Before you begin your first semester on campus, there are a few additional opportunities that happen over the summer and into the academic year for new students to take advantage of. The opportunities listed below are for students who would like to continue building connections to our Rutgers community and develop their leadership skills outside of our New Student Orientation sessions.
NOTE: Each opportunity has its own application/registration and deadlines
SUMMER
- ODASIS Strategic Plan Program (STP)
The Strategic Plan Program (STP) takes place the summer before students start their first semester at Rutgers. It’s a 5 week residential program that starts on Sunday July 6th and ends on Friday August 8th. Students who successfully complete the program will earn 2 college credits. After the STP program ends all incoming freshman that will start with a science and math course in the fall have the opportunity to participate in our Jumpstart program. The virtual Jumpstart program is facilitated a week before the semester begins. It will start on Monday August 25th and end on Friday August 29th. After Jumpstart ends ODASIS fall support begins 2 weeks after the semester starts. In mid-July the applications for Jumpstart and ODASIS fall support will be sent to all freshman taking a math and science course in the fall. ODASIS fall support consists of 1-1 advising, practice exams, weekly study hall hours and academic success workshops.
- Q-mmunity: Extended Orientation for LGBTQIA+ students
Q-mmunity is an extended orientation and leadership development retreat designed for the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and nonbinary, queer, intersex, asexual, and other queer spectrum) community and their allies. Q-mmunity will:
- Help new first year and transfer students learn about the mission, programs and services of the Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
- Provide incoming students with the opportunity to connect with current students in the LGBTQIA+ community and learn more about campus life and ways to get involved
- Connect students with key campus resources for success and wellbeing in college
- Build community with faculty and staff committed to advocacy and support of LGBTQIA+ students
Register for Q-mmunity by June 27th
Visit The Center for Social Justice Education and LGBT Communities website for more information
ACADEMIC YEAR
- Douglass Residential College
Douglass Residential College (DRC) is an empowering, close-knit community within Rutgers that enhances the college experience for students of all majors by adding a feminist lens to your education. Douglass welcomes all undergraduate students, regardless of sex, including students of diverse gender identities, inspiring them to examine inequality, center women’s lived experience in their exploration of the world, and embolden women’s leadership.
Check out what it means to be a part of Douglass Residential College
Visit the Douglass Residential College website for more information
- Rutgers Learning Communities (Residential/Non-Residential)
Rutgers Learning Communities are a self-selected group of students who share similar academic interests and explore them together in common courses and out of classroom activities at no extra cost to the student. Students in learning communities report making friends quickly and expanding their faculty, and staff network.
The majority of communities are residentially based (living-learning communities), which means that participating students not only co-enroll in common courses but also live in the same residence hall. These communities are a wonderful opportunity for students who are undecided about their major or want to explore a particular academic topic. Special interest/themed communities with no academic coursework are also available. Explore the different offerings and choose one that best fits your interests!
Visit the Rutgers Learning Communities website for more information
- 4WARD: Career Pathways Program
The 4WARD Career Pathways Program is a specialized and impactful multi-year experience specifically tailored for first-generation undergraduate students and others coming to Rutgers—New Brunswick without a well-established career network. The program aims to support participants in achieving post-graduation career success. Through this program, students can clarify their career goals, access exclusive recruiting resources that unlock valuable internship experiences, and actively engage in various opportunities that enhance their competitiveness in pursuing their future careers. Despite the complexity of the professional world, the 4WARD Career Pathways Program serves as a streamlined pathway to success.
