Bridge program unites students
Ashley Schaffer
Issue date: 10/6/06 Section: News
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A growing number of students who identify themselves as students of color have an opportunity to come to campus a week before new student orientation to attend the BRIDGE program.
This pre-orientation program provides an opportunity for freshmen to begin building a social network of other students, faculty members and administrators. Sophomores, juniors and seniors who have attended the program are invited back to serve as counselors, allowing them to strengthen their leadership and guidance.
The BRIDGE program began three years ago. Marlin Clark, a Counseling Center employee, and Anna Gonzales, Student Activities Coordinator wanted to improve the retention rate of students of color. Kristine Reeves, administrative assistant in the Diversity Office, said the two hoped that by aiding the small group of students in creating a support network on campus, the students would be more willing to come back the following year.
In the BRIDGE programs first year, 12 students attended. The following year 18 students attended. This August, 30 students of color participated in the program.
"More students of color are college bound on the river of opportunity; they are working harder than ever to achieve their dreams of success," said Bob Bartlett, multicultural education director.
In its first two years, the directors of the BRIDGE program depended on money generated by fundraising and donations. In August, however, the University stepped in and provided financial backing. This allowed the program's focus to concern academics and student life as well as social issues.
During BRIDGE, students spend four days attending workshops regarding library use, financial aid, student involvement and time management. They are introduced to faculty members of color, and Campus Security offers explanations on what students should they do if they have safety issues at Gonzaga. The students also take a walking tour of downtown Spokane to learn of places they can go on the weekends to get away from campus for a few hours.
This pre-orientation program provides an opportunity for freshmen to begin building a social network of other students, faculty members and administrators. Sophomores, juniors and seniors who have attended the program are invited back to serve as counselors, allowing them to strengthen their leadership and guidance.
The BRIDGE program began three years ago. Marlin Clark, a Counseling Center employee, and Anna Gonzales, Student Activities Coordinator wanted to improve the retention rate of students of color. Kristine Reeves, administrative assistant in the Diversity Office, said the two hoped that by aiding the small group of students in creating a support network on campus, the students would be more willing to come back the following year.
In the BRIDGE programs first year, 12 students attended. The following year 18 students attended. This August, 30 students of color participated in the program.
"More students of color are college bound on the river of opportunity; they are working harder than ever to achieve their dreams of success," said Bob Bartlett, multicultural education director.
In its first two years, the directors of the BRIDGE program depended on money generated by fundraising and donations. In August, however, the University stepped in and provided financial backing. This allowed the program's focus to concern academics and student life as well as social issues.
During BRIDGE, students spend four days attending workshops regarding library use, financial aid, student involvement and time management. They are introduced to faculty members of color, and Campus Security offers explanations on what students should they do if they have safety issues at Gonzaga. The students also take a walking tour of downtown Spokane to learn of places they can go on the weekends to get away from campus for a few hours.