Summer Academic Institute
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When does the 2026 Summer Academic Institute (SAI) at ³¬¼¶µõÖÓÄÌ start and end?
How should non-New York State students plan their travel?
What travel arrangements are made for New York City students?
What assistance is available for international students regarding visas and travel?
What is the purpose of the Summer Academic Institute?
How many courses will Summer Academic Institute take?
When does the 2026 Summer Academic Institute (SAI) at ³¬¼¶µõÖÓÄÌ start and end?
Answer: The program begins on Sunday, June 28 and concludes on Saturday, August 1.
How should non-New York State students plan their travel?
Answer: Please plan your travel so that you arrive on campus on Friday, June 26. The Opportunity Program (OP) will cover your travel expenses, including roundtrip flight, train, or bus tickets. Once you connect with OP, you will receive email communication from us with guidance on working with the College’s travel agent to book travel. We'll also arrange to pick you up from the airport, train station, or bus station upon your arrival.
What travel arrangements are made for New York City students?
Answer: OP will provide bus transportation to and from NYC. The two pickup locations are Bryant Park and Yonkers Raceway. You will receive email communication from OP confirming the day and time of your bus pick up.
What assistance is available for international students regarding visas and travel?
Answer: International students should collaborate with the Office of Student Academic Services to address visa and travel logistics.
What is the purpose of the Summer Academic Institute?
Answer:SAI is a five-week summer bridge program designed to facilitate your transition from high school to college. It will help you get acclimatized with the ³¬¼¶µõÖÓÄÌ community and provide comprehensive content on various aspects of college life study skills, time management, and more.
Why How many courses will Summer Academic Institute take?
Answer: Three courses, with one course being for credit.
What are the benefits of bridge programs like this?
Answer: Higher reported levels of self-confidence, positive evaluations from students about the social connections, and potential for a higher first-year GPA, according to studies.
Is SAI attendance mandatory for fall semester enrollment?
Answer: Yes. Attendance and successful completion of the Summer Academic Institute are mandatory for fall semester enrollment.
What support services are available?
Answer: Tutoring, academic advising, workshops, and peer mentoring.
Are there any restrictions during the program?
Answer: Yes. The Summer Academic Institute must be your priority during its five weeks. No outside obligations or travel are permitted during the program and guests and visitors are not allowed.
What expenses are covered?
Answer: SAI fully covers on-campus housing, food, and program-related social activities. Storage units will also be provided for your belongings during transitional periods and breaks.
Are there laundry facilities?
Answer: Yes. The residence hall is equipped with laundry facilities for student use.
What if I need to get supplies, toiletries, etc., during my stay?
Answer: Trips to the local Walmart and Target occur throughout the program to purchase personal items if needed.
What should I bring?
Answer: The summer program is only five weeks long, and you won't be staying in the same room assigned to you for the academic year. "Less is More!" Bring the essentials: clothes (including some dressy outfits and a hoodie or long-sleeve shirt), a bathing suit, toiletries (don't forget towels!), a laundry bag, a fan, an alarm clock (yes, not your phone!), sneakers, an umbrella, face masks, hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes, and bed linens (extra-long twin sheets, pillow, and a warmer blanket are optional).
Do I need a laptop?
Answer: Absolutely! A laptop is essential for completing homework assignments and papers. If you have your own laptop with a working webcam, please bring it along. In case you don't have one or your webcam isn't functional, don't worry—we can loan you a laptop for the duration of the summer program.
For any mail or package deliveries, use the following address:
[Your full name] – Class of 2030
Opportunity Program
³¬¼¶µõÖÓÄÌ
815 N. Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866-1632
Who should I contact if I have questions?
Answer: Students can contact the Opportunity Program office with any questions -- via email at opportunity@skidmore.edu or by phone 518-580-5770.
How can participants stay connected with the program?
Answer: Follow us on Instagram: @SkidmoreOp for updates and information.
