A Moravian University Summer Transition Support Program for Incoming First-Year Students

Thanks to a generous donation, we are pleased to provide a summer transition program for incoming Moravian University students who may need more support with social skills, independent living skills, connecting with peers, and transitioning from high school to our university.  This program is designed specifically to be helpful to students who identify as neurodivergent, although a disability diagnosis is not required to participate.  We will choose 5-15 students for this FREE opportunity.  Please review the following information and complete the Summer Transition Support Program Application (opening in February) by May 16, 2027.  Interviews will be held during May and June, or until all spots are filled.  Applicants who are selected will be notified by June 30, 2026.

This program is a three-week, residential summer experience designed to support incoming first-year students as they prepare for the transition to college at Moravian University. 

The program focuses on building skills in independent living, social connection, executive functioning, and self-advocacy. Through a structured schedule of interactive workshops, real-world practice, and community-building activities, students will gain the tools and confidence needed to navigate college life successfully.

Participants will:

- Practice daily living skills and routines needed for residential life

- Build meaningful peer connections in a supportive environment

- Develop strategies for time management, organization, and coursework

- Learn how to access campus resources and advocate for their needs

This is a highly interactive and structured program that requires active participation and a willingness to engage in new experiences. Students selected for the program will benefit from additional support as they prepare for the academic, social, and personal expectations of college.

Program Schedule:

The program will run from Monday, August 2, 2026 through Thursday, August 19, 2027.  Students will live on campus and participate in program activities from Sunday afternoons through Thursday afternoons each week (starting on Monday morning the first week).  Students who expect to reside on campus during the academic year will move into their assigned rooms early; commuter students will be assigned rooms for the duration of the program.

The program will not be in session from Thursday evening through Sunday afternoon, and students will be expected to return home during those times.

Here is some additional information about the program:

The tentative daily schedule (8:30 A.M.- 10:00 P.M.):

  • 8:30 - 9:00 - breakfast with the mentors and staff
  • 9:00 - 9:30 - daily check-ins 
  • 9:30 - 11:30- First Year Foundations class, built-in breaks, tours of buildings
  • 11:30 - 12:30- Break
  • 12:30- 1:30- Lunch with staff
  • 1:30 - 2:00- Break
  • 2:00 - 2: 30- Presentation by a campus partner (available resources on campus)
  • 2:30 - 3:30- Structured study (complete homework, connect with Student Success Coach)
  • 3:30 - 5:00- Dungeons & Dragons skill-building session (no experience necessary)
  • 5:00 - 6:00- Dinner with mentors and graduate coordinator
  • 6:00 - 8:00- Graduate coordinator/peer mentor- led evening activities
  • 8:00 - 10:00- Free time (must be in residence hall by 9:45)

Students will have the opportunity to learn how to eat in the four dining locations, ride the shuttle, explore the Moravian Book Shop, tour each building on campus, and learn how to connect with most resources on campus.

Students will complete the mandatory First Year Foundations course one semester early, so this is one less course during the Fall.

Students will be required to meet a peer mentor weekly during the Fall 2027 semester in order to make sure their transitions are going well and they are connecting to needed resources.

Requirements to participate in the program:

- Deposited and planning to attend Moravian for the Fall 2027 semester

- Fall tuition bill paid by July 16, 2027

- Student Health Records uploaded and complete by July 16, 2027

- Agreement and ability to move in the morning of August 2, 2027, stay on campus until Thursday, and live on campus from Sunday afternoon to Thursday afternoon each of the following two weeks 

- Actively participate in all programming during the three weeks to the best of your ability

- Willingness to engage in group activities and social experiences (with support)

- Meet with a peer mentor weekly during the Fall 2027 semester

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If this sounds like a program that will benefit you and fits into your schedule, please complete the Summer Transition Support Program Application (opening in February).  

For more information, please email the Office of Disability and Accommodations at oda@moravian.edu or call 610-861-1401.