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!
- What is Links?
- Why Links?
- What Former Links Students Say
- Are you a Links student?
- Links College Courses
- Apply to the Links Program
- What Does Links Cost?
- Links Resources
- Tentative Opening Day Schedule, 2020
- How to become a Links Program Staff Member
What is Links?
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.
Why Links?
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!
What Former Links Students Say
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
Are you a Links student?
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.
Links College Courses
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.
Apply to the Links Program
How to become a Links student
Our Links 2020 Application is Now Open!
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!
What Does Links Cost?
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).
Links Resources
- Summer Links Program Contract Agreement
- Links Program Weekday Schedule
- Summer Health Care Resources
- Residential Life: What to Bring
- Mason Library
- Office of Disability Services If appropriate, Links students are encouraged to connect with ODS prior to the start of the summer program.
Tentative Opening Day Schedule, 2020
Sunday, August 2nd
Schedule coming soon
How to become a Links Program Staff Member
Our Links Tutor Counselor 2020 Application is Now Open!
Our application deadline is April 10th, 2020
Applying to be a Links Staff Member:
- Read the Summer Links Staff Job Description and Procedures
- Complete the Links Tutor/Counselor Application
- Links Confidential Reference Form
Once we receive your application, we’ll be in touch with you! Contact us for more information if needed!