The 2023 BEST Summer Bridge Program for Incoming OSU First-Year Student Athletes

The BEST Summer Bridge Program is an immersion program designed to help new student-athletes adapt to the college environment by learning to balance academics and sports. It is an effective jump-start for collegiate careers. ​Full participation in all aspects of the program is required. ​Some of the significant components of the program are:

Five Credits Toward Graduation: ​Student athletes will participate in two in-person classes: PS 201 and ALS 199. The ALS seminar targets academic success strategies, socio/cultural awareness, and successful transition. In ALS 199 student-athletes have support from professors, learning assistants, and tutors. This is a lecture-based class. Students will attend a class taught by Academics for Student-Athletes (ASA) staff from 2:15 - 3:15 PM (PST) M-TH. This course allows the BEST cohort to interact with each other and build friendships during the program, while also allowing for lessons on classroom etiquette. Topics covered include but are not limited to note-taking, test preparation, online study habits, NCAA guidelines, academic misconduct, student-athlete time management, mental health, and a number of other topics that will help a new student-athlete thrive at Oregon State University.

Campus Familiarity: ​BEST students will become familiar with OSU’s campus while participating in START orientation. They will also gain an in-depth understanding of OSU online systems such as Canvas, MyDegrees, Grades First, Google Drive, etc. BEST students will be prepared for both e-campus and on-campus classes at the start of fall 2023.

University Orientation: ​The BEST experience includes OSU’s first-year student orientation, advising, and fall class registration program known as START (​http://oregonstate.edu/newstudents/start/home​). ​START registration is included as part of enrollment in BEST.

Study Hall:​ Four times a week BEST students will meet from 3:30 PM-5:00 PM in connected learning teams. These teams will be facilitated by high-performing ASA tutors and will focus on study skills, time management, navigating OSU resources, and assignment completion. Study hall attendance is mandatory.

Assessments: ​BEST offers a variety of assessments in order to design a program of support appropriate for each student. Assessments include academic evaluations of math, writing, and reading as well as an inventory of learning styles. The Sports Medical staff conducts all NCAA-required exams and procedures.

Extracurricular Activities: BEST students have the opportunity to participate in two-weekend activities that build leadership, teamwork, and volunteer skills. These activities include a rafting trip at McKenzie River and a community service project in Corvallis (see photos).

Cost to Attend BEST: ​Students on athletic scholarships of 25% or more have the cost of the BEST Program covered by the OSU Athletic Department. For student-athletes not on athletic scholarships, the estimated cost of the 2023 BEST program is $4,040. The cost of the program includes OSU tuition and Summer OSU fees. This estimate does not include technology needs such as an available computer or WiFi that are essential to participating in the online elements of BEST.

Enrolling in BEST: Head coaches are responsible for providing the names of the incoming students to the BEST staff. Only student-athletes recommended by coaches may attend BEST.

2023 BEST Summer Bridge Program Dates:

                                  Session 1: June 25 - July 21
                                  Session 2: August 6 - September 1

For more information, please email:   [email protected]