Program Overview

Introduction to the Your Southern Start (YSS) Summer Institute

The YSS Summer Institute is a program designed to prepare incoming students for success during their first semester of college and beyond. This program offers first-year students the opportunity to learn important academic skills and strategies, prepare for the rigors of college-level courses, and foster a sense of community on campus.

The Benefits of YSS Summer Institute

Students who join and complete the YSS Summer Institute will:

• Start their first semester with an improved and strengthened academic foundation
• Connect with like-minded peers and ease the transition into the SCSU community
• Develop their math and writing skills through faculty-led workshops
• Have the opportunity to complete MAT-100P early and, with a passing grade, earn 3 academic credits before the fall semester begins
• Have their math ALEKS program code paid for (a $70 value)
• Begin MAT-100P early to get ahead in the course before the semester begins
• Learn and practice academic success skills and strategies necessary for college-level courses
• Develop essential skills and strategies for math and writing success
• Develop a better understanding of accessibility services and the accommodations process
• Become familiarized with the services and resources provided by the Center for Academic Success and Accessibility Services
• Be able to move into their residence halls early for YSS Summer Institute

Program Structure and Activities

While academic readiness is key, the program believes in balancing academics with fun through engaging activities. Academic sessions include:

• Syllabus 101
• Study Skills
• Career Readiness
• How to Talk to Your Professors Ensuring students are well-prepared for their time at SCSU. To complement these workshops, the program offers interactive and creative activities such as:
  • Esports challenges
  • Vision board creation
  • Tie-dye sessions
  • An end-of-program ice cream celebration for a sweet send-off

Program Dates

The YSS Summer Institute will take place from July 7 to August 6, 2026, on Mondays through Thursdays.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is YSS Summer Institute Mandatory?

YSS Summer Institute is not mandatory for incoming first-year students. However, there are plenty of benefits to participating in this experience.

What is MAT-100P?

Southern requires all students to complete math courses to fulfill the general education and major requirements one of the courses that students can be placed into is MAT-100P.

Attendance and Housing

YSS Summer Institute is a day program, so it is not required for students to stay on campus. If a student will be living on campus in the fall, they can move into their residence hall early for YSS Summer Institute.

Transportation Options

If a student is commuting to YSS Summer Institute, some transportation options are available, including the U-Pass, a special transportation pass for all enrolled undergraduate students that provides unlimited access to mass transit services within CT, free of charge.