In March of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic was shutting down in-person instruction and UMD’s Swenson College of Science & Engineering (SCSE) was reeling to adapt like so many others across higher education. How do we move forward? What can we do to protect people and still make sure students are getting their education? With so much changing and new challenges popping up daily, SCSE Dean Wendy Reed also asked, “What is our college doing to stay connected with the students that decide school can wait during the pandemic?”
In answer to this question, Swenson College launched a new program “Bridging the Gap.” Planning for it started soon after the tumultuous 2020 spring semester and launched in September of 2020. At that point, there was no end in sight for the pandemic and things were still very much in transition, but Dean Reed saw an opportunity amidst all the challenges.
Doing Something More
Dr. Amy Kireta is the Outreach Specialist for Swenson College and runs programming that typically focuses on connecting college students with the community and providing STEM activities for 6th-12th grade youth. “As everything in the community was shifting, this seemed like the right time to look inward and do something more to support our students,” said Kireta.
That is the program’s mission - to provide students choosing to delay their college career with programming that increases their connection with the college community and provides an opportunity for self-understanding and career development.
Sam Hise is a senior majoring in Biology and participated in the program. Hise said, “It showed me that UMD cared about me as a whole person. It sent me a message that we support your decision and want to help you on your path, no matter what that might be.”
How it Works
The program is free and open to admitted SCSE students that have delayed enrollment or their return to campus. It offers them the chance to meet online once a month with fellow students, faculty, career counselors, industry professionals and Dean Reed. Each meeting has a different focus like career preparation, goal setting, study skills, time management or how to manage stress and adapt to change. Kireta said, “We focus on topics that will ultimately help them succeed in life and the college setting, when and if they decide to enroll.”
As an additional motivator, Kireta explained that the program offers a small scholarship for students that complete multiple sessions. “Our participants may have jobs or family commitments that make prioritizing meetings difficult,” said Kireta. “Plus, when they decide to return to school, this investment in their time will be worth it, as they will have the knowledge and connections to help them succeed.”
“Keeping a Foot in the Door”
“For me, it was about keeping a foot in the door,” said Hise. He was nearly finished with a second undergraduate degree and on his way to applying for medical school when he decided to take time off. “I work in an assisted living facility and didn’t want to go back and forth between school labs and work and risk exposing people to COVID,” he said.
Hise’s experience is not typical. Many gap year participants are just starting their college career. According to Hise, this program can be of great benefit to them in particular. “It has given us some really important tools for success. Also, having relationships like this with professors is especially important in STEM because it can help you down the road as you focus on your career path.”
Connor Opay is a first-year student majoring in Biology and needed time off school to earn extra income to help pay for college. He also participated and said, “This was an amazing program to join and I feel lucky to have been part of it.”
The program has had 10 students participate over the course of the 2020/2021 academic year. “We are excited to continue it and hopefully, expand it,” said Dean Reed. “There are many reasons why students delay their college career. So, even after the pandemic there will be a need and we want to support students regardless of where they are in their educational journey.”