APPLYING TO THE PROGRAM
When can I apply for the STEPUP bridge program?
The application for the program opens on March 13, 2023, and closes on June 2, 2023, or until all program seats are filled.
Who can apply to participate in the Summer Bridge programs?
Any student officially admitted into the University of Florida and intending to pursue a major in engineering.
What are the computer requirements for the Summer Bridge programs?
An operational laptop with a functional camera is required to participate in online workshops, speaker presentations, and other program activities. Student laptop devices are required to be capable of running ARENA Software for the Introduction to Computer Simulation Class. A student version of the software is freely available through the following link: https://www.arenasimulation.com/academic/students. An academic version of the Arena software is also available on UFApps and UF CIRCA Labs.
How long is the summer bridge program?
The summer component for all programs is 6 weeks and takes place during the Summer B semester. The Non – Residential component (required) takes place during the Fall & Spring semester of each academic year.
Can UF PROMISE, Innovation Academy, and/or Gator Engineering @ Santa Fe/SCF students apply for participation in the summer bridge program?
Yes. However, all student participants in each of these programs must receive prior approval from their Program Coordinator or Director. This approval must be submitted to the STAR Office Director, Mr. Stephen Roberts (srobe@eng.ufl.edu), prior to submitting the application for either program.
UF PROMISE participants should contact the main office at (352) 392-0788 for more details. UF PROMISE students selected to participate in the summer bridge program will remain in the UF PROMISE program for their entire freshman year. Innovation Academy and GE@SF/SCF students must continue to meet all requirements and expectations of their respective programs. Please contact the Innovation Academy or GE@SF/SCF Program Director for more details.
Note: Financial aid awarded to UF PROMISE students for Summer B cannot be applied toward the STEPUP application fee.
Can students admitted for the Fall/Spring semester or the Gator Engineering @ Santa Fe/SCF program apply to participate in the summer bridge programs?
Yes. Applicants admitted into UF for the Fall semester who have been accepted into STEPUP will have their admit status changed to “summer ” in support of their registration and participation in the program. Students admitted into the Innovation Academy or Gator Engineering @ Santa Fe program may apply for the program, but their admission status will not be changed.
PREVIEW ORIENTATION
Will I be required to attend a special session of Preview to participate in the summer bridge program?
Yes. Summer Bridge participants are required to attend any Summer B preview session offered through the Dean of Students Office. Please visit the UF Preview website for more details.
ACADEMICS
Will I receive a grade for classes enrolled as part of the summer bridge program?
All coursework will be graded and each student will receive a letter grade for participating in the Summer Bridge program. However, only grades for the Introduction to Research course and Engineering Design and Society will be added to the student’s transcript.
Is any level of the program for remedial students or remediation?
No. The Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering does not offer any form of remedial or remediation programming. Instead, our summer bridge programs are designed to give participants a real-world perspective of the classes at UF (i.e. exams, quizzes, homework assignments, etc.,) taught by engineering faculty or highly qualified graduate students.
EXPENSES
What costs should I anticipate to participate in the Summer Bridge program?
The application fee for students who have been officially admitted into the STEPUP Experience will be $500.00 for Summer 2023.
What if I have additional questions?
If you have additional questions not answered in this FAQ, please feel free to contact the STAR Office at 352 – 392 – 0944 x3.