The Bridge Program
A select group of students have an opportunity to get a strong start on their college career.
Designed to help students who show academic potential, the Bridge Program provides students the assistance they need to do well in college while earning credits toward their degree.
Quicklinks
The Bridge Program
Students are invited to attend the program during the fall or summer to help them prepare for the following term. During the program, students will connect with support services and earn at least six college credits.
Some highlights of the program include:
- Introduction to key faculty and staff
- Optional residential living-learning community (LLC)
- Tailored guidance and support from the Center for Academic Success, Center for Advisement
and Retention, Financial Aid, Student Life, and more, including:
- Learning style assessments
- Personalized study skills
- Academic skills workshops
- Leadership development
- Social and networking opportunities
Requirements
- Orientation -Complete both portions of Bridge Orientation:
- Part I - Online modules and completion quiz
- Part II - In-person event held on-campus
- FAFSA - Complete the FAFSA for your current academic year
- Accuplacer exams - Take a pre AND post test by the deadline for your term.
- Course credit- Earn at least
- Summer Bridge - six (6) credit hours of coursework
- Fall Bridge - twelve (12) credit hours of coursework
- Summer Bridge - six (6) credit hours of coursework
- GPA - Maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher for your Bridge term
- Grades - Earn final grades of C or better for your Bridge term
- Note: Final grades of W (withdrawn), WF (withdrawn failing), or F (failing) will not result in completion of the Bridge Program.
- Attendance - Attend each class session
- Mandatory Study Hall & Workshops - each week you must:
- Attend two study sessions after class in the Laker Hall Student Success Center (LHSSC)
- Complete six hours of study hall in the Center for Academic Success (includes attendance at study sessions, tutoring, and academic coaching)
- Attend and actively participate in all Bridge workshops and activities
Expectations
- Attend and actively participate in all courses
- Follow guidelines in the instructors’ syllabi and read the entire syllabus
- Participate in supplemental enrichment programs and events
- Actively utilize faculty office hours and academic support resources
Students only need one semester in the Bridge Program to qualify for traditional freshman
enrollment the following term. The Bridge Program will be offered during the Summer
and Fall semesters starting in 2024.
Ready to Join Bridge?
Join us for an upcoming Bridge Info Session.
Get your questions answered, visit campus, and get a sneak peek of your Laker Life.
Review, sign and submit the Enrollment Contract.
If you have received an email invitation to the Bridge Program, submit the Enrollment Contract.
Frequently Asked Questions
Accepting your invitation
Why was I invited to be part of the Bridge Program?
You are invited to be a part of the Bridge Program because you did not qualify for regular admission into Clayton State University. Your scores in one area of the ACT or SAT did not meet minimum requirements. However, you have demonstrated the potential to be a successful college student based on your high school performance. We would love to give you the opportunity to realize that potential at Clayton State University.
How do I accept the invitation to participate in the Bridge Program?
Great question! You confirm your intent to participate when you
- Submit the Bridge Program Enrollment Contract,
- Register for and attend Bridge Program Orientation, and
- Complete the remaining tasks on your New Student Checklist
If I participate in the Bridge Program, will I have to reapply for the next semester?
No. If you successfully complete the Bridge Program by passing your courses, you are eligible to return for the next semester. However, in order to register for classes initially, you must complete Bridge Orientation.
Considering your other options
What happens if I am admitted to the Bridge Program and decide not to attend?
Students admitted to the Bridge Program are not eligible for regular freshmen admission. If you choose to not attend the Bridge Program, we invite you to re-apply for regular freshman admission upon reaching our minimum SAT or ACT requirements in the same year for which you were originally admitted.
Alternatively, students may consider later applying as a Transfer student after taking at least one semester of classes at another institution.
Can I defer my invite to the Bridge Program?
The program is only available to first time full-time freshmen applying to college immediately after high school, so deferral to another year is not possible.
Orientation & Final Documents
When is Bridge Orientation and how do I register for it?
You can register for Bridge Orientation on the New Student Orientation website. Select the session most appropriate for your start term. To view available dates and current orientation fees, or register for Bridge Orientation, use the link below.
Does my final high school transcript have to be received before I start classes?
Yes. The Office of Admissions must have your final high school transcript before you begin classes. It will be your responsibility to make sure the request for your final transcript is submitted. Please note, financial aid will not be dispersed and you will not be able to move onto campus housing until your final high school transcript is received.
Do I need to get my immunization record before starting school?
Yes. In order to register for classes, you must show immunity to MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) and varicella (chicken pox) either through vaccination, lab results showing immunity or physician documentation of the disease. You must also show proof of a tetanus vaccine in the past ten years and complete a tuberculosis screening. An additional requirement for a meningitis vaccine applies to students in university housing. You will not be permitted to register until you submit this proof to University Health Services.
Financial Aid
What tax info do I provide on the FAFSA?
Requirements for the FAFSA can vary from year to year. For the most current info and requirements, visit our institution's Financial Aid website . Use the link below to learn what you'll need to submit your FAFSA.
View FAFSA info for new students
What is the latest date I can apply for the FAFSA and be eligible for the Bridge Program?
We recommend you complete the FAFSA as soon as possible but no later than the admissions application deadline for your term to allow some time to submit additional documents, if needed.
- Fall Semester - July 15
- Spring Semester - Nov 15
- Summer Semester - Apr 15
Remember, we must have ALL required information (not just the FAFSA) before funds can be awarded. Any student desiring to attend the Bridge Program who does not have financial aid in place before classes begin will have to pay tuition and fees in full.
Courses & Cost of Attendance
How long is the Bridge Program?
Bridge lasts one term, which is about 16 weeks, including a one-week period for final exams.
What courses will I take?
Bridge offers a limited selection of courses, each serving as an excellent transition into the university. Every Bridge student will have an opportunity to collaborate with an academic advisor to build their class schedule.
Where will my classes be held?
All classes will be held at Clayton State University’s main campus in Morrow, GA.
Will I receive grades or credits for the courses I take during Bridge?
Yes. You will receive grades and at least 6 hours credit for the courses passed.
How much will Bridge program courses cost?
Please see the tuition calculator for in-state and out-of-state tuition and fee costs.
Will I have to purchase books for my classes?
Yes. You will be responsible for purchasing textbooks for the courses. Please visit the Clayton State University Loch Shop for information regarding required textbooks at or by visiting them on campus on the first floor of Edgewater Hall. Information on how to purchase textbooks will be given at Bridge Orientation.
Housing
Can I live on campus while in the program?
Yes. In fact, we strongly encourage students to live on campus because many events and activities are held on campus. Living in university housing allows you to participate on campus easily, while having a quality residential experience in a state-of-the-art facility.
Program Completion
May I leave the program early to handle personal matters?
No. Please schedule all medical, dental, and other personal appointments either before or after the program or on Fridays when there are no classes. Any student that misses more than two (2) class sessions or two (2) enrichment sessions during the program may be dismissed from the program and will have his/her admission rescinded.
Bridge Program Checklists
Congratulations! You received your invitation to attend the Bridge Program at Clayton State University. Now, take the next steps to accept your invite and complete the enrollment process with the quick checklist for your Bridge term.
Summer Track
Use this checklist if you:
- received an invitation to join the Bridge Program for Summer semester
Fall Track
Use this checklist if you:
- received an invitation to join the Bridge Program for Fall semester