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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!

  1. What is Links?
  2. Why Links?
  3. What Former Links Students Say
  4. Are you a Links student?
  5. Links College Courses
  6. Apply to the Links Program
  7. What Does Links Cost?
  8. Links Resources
  9. Tentative Opening Day Schedule, 2020
  10. How to become a Links Program Staff Member

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. Summer 2016 ISP course offerings may include the following credit courses.

ISGEOG 100: Introduction to Geography

A systematic introduction to the discipline, designed to give the beginning student exposure to major topics associated with the subfields of geography. Geographic concepts and theories using real world examples will be presented in order to examine spatial information and patterns that exist on the earth.

IHCOMM 171: Public Speaking

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

INHLSC 175: Essentials of Nutrition Science

An introduction to basic nutrition science concepts including nutrition guidelines, micro and macronutrients, anatomy and physiology of digestion and absorption of nutrients, energy balance, and health and wellness. The course will integrate course content, technology and quantitative reasoning using hands-on investigative activities to interpret and evaluate nutritional needs.

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.

IQL 101: Quantitative Literacy

Students will develop the skills and habits of mind needed to work with quantitative information in daily life: numbers in the news, taxes, debt, inflation, probability. Emphasizes real-world, open-ended situations. Topics include estimation, algebraic reasoning, linear and exponential models, descriptive statistics, and spreadsheets.

How to become a Links student

Our Links 2020 Application is Now Open!

Our application deadline is May 22nd, 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:

Monday, July 6 - Online Component Begins

Sunday, July 12– Move-in, residential program begins

Friday, August 7 – Classes End; Move-out

Preliminary Program Cost:

Tuition $4,500 Room & Board $1,000

Tentative Opening Day Schedule, 2020

Sunday, July 12

noon – 1:30 p.m.

Move-in to Pondside 1

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Orientation – Putnam Theatre (students and parents)

2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Settle into rooms and say goodbyes!

4:00 p.m – 5:30 p.m.

Fun and Games – Pondside 1

5:30 p.m – 6:30 p.m.

Dinner together in the Dining Commons

6:30 p.m – 7:00 p.m.

Campus Tours with Tutors

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m.

Community Meeting - Pondside 1

8:00 p.m. - TBD

Optional Events

Our Links Tutor Counselor 2020 Application is Now Open!

Our application deadline is April 10th, 2020

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)