Title of Effective Practice: - California Postsecondary Education ...

Direct Connection to Policy Area 4 of The Illinois Commitment
Summer Bridge
Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville
What issue or need is addressed by the effective practice?
Students who aspire to a university education but are under-prepared for college-level work face several
problems that Summer Bridge addresses. Summer Bridge ensures
(1) access for students who may have experienced less than adequate academic preparation,
(2) completion of developmental coursework for a smoother transition into the university in the fall,
(3) students who are qualified for enrollment in college-level courses as of fall term, and
(4) students who are on track to graduate without added time to degree.
Description of the effective practice:
Students who have been admitted to SIUE for fall term but who must take developmental coursework in
reading, writing, and mathematics are invited to participate in the six-week intensive (Monday-Thursday, 8:00-
5:00) program for a fee of $700. Students may live on campus by paying a prorated summer housing fee. Up to
20 students per section are screened and accepted into the program. Students earn three hours of credit
(awarded at the end of fall term) for completion of a freshman seminar (UNIV 112) and work in the Writing
Center (ENG 100) during the program. In addition, they improve their foundational skills in reading, writing,
and math, thus bypassing developmental coursework in which they would have been required to enroll during
fall term. Students participate in classes provided by lecturers in Instructional Services, receive individual and
small group tutoring in math and writing, discover and make use of academic and recreational campus
resources, meet with faculty to learn classroom expectations and opportunities, meet with an academic advisor,
and develop a supportive community of learners that extends into the academic year.
How does this practice achieve sustainability?
Summer Bridge was piloted summer 2001 to summer 2004 through funding provided by the Office of the
Provost, reallocation of Instructional Services summer courses and instructors in the College of Arts and
Sciences, and a student program fee of $700 per student. As of summer 2005, funds were permanently allocated
for one section. A second section, added in summer 2006, is self-sustaining through the student program fee
paid by the additional students.
What are the results/measurable outcomes?
The Summer Bridge Program is effective as measured through a number of indicators of student success,
including:
• Academic performance during the summer program:
Number of students who earn proficiency credit for ENG 100 and UNIV 112
Number of students who complete at least one semester of developmental coursework in each
academic area
Number of students who are ready to enroll in college-level coursework in each academic area in fall
term
• Second-year return rate:
Evidence of higher second-year return rate for Summer Bridge students than for all freshmen
• Progress toward graduation:
Number/percent in good academic standing
Number of hours earned
Number/percent of students still enrolled at SIUE or in other higher education institutions
• Graduation:
Number of students who graduate in 4, 4.5, or 5 years
Contact Information
Name: Karen Patty-Graham
Email: kpattyg@siue.edu
Phone: (618) 650-3717
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