Program Overview

Introduction to the First-Year Bridge Program

The First-Year Bridge program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is designed to provide exceptional support to students, enabling them to start their college career with confidence and achieve their goals. This program is specifically tailored for students whose application materials indicate they could benefit from extra support, particularly in math or English.

Program Structure and Benefits

• The program offers smaller classes, allowing for personal attention and close-knit friendships.
• Students meet regularly with an advisor or success coach to stay on track.
• Participants enjoy the same benefits as every other UWM student, including the ability to participate in student activities, join student organizations, and engage with multicultural and affinity centers.
• It is essential to note that this is an in-person program, and an online version is not available.

Academic Benefits

Academic Progress

During the first semester, students take a first-year writing class, a math class, and other introductory courses. These courses have extra academic support built in to help students master the material. Upon completing the program, the credits earned count toward their degree, keeping them on the path to timely graduation.

Well-Defined Academic Plan

If a student has declared a major, their advisor will help them choose the appropriate classes. If not, the goal is to help the student decide on a major by the end of their second semester, so they can move into the appropriate school or college within UWM to finish their degree.

Small Classes

Students benefit from personal attention and make close-knit friendships in small, supportive classes.

Financial Benefits

Scholarships and Aid

89% of UWM undergraduates receive financial aid and scholarships. Some students qualify for free tuition through the Milwaukee Tuition Promise. Completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form is the first step in determining eligibility for state and federal financial aid, and many scholarships require it.

Affordability

UWM remains one of the best deals in higher education. The university offers competitive tuition rates, making it an affordable option for students.

Housing and Other Resources

Most students new to the Milwaukee campus live in Sandburg Hall. The university also offers various resources, including:

• Student Involvement
• University Recreation
• Student Health and Wellness Center
• Eight multicultural and affinity centers:
  • Accessibility Resource Center
  • American Indian Student Center
  • Black Student Cultural Center
  • Roberto Hernandez Center
  • LGBTQ+ Resource Center
  • Military and Veterans Resource Center
  • Southeast Asian American Student Center
  • Women's Resource Center

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why am I in First-Year Bridge?: UWM's Office of Undergraduate Admissions recommends this program for students who are not admissible to their program of choice and could benefit from additional support with their math and English coursework.
• What are the benefits of being a First-Year Bridge student?: Bridge students enjoy smaller classes, have more access to their academic advisors, and have writing and math support built into their regular class schedule.
• Am I still considered a UWM student?: Yes, Bridge students are UWM students and have access to all the resources that other UWM students have.
• Why am I in a noncredit math course?: Placement in a noncredit math course is based on the math placement score. At the end of the semester, a placement test will either satisfy the core math requirement or place the student in a credit-bearing math class.
• Am I considered a full-time student?: Yes, Bridge students are considered full-time students.
• How many credits will I earn this year?: Students who successfully complete all Bridge coursework without dropping any classes in the fall or spring semester should have at least 20 credits by the end of their first year.
• Why am I not taking classes related to my major in my first semester?: Most UWM students spend their first two semesters fulfilling their general education requirements.
• Can I still finish my degree in four years?: Every student's academic journey is different. In Bridge, students take classes that will transfer toward their undergraduate degree, making it possible to complete many degrees in four years.

Team Members

The First-Year Bridge program is supported by a team of dedicated professionals, including:

• Dean Kowalski, Assistant Dean & Director, Academic Access Programming
• Angie Izard, Director, First-Year Bridge Program
• Karen Vanalken, Advisor, First-Year Bridge Program
• Heidi Graham, Advisor, First-Year Bridge Program
• Cynthia Roberts, Advisor, First-Year Bridge Program
• Nicholas Johnson, Math Specialist, First-Year Bridge Program
• Daniel Lollar, Math Specialist, First-Year Bridge Program
• Derrick Langston, Success Coach and Retention Specialist
• Spencer Creal, Writing Specialist, First-Year Bridge Program
• John Ramey, Writing Specialist, First-Year Bridge Program
• Sara Pagliaroni, Writing Specialist, First-Year Bridge Program