BRIDGE is a Social Justice and Leadership Institute designed for students who identify as first generation, low income, students of color, and/or LGBTQ+. This Extended Orientation Program introduces underrepresented students early on to specific faculty, staff, student leaders, and other campus resources that can help facilitate a smoother transition to campus and community life. In alignment with Gonzaga’s Jesuit mission, BRIDGE activities and workshops focus on identity development, cultural competence, resilience theory, and the social change model of leadership. BRIDGE also covers such relevant topics as imposter syndrome, stereotype threat, and allyship in an effort to proactively address the “culture shock” that many underrepresented students experience during their first semester at a Predominantly White institution (PWI). All participants will have two BRIDGE Counselors, fellow students who then become their peer mentors throughout their first year in college. BRIDGE is the start of a robust network of year-long support for underrepresented students, who will be trained and nurtured to create a better tomorrow through social justice leadership.
There is a refundable cost of $25 to hold your spot for BRIDGE. The deposit will be refunded when you show up for the first day of BRIDGE.
You can register online beginning on Friday, May 19th, 2023 at 6 PM PST. Registration is on a first come, first serve basis, so hurry! If you have any questions feel free to call us at (509) 313-5836 or email us at umec@gonzaga.edu.
Your arrival to campus is expected on Sunday, August 20, 2023 between 9a - 12p.
Yes! All students will stay in a Gonzaga residence hall on campus.
Pack a bag for the program. (You will get the opportunity to move in to your residence hall. However, during the program you will be required to stay in a different residence hall with the rest of the group).