CONNECT

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January Program students connect to Washington University during the summer and fall through Academic Advising, Peer Advising, and Academic Options at WU. Natalie Wasserman, class of 2011

"Although the January Program is not the traditional way to start college, the unique qualities of the program allow students to flourish academically and socially ... while exploring their varied interests and growing as a person." Natalie Wasserman, class of 2011.

ACADEMIC ADVISING

All January Program students work with academic advisors in their College (Art, Architecture, or Arts & Sciences) from the time they accept admission to WU through the end of the fall.

Together, they can determine not only how the student will earn 12-15 credits prior to January to stay on track to graduate with his or her freshman class, but also plan for and reflect on their experience during the summer and fall.

PEER ADVISING

Students also connect with Washington University through our January Program Peer Advisors. The Peer Advisors are advanced WashU students who entered through the January Program and have volunteered to provide peer support to the new January Program students from the time they receive their letters of admission through the end of their first year.

ACADEMIC OPTIONS AT WU

At the heart of the January Program are two academic opportunities for students to connect with WU: the Freshman Summer Academic Program (FSAP) and the Fall Program.

These programs allow students to earn academic credit; experience Washington University’s academic life; and become familiar with the campus, fellow freshmen, and key faculty and staff. Participating in one or both of these programs helps January Program students to feel more confident as they branch out to explore their own paths during the fall and to have a successful transition in the spring.

January Program students attend one or both programs.

FRESHMAN SUMMER ACADEMIC PROGRAM (FSAP)

FSAP is a 5-week summer academic program that takes place on Washington University's campus and admits incoming freshmen who want to get a jump start on college life. More specifically, it gives students the opportunity to do the following:

Earn 6 credits, which helps January Program students stay on track to graduate with their peers;
Get to know faculty, staff, and other students, including both January Program and fall-admission freshmen;
Become intimately familiar with the campus;
Attend valuable workshops to help choose or design their fall experience.

For summer 2009, FSAP begins on June 13 and ends July 18.

FSAP is a good choice for January Program students interested in a sustained, long-term fall experience, such as study abroad, international service, international internships, or wilderness education. This program allows them to build the confidence to embark for semester-long experience while staying connected with WU.

The deadline for applying is May 27, 2009. For more information, go to the FSAP site.

THE FALL PROGRAM

The Fall Program is designed exclusively for January Program students. Participants come to campus four long weekends during the fall semester, during which they attend a 3-credit course. Through the Fall Program, students

Earn 3 credits toward their degree
Get to know faculty and staff, become familiar with the campus, and meet and become friends with both January Program and fall-admission freshmen, all of which helps with their transition in spring;
Receive advising and register for spring semester classes.

The Fall Program works well for students who are engaged at home in projects or courses, such as local community service, internships, work, or courses at local institutions. It also works well with students who participate in short-term (1-2 week) international service or wilderness education programs.

The deadline for applying is also May 27, but students may continue to apply as late as July 17. For more information, go to the Fall Program page.