Congratulations on your acceptance to UConn through the Center for Access and Postsecondary Success (CAPS) Summer Program. CAPS is an educational opportunity program that provides access to UConn, supports students in achieving their goal of earning a bachelor’s degree, and fosters students’ academic, professional, and personal development in college and beyond. During the exciting, five-week Summer Program, incoming first year students get an early start experiencing University academics and life, making friends, getting acquainted with campus resources, and forging connections with staff who are invested in their success. We know you have many questions about the Summer Program, and we hope to answer some of them here.
Why was I selected for the CAPS Summer Program?
Admissions considers a student for participation in CAPS if they meet any or all of the following eligibility criteria:
- First-generation to college (i.e., neither of the student's parents have completed a bachelor's degree)
- Demonstrates financial need based on a completed FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- From a population underrepresented in higher education
- Resides in an under resourced community
- Required: Must be a resident of the state of Connecticut
Each application is reviewed holistically and, in addition to the above eligibility, a student’s grades, grade point average, rigor of coursework, involvement, recommendations, potential to succeed at the University, and the degree to which they may benefit from the program are taken into consideration. Because each student’s educational background and experience is unique, no one factor determines CAPS selection. Please contact Admissions if you have any questions.
How much does the summer program cost?
Your summer tuition, room, board, and textbooks are covered by the University. You pay only a $75 fee. This fee is payable after the program begins, at which time the charge will be placed on your student fee bill and can be paid electronically through the Student Administration System.
What can I expect in the Summer Program?
You can expect to have structure, work hard, earn UConn credits, build relationships with peers and university faculty and staff, learn, grow, become more independent, and have fun. While the Summer Program is intensive, there are opportunities to explore campus, workout at the fitness center, and engage in social and community ctivities. By the end of the program, you will know your new campus well and be able to easily navigate it when you return in the fall so you can hit the ground running.
Where will I live?
You will be housed in a University residence hall that is exclusively for CAPS Summer Program participants. A peer community leader will be housed on each floor and will be your go to person for matters related to living on campus. In addition, a residential coordinator and peer resident counselor will be on the premises to ensure a safe, supportive living environment.
Will I have a roommate?
Yes, all Summer Program participants will be roomed with another student. Roommates are assigned randomly. If you have any specific needs or concerns about living on campus this summer, please contact the CAPS College Program director Kimberly Gorman at Kimberly.gorman@uconn.edu or at 860-486-5460.
My Admissions acceptance letter states that I am required to complete the CAPS Summer Program to continue in the fall. What if I don’t pass a class?
The Summer Program is designed to help you succeed. Class sizes are small, instructor office hours are available, tutoring is offered, study hours are mandatory, and your assigned CAPS counselor meets with you weekly to check in and see how you are doing. With that said, sometimes students do have difficulty with certain courses, no matter how hard they work. While we look at each student case-by-case, be assured that your CAPS counselor will consider your effort and advocate for your best interest.
I have a vacation already planned during the Summer Program. What do I do?
Due to the intensive schedule of the Summer Program and the rigor of the courses, taking a vacation during the five weeks is not possible. The courses you will be enrolled in are typically offered over a 14-week period during the fall and/or spring semesters. In summer they will move at a far more accelerated pace, so missing one day of class is like missing one week of classes during the regular semester. Please contact Admissions at beahusky@uconn.edu if you no longer are able to participate in the Summer Program.
I planned to work this summer to help pay for college. Will I be able to?
You will be required to live on campus Sunday evening through Friday afternoon for the duration of the five-week program, which will not allow for weekday work. If you choose, you may go home on weekends and work at that time, though we strongly encourage you to remain on campus to participate in social activities, rest, and catch up on any coursework.
My family planned a graduation party for me on a weekend during the Summer Program. Is this okay?
Again, you may go home on weekends, so by all means enjoy your graduation party! However, you must return Sunday evening in time for study hours, which begin at 6:30 p.m.
What should I bring to campus for the Summer Program?
An open mind, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn and grow. Practically speaking, a checklist of items to bring may be found here.
I have a question that wasn’t answered here. Who can I contact?
Please contact the Storrs CAPS office at 860-486-0127 or 860-486-4040. The office is staffed Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. You may also email cap@uconn.edu.