In being admitted to the UW Academy, students begin their careers as full University of Washington students. In their first year, the UW Academy provides a number of programs designed to support the transition to college life, and to give students the skills they will need to meet their goals at the university.
Summer Advising
Leading up to the start of the school year, Academy students participate in RC Summer Advising and Orientation Sessions (A&O) led by the Robinson Center Academic Advisor & Coach. Summer A&O Sessions, which take place in July and August, introduce Academy students to campus resources, undergraduate degree requirements, and the class registration process. The UW Academy and RC Academic Advisor & Coach work in close partnership with UW's First Year Programs (FYP) and Undergraduate Academic Advising (UAA) to provide Academy students with a supportive transition into the University.
Summer Bridge
The Academy begins with the Bridge Program, which is designed to ease the transition from 10th grade to university. Bridge begins with an off campus social event in mid-September where students meet members of their cohort, Academy student mentors, and UW Academy staff. In the days following this event, students attend workshops on college success skills led by Academy staff and students.
Fall Bridge
Bridge continues into Fall Quarter with 1-2 required courses: the RC 1st year seminar and First-Year Interest Group (FIG) options. The RC 1st year course is a weekly seminar, designed specifically for first-year RC students, that introduces them to academic disciplines, university resources, and gives them a chance to build community. Alongside this course, our students may decide to take part in a FIG course. The goal of these courses is to provide students with a common experience and an opportunity to bond as a group while also helping them to develop college-level academic skills.
University Schedule
In their first quarter at UW, most students will take between 12-15 credits, meaning they will be in class 12-15 hours per week. 12-15 credits is usually achieved by taking 3-4 total classes. While new students may think they will have more free time during their day, part of the adjustment to college is understanding that most of your learning and work happen outside of class time. Students should consult with advisers when planning their class schedules and keep in mind that a college schedule will look quite different from what a student experienced in high school.
Advising
Academy students have regular required advising appointments with the Robinson Center’s Academic Counselor throughout their first and second years at the UW. In addition, social programming is offered to encourage community both within the first year cohort and among Academy cohorts.