Summer Bridge Programs
Summer Bridge Programs at UTulsa
Hurricane Prep Summer Bridge Program
The UTulsa Hurricane Prep Summer Bridge Program is designed to provide first-time freshmen the opportunity to use the summer to become familiar with campus, make friends and earn college credits before the fall semester.
Select students will be notified in their admission decision letter if they are required to participate and successfully complete the five-week bridge program. Participants may either live on campus in LaFortune House or commute, depending on their fall housing selection.
All participants will be enrolled in SSC-1001: Foundations of Academic Success, plus an English, math or public speaking class. During your initial enrollment appointment, your Student Success Coach will identify the appropriate course for you.
Review your offer letter to determine if you are required to attend and complete the summer bridge program.
Important Dates
Move into LaFortune House: July 12, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Orientation: July 12, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Classes meet daily: July 13–Aug. 14, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
For additional information, view the FAQs below or contact Sheila Givens, director of student success initiatives, retention and persistence, at sheila-givens@utulsa.edu or 918-631-2865.
I was very anxious about starting college, but after completing Hurricane Prep, I know my way around campus, know where resources are located and made friends.
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What is the Hurricane Prep Summer Bridge Program?
The University of Tulsa’s Hurricane Prep Summer Bridge Program is a five-week program that allows ~100 participants to ease into college before the entire student body arrives on campus. Participants will develop familiarity with the campus, build relationships with peers, faculty, and staff, and gain an understanding of the academic rigor of coursework at uTulsa. Previous participants have stated that they felt more confident and less anxious about starting college after completing the program.
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Who can attend?
The Hurricane Prep Summer Bridge Program is required of students who were selected by the UTulsa Office of Admission based on their application for admission.
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When is the Hurricane Prep Summer Bridge Program?
The 2026 program runs from July 13 to Aug. 14. Students planning to live on campus during the program will move in July 12 between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.
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What can I expect?
Within five weeks, you will complete the Foundations of Academic Success, plus your first English, math or public speaking class. You will be introduced to academic support services with the expectation that you will utilize those services throughout the program. Optional, though important evening and weekend programming will be offered to increase familiarity with the UTulsa campus and provide opportunities for you to get to know other students.
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Will I receive course credit?
Yes, you will receive a grade for the two courses you complete through the Hurricane Prep Summer Bridge Program. The credit hours and grades earned will appear on your official UTulsa transcript.
Due to the accelerated nature of the Hurricane Prep courses and the proximity of the courses’ end and the Fall 2026 semester start, students who experience a situation that interferes with their ability to complete the classes and earn an “Incomplete” grade may not be admitted or enrolled until Spring 2027, until they have fulfilled the Incomplete terms and earned a passing grade in all Hurricane Prep classes.
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How much will it cost?
The cost of the program depends on your application materials and admission decision. Please review your admission decision letter in Tracker, your personal UTulsa application portal for details. If you have questions, please contact the UTulsa Office of Admission at 918-631-2307 or admission@utulsa.edu.
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Where will I live during the program?
On-campus participants will live in LaFortune House during the Hurricane Prep Summer Bridge Program and throughout their first year on campus. LaFortune House is home to the First-Year Residential Experience living-learning community, which seeks to apply in-class learning with out-of-class experiences that develop well-rounded students.
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Am I required to live on campus?
No, participants who plan to live on campus during the fall but live within commuting distance to campus (20-mile radius) may live at home during the program. Students who plan to commute in the fall will be expected to do so during the program. However, commuting students must confirm that they have reliable transportation because daily attendance at both classes is expected.
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Can I bring my car to campus during the program?
Yes, you may bring a car to campus during the program but will need to purchase a parking permit. Participants who live on campus during the program should select the LaFortune House lot for residents, or “LH.” Participants who commute during the program will need to select a commuter lot option. Details are available at utulsa.edu/parking/parking-permits/.
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Can I remain on campus between this program and the start of New Student Orientation?
Yes, participants who successfully complete the Hurricane Summer Prep Program may continue to live on campus from Aug. 15-17. Housing and dining costs incurred through this period will be paid by the university.
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How can I request an exemption from this program?
The University of Tulsa is committed to our students’ academic success, so exemptions are the exception. Students may request an exemption from the Hurricane Prep Summer Bridge Program by emailing Sheila Givens, Director of Student Success Initiatives, Retention & Persistence. Students are encouraged to include additional or new information such as an updated transcript showing relevant coursework or an improved GPA, new standardized test scores, and a thorough explanation of why the exception should be considered.
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Opt-in Option
Local students who are not required to attend Hurricane Prep Summer Bridge Program as a condition of their admission may choose to opt-in to the Hurricane Prep Summer Bridge Program because they think they will benefit from the program. Students who opt-in to the program will pay a fee of $1,500 and will be required to commute throughout the program.
OASiS Summer Bridge Program for Student-Athletes
The OASiS Summer Bridge Program at The University of Tulsa is a tailored initiative designed to facilitate a seamless transition for incoming student-athletes as they embark on their collegiate journey. Open to selected student-athletes by invitation from their respective head coaches and approved by the athletics compliance office, this program offers a unique opportunity for participants to acclimate to both academic and athletic demands before the fall term.
Program Objectives
- Foster a smooth transition to college life, encompassing academic, social, and athletic spheres.
- Identify and utilize campus resources to promote holistic success.
- Develop critical thinking, communication, and time management skills.
- Cultivate mental toughness and goal-setting abilities.
Contact Information
For additional information regarding the OASiS Summer Bridge Program, please contact:
UTulsa STEM Bootcamp
The UTulsa STEM Bootcamp is an invitational summer bridge program designed for inbound, first-time freshmen pursuing a major in a STEM field. The program is focused on helping students develop their core abilities in math, chemistry, and study skills while introducing them to several STEM-related disciplines. Our goal is to ensure that participating students begin their studies at UTulsa with the motivation, preparation and tools necessary to succeed as freshmen and beyond. The support students receive in the STEM Bootcamp will not only provide instruction, support, and college preparation but also will build confidence along with the skills and strategies necessary for success.
The course meets daily for two weeks in August, with classes and main activities scheduled between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Participation in the STEM Bootcamp is by invitation only, and all required course materials will be provided.
Contact Information
For additional information regarding the UTulsa STEM Summer Bridge Program/Bootcamp, please contact:
- Matt Haswell at matthew-haswell@utulsa.edu.
New Directions Program
UTulsa’s New Directions is an on-campus summer program for neurodivergent students embedded within the Hurricane Prep summer bridge program. Students who are admitted conditionally to UTulsa must successfully complete the five-week Hurricane Prep program. Participants may either live on campus in LaFortune House or commute, depending on their fall housing selection. Local students whose admission is not conditional but who believe they can benefit from the program may opt in.
All participants will be enrolled in an English, math, or public speaking class plus SSC 1001: Foundations of Academic Success. New Directions participants are enrolled in a section of SSC 1001 designed to expose neurodivergent students to the social and academic challenges college life can present, enhance study skills and executive functioning, develop coping strategies and gain an understanding of the resources available and how to access them.
For additional information regarding the New Directions Program, please contact:
- Sheila Givens sheila-givens@utulsa.edu