!)
- Getting to know your way around the city (we occasionally venture off campus!)
- Enjoying a fun-filled and informative first week as a college student (we promise to include the fun part!)
Once a student is admitted to LC, a post card containing information about STP will be sent to you. After you have paid your enrollment deposit, a full application packet will be mailed to you. The deadline date for applying to this year's Summer Transition Program is July 10, 2009. In the meantime, if you have questions about the program, please contact the office of Multicultural, Access, and Commuter Services (MACS) at macs@lynchburg.edu or by calling 434/544-8330. We look forward to your participation in STP '09!