FSSP Frequently Asked Questions

The Freshman Summer Success Program (FSSP) is a six-week early start program crafted to facilitate a seamless academic and social transition for incoming UCI students with four different pathways to meet students’ needs.

The program starts on August 4, 2024 and ends on September 12, 2024. Please note move-in and move out dates may vary per pathway. See important dates below:

• August 1– Move-In (Summer Bridge, FSSP Explore, and MITS)
• August 2 – 3: SPOP 6
• August 3 – Housing Move-In (FSSP International)(Date is tentative and subject to change)
• August 4– FSSP Welcome & Orientation
• August 5 – September 11:  Summer Session II
• August 10 – Housing Move-Out (MITS Only)
• September 12– Move-Out (FSSP, FSSP International, Summer Bridge)

FSSP participants are encouraged to attend SPOP 6 as it aligns with the start of our program but it is not required. FSSP Explore and MITS participants who do not attend SPOP 6, are required to attend SPOP 1-5 to avoid conflicts with course schedules. FSSP International participants should plan to attend ISPOP on September 18th and 19th. 

Summer Bridge participants are REQUIRED to attend SPOP 6. Summer Bridge Scholars who are in Campuswide Honors Collegium (CHC) will receive an exemption to attend SPOP 6. Spots in SPOP 6 are reserved for all Summer Bridge; scholars who enroll in a different SPOP but are accepted into Summer Bridge will be moved to SPOP 6.

Questions may be directed to fssp@uci.edu regarding requirements, enrollment, scholarship requirements and the summer experience.

For other questions or concerns, please email specific departments (i.e. Summer Sessions, Orientation, Financial Aid, etc.). 

We post announcements frequently on Instagram, so follow us: @fsspatuci, @summerbridgeatuci and @ucirvinessi

Students may be eligible and/or choose to participate in different pathways during our Freshman Summer Success Program. The courses and programmatic offerings for all pathways will start and end at the same time. Please read each pathway description below to learn more about which one may fit your needs.

• Within the FSSP Explore pathway, students will enroll in Uni Studies 83 (2) and one elective course (4). The elective course must be in-person and must be selected from a pre-approved list. All participants are required to reside on-campus during the duration of the program through September 12, 2024 with move-in taking place August 3rd. Participants will have access to skill-building, networking, and social workshops. Attendance at SPOP 6 is encouraged but not mandatory. The registration deadline is June 9, 2024 at 11:59pm PT.
• The FSSP International pathway is designed to help ease the transition from high school to college for international freshman students by providing an academic and social experience over the summer. Participants will enroll in Uni Studies 83/84 (4) and Political Science 21A (4) during Summer Session II and have access to skill-building, networking and social workshops. FSSP International students are required to reside on-campus for the duration of the program. International students will need to complete an I-20 and will need to enroll by June 2, 2024 at 11:59pm PST. Participants should plan to attend I-SPOP on September 18th & 19th.
• The Summer Bridge Scholarship is offered to students who are income-eligible and first-generation. The scholarship covers course/e-tech fees, program fees, and room/board for the duration of the program. All Summer Bridge Scholarship recipients are required to reside on-campus from August 1, 2024 to September 12, 2024. Summer Bridge recipients will be enrolled in Uni Studies 83/84 (4) and Sociology 1 (4) during Summer Session II. After summer, Summer Bridge Scholars participate in a year-long program that includes personal guidance, mentoring, workshops and priority registration. Participants must apply to be considered for this scholarship by May 29, 2024 at 11:59pm PT. 
• Math in the Summer (MITS) is a mathematics readiness pathway. Participants will enroll in Math 1B (hybrid) and UNI STUDIES 82 (remote-asynchronous) Participants will reside on campus for one-week only (August 1-10) and the remainder of the course will be completed remotely. They will have remote access to a variety of skill-building workshops and faculty lectures. Attendance at SPOP 6 is encouraged but not mandatory. The registration deadline is June 9, 2024 at 11:59pm PT.

The application portal will only allow you to register/apply for the pathway(s) you are eligible for based on data from the UC application. If you feel there is an error, contact fssp@uci.edu with a brief description of your situation.

FSSP pathway registration forms and applications will be available via your student portal. Deadlines vary by pathway.

FSSP Explore, FSSP International, and MITS do not have a formal application process. Students who have submitted an SIR can log on to this website and register. All students will need to register in FSSP by June 9, 2024. An application is required for the Summer Bridge Scholarship; the deadline is May 29, 2024. Summer Bridge Scholarship applicants need to submit a 2023-2024 FAFSA/DREAM Act Application to be considered.

Students must pay for the mandatory campus fee, course/e-tech fees, program fees, and room & board. Students may not alter course, meal, or housing assignments. Living on-campus is required. (MITS students only reside on campus for one week) Students may waive out of USHIP to reduce the cost as long as they do so within the waiver period and they have comparable health insurance.

 Students will receive a confirmation email with their class schedule once billing and course enrollment are complete. Course schedules vary depending on pathway.

UNIVERSITY STUDIES 83/84 (4 units) – FSSP Explore, FSSP Int’l, Summer Bridge

• Lecture – MW 4-6:50pm
• Activity – MW 5-6:50pm
• Writing Lab – TuTh 10:30-11:50am (UNI STUDIES 84 ONLY)

POLITICAL SCIENCE 21A: Intro to American Government (4 units) -FSSP Int’l

• Lecture – TuTh 1:00pm-3:50pm
• Location TBD
• Fulfills UC-American History and Institutions Requirement

UNIVERSITY STUDIES 87 (2 units) -MITS

• Asynchronous, remote

MATH 1B (4 units) -MITS

• Week 1
  •  Monday-Friday (August 5th – August 9th)
  • 10 am – 12 pm, 1 -1:50 pm
  • In-person on the UCI campus
• Weeks 2 – 6
  • Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
  • 10 am – 12 pm
  • Synchronous online class (virtual attendance required)

SOCIOLOGY 1: Introduction to Sociology (4 units) -Summer Bridge

• Lecture – TuTh 1:00pm-3:50pm
• Location TBD
• III and VII

ELECTIVE COURSE (4 units) –FSSP Explore

Times vary

All FSSP participants will be expected to attended courses, socials as well as Collegiate Life and Faculty Connections events.

Participants are able to visit family and friends during their free time. However, participants should keep in mind that courses are accelerated over 6-weeks and will require ample amounts of studying. Furthermore, the Freshman Summer Success Program will provide weekday and weekend social programming and also encourages students to explore their local surroundings and build relationships with their peers. Participants should make plans to attend ALL classes and discussions as well as meet all programming requirements.

No. Work study is not available during summer for incoming students. For more information about work-study, contact UCI Financial Aid.

Textbooks for ESL, Accelerated Certificate Programs, and selected on-ground courses are available at the University Bookstore, The Hill. Textbooks for all UCI Division of Continuing Education online and many on-ground courses may be purchased from any vendor or bookseller of the student’s choice. Refer to the enrollment confirmation or the course description on the website for the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) of required and recommended textbooks.

The Hill, located at the UCI Student Center also carries a wide variety of UCI apparel, gifts, accessories, supplies, and electronics.

Readings for Sociology 1 will be made available electronically. Books are not required for Uni Studies 83/84/87.

As a Summer Session student you can go to The ARC. You should download the app and go there with your ID. You will receive more info there. 

UCI Campus Rec on the App Store (apple.com)

FSSP participants will not have access to this space and are encouraged to visit The ARC.

FSSP has four pathways. The Summer Bridge Scholarship has California Resident requirements and FSSP International is intended for international students. All incoming freshmen are invited to participate in FSSP and should check out our website for pathway eligibility.

Students will need to log onto their application portal to submit a registration/application. Students do not need to have submitted an SIR to register/apply for the program. Registration will not be complete until students complete billing and registration documents which will be sent after students submit an SIR or AFTER May 15, 2024 (SIR deadline). Summer Bridge Application review will not start until AFTER May 15, 2024 (SIR deadline).

Summer Bridge, MITS and FSSP International students will only be in courses with other program participants. FSSP Explore students will be in general summer courses with continuing and other incoming students. All courses for FSSP Explore will be in-person.

Students should not take any additional units at UCI or another institution while enrolled in FSSP at UCI. FSSP is a 6-week immersive residential program that includes mandatory courses, workshops and socials.

Explore, MITS, and International participants will select the grading option for their courses upon registration; they may select P/NP or grade letter. All courses for Summer Bridge should be completed for a letter grade (unless prior approval is received).

Students can choose to enroll in Summer Session courses directly. However, they will not have access to housing or FSSP workshops or socials. Housing is available to continuing students who enroll in summer courses. For questions about housing options and policies, contact UCI Student Housing.

You should email registrar@uci.edu or call 949-824-6124. Please note there may be high email and phone traffic at this time which will result in delays in communication.  

For specific situations, you may email fssp@uci.edu and we will try to connect you with the appropriate office.

Usually, students are encouraged to devote 3-4 hours of study/hw time per unit every week. Each course will vary based on the instructor and subject as well as the individual student’s needs/preferences. Students will have free time to study and socialize. 

Student Parent Orientation Program (SPOP) 6 takes place August 2-3. SPOP is mandatory for all incoming students. FSSP Explore, MITS and Bridge are required to attend SPOP 6. International participants should plan to attend ISPOP in September. SPOP 6 immediately precedes the start of the program. We work closely with SPOP to ensure our participants are enrolled in SPOP 6 and receive academic support for registration.

The instructor and course sizes will vary from course to course. Summer Bridge, MITS and FSSP International students will only be in courses with other program participants. FSSP Explore students will be in general summer courses with continuing and other incoming students. All courses for FSSP Explore will be in-person.

Students are enrolled into the program on a rolling-basis. Complete the registration/application early to secure a spot. Limited spots are available in each pathway.

Once students submit a positive SIR and register for the program they will receive an email with instructions on completing enrollment in the program which includes submitting a non-refundable deposit of $190. All registrants who complete the process and sign all paperwork, will receive a welcome email.

Priority applies to the scholarship, not classes. The Priority Scholarship is only available to the FSSP Explore, FSSP International, and MITS pathway participants who register by May 29th.

Unfortunately, no. You may only participate in 1 pathway.

It is highly recommended to submit your 2023-2024 FAFSA as soon as possible so the Financial Aid office can process your application and offer you your financial aid for the summer.

Currently, there is no payment plan available. Students can pay the deposit and work with the UCI billing office regarding paying the summer fees by the deadline.

All students who register for FSSP International, MITS or FSSP Explore by May 22nd are eligible to receive a $1,200 Priority Scholarship. All other aid is distributed as part of the 2023-2024 FAFSA/Dream Act Application.

All students who register by May 29th are eligible to receive a $1,200 Priority Scholarship regardless of financial need.

Yes! Students should complete the 2023-2024 FAFSA/Dream Act Application to receive financial aid for Summer 2024. All Summer Bridge applicants are required to submit the 2023-2024 FAFSA/Dream Act Application  to be considered for a scholarship.

The USHIP fee is only for the summer. You should waive out if you meet the waiver criteria. Once you enroll in the program, you will receive more information about USHIP. Check out more information here. Students must verify that they have health insurance for the academic year (whether it is USHIP or private insurance) and can do so by contacting the Student Health Center at (949) 824-5301. The fee is TBD (In Summer 2023, fee was 302.29)

You will not be able to do the waiver until you are enrolled. You have to be added to the database for USHIP during summer. Once you are enrolled, you will receive instructions about USHIP.

• Move-in date: August 1, 2024
  • Check-In: TBD (by appt)
  • First meal: Dinner
  • Parking: Anteater Parking Structure (parking rates apply)

• Move-out date: September 12, 2024
  • Check-Out: TBD by appt)
  • Last meal: TBD
• Students can view a list of what to bring when moving on-campus.
• A valid parking permit is required at all times when parking on campus. Please refer to UCI Transportation and Distribution Services for permit rates and zone maps.

• All participants living on-campus during the program are required to fill out housing preferences in the FSSP Questionnaire (sent to students after they accept the Summer Bridge scholarship or complete registration in FSSP Explore, FSSP International or MITS)
• Rooming assignments will be sent out to participants 1-2 weeks prior to the start of the program
• All residents will have access to an FSSP Resident Advisor (RA)/ Peer Mentor who can provide advice and support as well as assist with any housing related matters.

Housing Accommodations and Meals

• Meals at Brandywine provided
• Quadruple room assignment in Middle Earth Towers for FSSP Explore, FSSP International and Summer Bridge/ Double room assignment in Middle Earth Classics for MITS

All FSSP participants will reside in Middle Earth. Summer Bridge, FSSP Explore and FSSP International participants will reside in quad assignments in Middle Earth Towers while MITS participants will reside in doubles in Middle Earth Classics.

 FSSP Explore, MITS and Bridge Participants should plan to move out of FSSP Program housing on September 12, 2024. Students with 2024-2025 Academic Year housing Contracts will be eligible to request early move-in housing (subject to nightly rate charge). However, it is not guaranteed students will be placed in their 24-25 assignment. More information will be sent to FSSP participants over the summer.

Yes, even if you are local, you are required to reside on-campus. The only exception is MITS (Math In The Summer) which does have a portion that would be hybrid; MITS participants will reside on-campus from August 1-10 and complete the remainder of the program remotely. All other pathways should plan to resident on-campus from August 1-September 12.

 FSSP participants can submit preferences but they are guaranteed. All participants fill out a rooming preferences form.

The application students completed for the academic year is different from FSSP housing. FSSP housing is only for August 1/3 through Sep 12, 2024 (exception: MITS participants move out August 10th).

FSSP housing is a separate process than academic year housing. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide any special consideration or guarantee to program participants. If you participate in FSSP Explore or Summer Bridge move-in will be August 1st and move-out will be September 12th. Move-in day for FSSP International is August 1 and move out is September 12th. MITS students reside on campus from August 1 to August 10. Students without an academic year housing contract will need to move-out and may not extend their stay. We encourage you to reach out directly to housing@uci.edu to inquire about the waitlist process and share your situation. We hope you will still consider applying to our Summer Bridge program.

Students who register for Explore, MITS, and International by May 29th will be eligible to receive the priority scholarship.

FSSP Explore participants will only select one elective course. Students in FSSP Explore are enrolled in Uni Studies 83 and one course from the pre-approved list.

Students will only be able to access the FSSP form for which they may be eligible for. International students residing internationally and who did not complete HS in the U.S. should register for FSSP International as they will not be eligible to enroll in a different pathway. Students who are international but attended high school in the U.S., can register for FSSP Explore or MITS.

International students will be offered housing options prior to program move-in August 3. Students should indicate they will need support at the time of registration. After the program, international students who have an academic year housing contract may apply for transitional housing. Nightly rate applies and it is subject to availability.

The FSSP International pathway is the most appropriate for international students. Beyond the services provided by the International Center, students can be part of our ISEP/IPG community and take advantage of mentorship, building community, and cultural trips/experiences.

All students who register for FSSP International, MITS or FSSP Explore by May 29th are eligible to receive a $1,200 Priority Scholarship. All other aid is distributed as part of the 2023-2024 FAFSA/Dream Act Application. Students need to complete the FAFSA/DREAM Act Application 2023-2024 to be considered for financial aid for Summer 2024.

Students who register for Explore, MITS, and International by May 29th will be eligible to receive the priority scholarship.

If international students reside locally, and still need their US government requirement, than yes this program would be a good fit for them. If they already have their US government requirement met than the FSSP explore would be a good alternative program for them

Yes, International students will need to submit a Confidential Financial Statement (CFA) to demonstrate proof of additional funding for the cost of the FSSP program.

If the student already has the US government requirement met then they can sign up for the FSSP Explore or MITS pathway.

Students pay the fee only if they get accepted to their respective pathway.

Those who do not receive a scholarship, may still register in FSSP Explore or MITS (registration deadlines apply). Financial aid is available. 

Students may also opt to enroll in summer courses directly.

Students who accept the Summer Bridge Scholarship will receive an email with next steps and instructions within 7 business days. Summer Bridge participants MUST pay the mandatory campus fee of $190 to complete their enrollment. Upon completion of the Summer Bridge Program, the $190 fee will be reimbursed to scholarship recipients as a final portion of the scholarship. However, should scholarship recipients fail to attend or complete the program after submitting your $190 fee, they will NOT be reimbursed; it is then non-refundable.

No. The scholarship does not cover parking. Parking is managed by UCI Transportation and Distribution Services. Visit parking.uci.edu for more information and contact them directly with questions.

Participants are not required to bring a vehicle to campus. If they choose to, they should note that a parking permit is required at all times when parking at UCI. You will need to log onto myCommute on the UCI Transportation and Distribution Services website to purchase a permit. Participants who will be residing at Middle Earth should select “R-ME”. The rates are $69 per week or $135 per month and will allow you to park at the Anteater Parking Structure (APS) 3rd floor and above only and lot 18R. 

Parking is managed by UCI Transportation and Distribution Services. Visit parking.uci.edu for more information or contact them directly with questions (949) 824-3881

As long as your FAFSA/CA Dream Act is submitted on time, we will wait to receive your financial aid information (including your parents signature page). Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Once you are admitted, you need to accept or decline your offer by the deadline in your letter. Within 7 business days of accepting the offer, you will receive an email with details about next steps. 

You will need to confirm acceptance of your Summer Bridge Scholarship from the Financial Aid Office. You will be notified via email by Financial Aid that your award money has been distributed to your MyAid AFTER you accept a spot in the program and are enrolled in Summer Session II.

Any charges that appear now may not be accurate. Charges and financial aid will be posted in Summer. We will follow up with any students who are missing any steps. For specific financial aid questions, email UCI Financial Aid.

Students may see a balance on their accounts after they have enrolled. If students were accepted on a full scholarship, those fees will be covered once the students accept their award on their portal (our team is working on this on the back end).  If students received a partial scholarship, then the award will also be posted on their portal and students will be responsible to pay the remaining balance.

Students will need to log onto their application portal to submit an application. Students do not need to have submitted an SIR to apply for the program. However, application review will not start until AFTER May 15, 2024 (SIR deadline). Applicants are encouraged to submit the 2023-2024 FAFSA/DREAM Act Application as soon as possible to ensure prompt financial verification which can take at least 3-4 weeks. 

An academic year starts with the “Fall” and ends with “Summer.” Therefore, Summer 2024 is a part of the 2023-2024 FAFSA and that is when Summer Bridge is taking place. For Financial Aid purposes, we need all applicants to complete both their 2023-2024 AND 2024-2025 FAFSA/Dream Act in order to process applications.

Only electronic applications are accepted for the FAFSA or CA Dream Act. Please DO NOT submit paper applications as they will not be reviewed, deeming your application incomplete. 

• FAFSA can be completed online here: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

CA Dream Act can be completed online here: https://dream.csac.ca.gov/landing

If you applied and have not heard back, you may have an incomplete FAFSA/CA Dream Act 2023-2024 or may not have submitted it. It may take up to 4 weeks to process your application after submission. If you are still interested, make sure to complete your FAFSA 2023-2024 immediately and email fssp@uci.edu to let us know.

• Reason 1: Pending Residency
  • Check your status with the Resident Deputy at 949-824-6129.
• Reason 2: No HS Diploma
  • Contact Admissions to verify your transcripts have been received
• Reason 3: Incomplete FAFSA/CA Dream Act
  • Check FAFSA/CA Dream Act
  • Contact FinAid to verify all materials have been received

Students who receive a partial scholarship will receive information about the amount due and payment options at the time of admission to the program.

The mandatory campus fee of $190 is due at the time of enrollment but will be refunded to all students who receive a scholarship (full or partial).                     

MORE INFO COMING SOON!

Students may not participate in both CAMP and any FSSP Program. However, students can apply to Summer Bridge in addition to CAMP and choose which to attend. 

CSSA is a three-week residential program that is designed to prepare newly admitted students in STEM for the academic rigor associated with their degree programs. CSSA admits will not be able to participate in Bridge and CSSA. CSSA is a 2-credit experience, and is considered an official orientation by the university. Summer Bridge participants are required to attend SPOP 6 and will complete 8 units during a six-week residential program. 

Students may not participate in more than one pathway. Typically, it takes 3-4 weeks to receive a notification after submission. Once a student receives an admission offer, they must accept or decline their offer by the deadline in their offer letter. Students who choose not to do Summer Bridge or are not accepted may choose to participate in MITS or FSSP Explore (registration deadlines apply).

Scholarship recipients muts meet the following criteria to be eligible: 

• CA resident
• Income-eligible (Determined by 2023-24 FAFSA/Dream Act)
• First-generation

Full and partial scholarships are available and offered on a rolling basis until capacity is met.

Unfortunately, no. We have a financial aid verification process so not everyone who applies will be eligible for the scholarship. There are also limited spots and offers are made on a rolling basis. You are encouraged to apply early!

The cost of the program is approximately $6,363. Below is a breakdown of what is included in the cost:

• Room and Board: $3,580.50
• Course/E-tech/Program: $2,277

*Mandatory Campus Fee: $190

*The mandatory campus fee of $190 is due at the time of enrollment but will be refunded to all students who receive a scholarship (full or partial).

Summer Bridge is a comprehensive program that provides the following benefits:

• Priority registration for courses during first year
• Personalized guidance from an assigned counselor
• Peer mentor support from current UCI upperclassmen
• Access to academic success workshops hosted by Gateway Initiative
• 1 Free LARC tutorial scholarship for tutoring (each LARC tutorial is ~$125)
• Access to a book loan program (rent out available books for the quarter for free and iClickers)

All of the courses for Summer Bridge are required and pre-determined. The courses included Uni Studies 84 with a writing component (4 units) and Sociology 1 (4 units) for a total of 8 units. Participants may not exceed 8 units and are not able to substitute/change the required courses. 

• UNIVERSITY STUDIES 84: Pathways to University Success (4 units)
  • University Studies 83/ 84 is designed to help first-year students make a successful transition to UCI. Through lectures, discussions, course assignments, and activities, students will learn about campus resources that support students’ transition and enhance their academic development, and will develop a personal action plan to guide their UCI career. This course has an added writing component. 

• SOCIOLOGY 1: Introduction to Sociology (4 units)

  • Sociology 1 examines major sociological concepts, theories, and research findings illuminating processes of interpersonal interactions, social difference, and stratification, integration, and conflict. (Fulfills one GE III and IV course)

All FSSP Explore, MITS and Summer Bridge participants are required to attend SPOP 6 on August 2-3. If you had a reservation for a different SPOP, we are moving your reservation to SPOP 6 once registration in FSSP is finalized. If you have not made a SPOP reservation yet, you must log into your SPOP Dashboard at reserve.orientation.uci.edu to make your SPOP 6 reservation. SPOP 6 will be the only program available to you when making your reservation.

We are unable to guarantee SPOP 6 to students registering after June 3rd. 

If you had previously made any parent/family reservations for your parents/families, we are not automatically moving those reservations to POP 6 . You will have to log back into CampusGroups (campusgroups.uci.edu), request a refund for their current reservation, and make new reservations for POP 6. Your parents/families do not have to attend POP 6 with you, so they are welcome to keep their current POP reservations if they prefer.

ALL Summer Bridge Scholars will need to attend SPOP 6 as it will be directly followed by the start of the program. CHC has worked with Summer Bridge Support Staff to ensure that you are able to participate in BOTH CHC and Summer Bridge and are actively working together to provide you the best experience for your needs! CHC has granted permission for you to bypass the expectation to attend SPOP 1 or SPOP 2 and instead will make accommodations for you and other CHC + Summer Bridge students to attend SPOP 6 with the regular Summer Bridge Program. CHC Staff will be present at SPOP 6 to support you after your major advisors help enroll you in your courses and ensure there is space available in Honors Classes for you when you enroll during SPOP 6.  We will also do our best to ensure you get an opportunity to connect with CHC Staff and learn more about the CHC Community. We hope you are excited about the possibility of being a part of two amazing support systems here at UCI that want to see you succeed. Please email honors@uci.edu if you have any questions regarding specific honors questions. More information will be emailed to you about how CHC will support you during SPOP closer to SPOP 6.

During SPOP 6, students will not register for Summer Bridge classes; students will register for the Fall 2024 classes. For more questions please contact them directly.

Summer Bridge Scholars will be expected to attended courses, community care series, socials as well as Collegiate Life and Faculty Connections events.

COMMUNITY CARES

• MWF 10am-12:00pm

UNIVERSITY STUDIES 84 (4 units)

• Lecture – MW 4-6:50pm
• Activity – MW 5-6:50pm
• Writing Lab – TuTh 10:30-11:50am

 SOCIOLOGY 1: Introduction to Sociology (4 units)

• Lecture – TuTh 1:00pm-3:50pm

FSSP refers to the program as a whole. Summer Bridge is one of four pathways.