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Keene State Links Program

Links: Connect for Success

A Summer College Experience

Imagine. You arrive on campus with thousands of other students, but you know this campus. You know people, what resources are available, where they’re located and who to see in each office.

And imagine feeling confident when classes begin because you’re familiar with this new academic environment. And you’ve already completed three college courses and earned nine credits!

Program Information for Current Links Students and Families

Please check this website frequently for updates regarding the Links Program procedures and what we’re up to!

  1. Links Weekly Schedule
  2. Academic Information
  3. Residential Information
  4. COVID-19 Policies & Information
  5. Links Resources
  6. What is Links?
  7. Why Links?
  8. What Former Links Students Say
  9. Are you a Links student?
  10. Links College Courses
  11. Apply to the Links Program
  12. What Does Links Cost?
  13. How to become a Links Program Staff Member

Our first two weeks of Links are remote this year and the schedule is different than it will be when we are residential! Links Program Weekday Schedule

Academic Information

For the virtual component of the program all students will access their courses and important academic information through KSC’s learning management system, Canvas. Students are able to login to Canvas using their NetID and password.

Residential Information

Move-in for the residential component of the program is Sunday, August 2nd.

Opening Day Schedule, 2020

Move-In Times:

11:00 Wilbur Watson

11:30 Cronin Abello Mooney Saribas

12:00 Phipps Naughton Mcpherson Wall

12:30 Lindamood Ingalls Beaulieu Pelkey

1:00 Szum Carson Russo

1:30 Quinn Walker

1:45 Balboni Wiley Leferiere

3:30pm - Getting to know each other

5pm - Dinner at the DC

6pm - Campus tour/Scavenger Hunt

7pm- Community Meeting

Housing

All Links participants will be living in Owls Nest for the duration of the program. Students will be housed in singles to promote physical distancing.

Students will access the building with their Owl ID Card and their room with a key. Loss of either item will incur a charge of at least $25 to be replaced. It is suggested that students keep these items separate and safe.

Meal Schedule

Monday - Friday Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner will be served through the KSC Dining Commons.

  • Breakfast - 8am-9am
  • Lunch - 11:30am-12:30pm
  • Dinner - 5pm-6pm

Saturday & Sunday - “Brunch” at the Dining Commons at 11:30am A $15/meal stipend will be given to each residential Links participant for dinner Saturday 8/8 and Sunday 8/9 (with an additional $15 for a celebratory meal out after the completion of the program on Friday 8/21).

Weekend meals (including dinner) will begin on Saturday, August 15th.

Links Program Meals Calendar

COVID-19 Policies & Information

Please check back here soon for more information.

All Links faculty, students, and staff will be required to wear a face covering at all times unless alone in their room/office or sitting down to eat. All members of the community will also be required to maintain a physical separation of at least 6 ft. at all times. Classroom capacities have been adjusted to meet this requirement and spacing in the classroom will meet physical distancing guidelines.

TESTING

College officials have informed us that students MUST get tested at one of three locations on Tuesday, July 28th between 10am and 2pm (please note the time change from original message) in order to move onto campus Sunday 8/2. Those three locations are:

  • Keene State College - Spaulding Gymnasium Parking Lot Map 229 Main Street, Keene, NH
  • Plymouth State University - Welcome Center and Ice Arena 17 High Street, Plymouth, NH
  • Fallon Ambulance Service 111 Brook Road, Quincy, MA

We are told at this point no appointment is necessary. If you do not get tested you will NOT be allowed to move in or be on campus. Please bring a photo ID with you and also have your Student ID#.

The Links Program is a five-week summer program designed for first-time college students. The purpose of Links is to expose students to the academic and social expectations of college in a supportive learning community. The program takes place in classrooms, a residence hall, around campus and in the local Keene community.

Co-curricular and classroom components are integrated thematically in an attempt to make learning relevant and meaningful. Links components are designed to enhance critical skills such as college reading, writing, critical thinking and communication. At the close of five-weeks, students are better able to handle the varied demands of college and be active, contributing members of the Keene State College community.

The Links Program is designed to ensure beginning college students have a successful and fulfilling academic experience. It allows students to enter college through a challenging, yet rewarding program that builds confidence and the connections that lead to making the most out of their time on campus. They earn college credits and make contacts at KSC and in the greater Keene community. The Links students form relationships with KSC faculty, staff and other students that give them a head start on their fall semester and the rest of their college career. Many students take a summer course or two at some point before graduation. Links is your chance to create a solid foundation for your academic career!

Read what some of our program participants say about Links.

Links offers:

  • Introduction to campus life and the KSC community
  • Leadership and volunteer opportunities
  • Small classes
  • Skills enhancement and practice
  • Tutoring and group study sessions

You may well be! Links students are recent high school graduates and those out of school for a while. Most are planning to attend Keene State; some will attend other institutions. Most live on campus during the program, but some do not.

Yet, all Links students work hard to develop clear priorities during the five weeks of the program. And all Links students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the activities and events the program offers as well as the individual and group advising and assistance.

The Links residential staff coordinates social, cultural and recreational events for Links students, keeping in mind students’ interests and preferences.

Two Required Courses (5 credits)

Links courses are available to all students, no matter what their major. All Links students take a total of 9 college credits consisting of two required courses and one elective.

The two required courses listed below fulfill 5 of 9 credits.

KSC 199: College Success KSC Strategies (1 credit)

College Success Strategies is designed to facilitate the transition to college by acquainting students with the structure and expectations of college, assisting in the improvement of the skills and support systems that contribute to academic success.

Topics covered and reinforced throughout the Links program include goal-setting, time management, college level study skills, technology, managing stress, and more. Students are introduced to a variety of academic and social resources and opportunities. Students also participate in a service learning project.

ITW 101: Integrated Thinking and Writing: Social Justice (4 credits)

Integrative Studies Foundation Course that introduces students to skills and ways of thinking essential to intellectual inquiry. Students pose a creative and complex question; investigate it with critical analyses of readings, research, and data; and use appropriate research techniques and documentation to produce a substantial writing project

One Elective (4 credits)

Link students also take one Integrative Studies Elective course. ISP course offerings may include the following credit courses.

INGEOG-204 Earth’s Changing Landscapes

This course examines the dynamic processes that shape the planet’s dramatic landscapes. Topics include external forces such as glaciers, rivers, and oceans, as well as internal forces such as volcanoes and earthquakes, and how these lead to earth’s widely varied landforms. Special attention is given to map interpretation.

IHCOMM 171: Public Speaking

Through experience in a variety of speaking situations, students gain self-confidence in the organization of thought and self-expression.

IS PSYC 100:Topics in Psychology

An exploration of topical psychological issues for nonmajors. Topics vary in sub-areas of psychology such as biological, social, cognitive, developmental, and clinical psychology. May be repeated for credit as topics change.

How to become a Links student

Our Links 2020 Application is CLOSED

Our application deadline is June 26, 2020 Contact us for more information and/or complete our online Links student application.

Once we receive your application, we’ll be in touch with you!

Summer 2020 Dates & Rates and Application

Program Dates for 2020:

The program runs from July 20th* through August 21st

*Online component July 20th-31st, Students Move-In to Res Hall Aug 2nd

These dates are subject to change based on the recommendation from college officials.

Preliminary Program Cost:

Links 2020 Program Total: $5,265 ($4,500 Tuition, $765 R&B).

Our Links Tutor Counselor 2020 Application is CLOSED. Please check back next year!

Applying to be a Links Staff Member:

Once we receive your application, we’ll be in touch with you! Contact us for more information if needed!

Contact Links

✉ links@keene.edu
☎ 603-358-2325
603-358-2059 (fax)