Funds will be used for innovative programming to make the transition to college easier for first year students

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education, in partnership with the Indiana Department of Education, recently awarded Indiana University Northwest a $24,998 Learning Support Grant aimed at making the transition to college easier for first year students. It will be used to strengthen existing programming and create additional opportunities for new students to thrive on campus. IU Northwest is one of only 20 schools in the state to receive the grant.

The funds will be used to develop a new three-part program entitled RedHawks Rise, which will be available to students, beginning with the fall 2021 semester. The program will help new students develop strong academic skills and build self-efficacy.

“We are very excited for this grant and the positive impact it will make on our students’ academic performance and personal success,” said Kristin Huysken, associate dean for student success, and associate professor of geology. “The goal is to help students feel inspired and develop a deeper level of confidence while navigating their first year at IU Northwest.”

RedHawks Rise Program Descriptions

Summer Bridge: This intensive one-week summer enrichment experience provides a supportive introduction to college the week before classes begin. The bridge includes hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and the humanities. Students interact intensively with faculty, peer mentors, and other incoming students to develop their sense of belonging and connection with IU Northwest. Students who successfully complete Summer Bridge will earn a $250 credit to help pay for books for their first year. A popular, annual tradition for the last five years, the Summer Bridge now falls under the RedHawks Rise umbrella.

Summer Evening Meet and Greet: Students and parents will meet with campus staff whose focus is supporting student success and learn how to hit the ground running when the academic year begins. Topics explored will include how to access computers and textbooks, where to go for help, and how to maximize campus academic and support resources. A bilingual (Spanish) chat session will also be offered to help engage parents in their child’s college journey.

Lunchtime Check-ins: Faculty and staff will provide continued support beyond summer programming throughout the first semester. Students will meet with Student Ambassadors and Summer Bridge Mentors, as well as key support staff, for informal check-ins. Dorothy Frink, associate vice chancellor for enrollment management said, “These additional touchpoints are designed to solidify new students’ feelings of belongingness and personal strength, while more importantly, identifying early roadblocks, providing guidance, and fortifying relationships formed over the summer.”

For more information, contact Candace Clark at clbeck@iun.edu or Dorothy Frink at defrink@iun.edu.