The 2024 BEST Summer Bridge Program for Incoming OSU First-Year Student-Athletes

The BEST Summer Bridge Program is for incoming OSU First-Year Student-Athletes and is a 4-week immersion program designed to help new student-athletes adapt to the college environment by learning to balance academics and athletics. BEST is an effective jump-start for their collegiate careers and student-athletes that participate in BEST earn 5 credits towards their degree. The program includes daytime, evening and weekend activities as well as community engagement opportunities. 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: One Baccalaureate Core (Bacc Core) Course and ALS 199. In both courses, student-athletes have support from professors, peer educators, and ASA staff. These courses allow the BEST cohort to interact with each other and build friendships and community within an academic environment.

  • 4 Unit Bacc Core Class - requires students to think critically and creatively, and to synthesize ideas and information when evaluating major societal issues. It promotes an understanding of interrelationships among disciplines in order to increase students' capacities as ethical citizens of an ever-changing world.
  • ALS 199 - College Success for Student-Athletes course is taught by the Academics for Student-Athletes (ASA) staff and covers topics that target academic success strategies and socio/cultural awareness. These topics may include note-taking, test preparation, NCAA academic eligibility rules and regulations, academic integrity, mental health, and a number of other topics designed to help a new student-athlete thrive at Oregon State University as they transition into college.

Connected Learning Teams (CLT):​ BEST students will meet in connected learning teams two times a week with a peer educator focusing on study skills, time management, navigating OSU resources, and assignment completion. CLT is a good opportunity for student-athletes to incorporate these rhythms into their daily routines and utilize these resources that will be available throughout their academic career.

Assessments: Throughout the ​BEST program, student-athletes will complete several assessments with the ASA and Sports Medical Staff to design a program of support appropriate for each student.

  • Sports Medical Staff - Conducts NCAA-required exams and procedures during the first week fo the BEST session so that student-athletes are cleared to participate in practice and workouts. Students also complete a neuropsychological baseline evaluation to gain a better understanding of their learning abilities, assess for attention or learning difficulties, and help provide recommendations to support their learning.
  • ASA Staff - Administers the ASA New Student Survey, which includes an educational background questionnaire, an inventory of learning styles, and a writing sample. Other assessments may be administered as needed to best support the student throughout their educational endeavors.

Campus Familiarity: ​BEST students will become familiar with OSU’s campus while residing in the International Living-Learning Center and participating in new student 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 2024.

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 and will be factored into the student-athlete schedule as this orientation must be attended in it's entirety in order for students to register for fall term classes.

Co Curricular Activities: BEST students participate in two-weekend activities aimed at building leadership, belonging, teamwork, and volunteer skills. These activities include a guided McKenzie River rafting trip and a community service project, allowing the student-athletes an opportunity to give back to the Corvallis community in a meaningful way (see photos).

Cost to Attend BEST: ​The OSU Athletic Department covers the cost to attend the BEST program for student on an athletic scholarships of 25% or more. For student-athletes not on athletic scholarships, the estimated cost of the 2024 BEST program is $4,359, this includes all planned expenses e.g., OSU tuition & fees, housing, meals, and the rafting trip.

Enrolling in BEST: Student-Athlete participation in the BEST program requires Head Coach recommendation to the ASA staff by April 26, 2024.

2024 BEST Summer Bridge Program Dates:

                                  Session 1: June 23rd - July 19th
                                  Session 2: August 4th - August 30th

For more information, please email:   [email protected]