How many students will attend the Summer Edge Program?
Up to 500 students can participate, grouped into "Pods" of 20-25 students who will get to know each other.
What is a Pod?
A Pod is a group of 20-25 first-year students, led by a trained Peer Learning Assistant (PLA) who is already a student at UC Merced. There are Pods for Computer Science, Math, and Writing; if you take more than one, you will be a member of multiple Pod teams. Each Pod meets synchronously (live) twice a week for an hour each meeting. During Pod meetings, you interact with classmates, get help with the material, and get college advice from your PLA.
Is Summer Edge online, or in person?
This program will be offered fully online, to allow flexibility for participating students.
When does Summer Edge take place?
The Summer Edge program will be from Monday, June 24 to Friday, August 2, 2024, right before the start of the fall semester.
What is the program like?
The program is designed to give incoming first-year students a strong start to their university studies by providing college computer science, math, and/or writing preparation, an introduction to campus resources and expectations, and a connection to their first Bobcat community. Participants can expect to spend 7-8 hours per week for each class on class meetings, assignments, workshops, and small group (Pod) meetings. This schedule allows for students at home to continue part-time jobs and other responsibilities.
Is it live, or pre-recorded?
While the classes are pre-recorded, small group activities including academic support and college readiness workshops, group meetings, and office hours are all live and interactive.
Do I need to buy any books?
No. Online materials are provided for the classes.
What's the schedule? I have a part-time job and am not available every day.
After you register for your class(es), you will be able to select your Pod section(s) in CatCourses from several time options. Participants will then need to make time during the week to complete the pre-recorded or self-guided components of the program.
Are these classes going to be offered at any other time?
As this program is designed to sharpen the skills of incoming first-year students before the fall semester, it is only offered in the summer.
I took Calculus in high school. Should I enroll in the College Math Readiness class?
The Math College Readiness class is designed to support students at a pre-Calculus level but would be appropriate for students with higher mathematics preparation who are interested in learning the skills and strategies needed to be successful in future calculus courses. The class will utilize adaptive learning technology, which will allow students to skip content they've already mastered and focus on the concepts for which they need more practice.
I plan to take the College Writing Readiness class. Will that impact my fall courses?
Potentially. You will register for your fall semester writing course as recommended by your academic advisor in June. You’ll have the opportunity to take a writing placement exam during the final week of the Writing class and adjust your fall courses if needed.
I plan to take the College Math Readiness class. Should I still take the math placement exam by June 1?
Yes! Your Math Placement Exam results determine your math course for Fall. You’ll have the opportunity to retake the exam during the final week of the Math Readiness class and adjust your fall courses if needed. See the Math Placement Exam FAQ page for other questions about the May exam: https://ns-advising.ucmerced.edu/placement-FAQ.
I took AP English in high school. Should I enroll in the College Writing Readiness class?
The Writing College Readiness class is designed to support university students at various levels of preparation who are interested in learning and refining the skills and strategies needed to be successful in future composition courses, at both first-year and upper-division levels. The class will consist of activities designed to foster critical thinking and academic inquiry, with the goal of preparing students for success as they transition to university-level writing expectations.
I took AP Computer Science in high school. Should I enroll in the College Computer Science Readiness class?
The Computer Science College Readiness class is designed to support university students at various levels of preparation who are interested in learning and refining the skills and strategies needed to be successful in future programming courses, at both first-year and upper-division levels.
How much does the program cost?
The classes are free for first-year incoming UC Merced students.
Do I get credits toward graduation for these classes?
No, participants in this short program do not get letter grades or credits toward graduation, but they do get content and skill practice that should help them achieve their higher education goals.
Will students be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis?
Yes.
Do students enroll in Summer Edge classes through the course registration portal, or is it different?
Students enroll in Summer Edge classes directly through CatCourses, not the course registration portal that you use for fall classes.
How are students with disabilities supported?
Academic accommodations are provided to meet the individual needs of each student through Student Accessibility Services.
