Birds flying next to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

Bridge Program

The Bridge Program is a comprehensive yearlong program tailored to empower first-year F-1 Visa students in their transition to study at California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco, CA. The program focuses on addressing fundamental needs, fostering academic success, and connecting with a supportive community. Our mission is to provide incoming students with an opportunity to socialize and strengthen academic skills through individualized advising and mentorship, foundational writing and research workshops, experiential learning modules on community, diversity, and social justice, as well as communal gatherings and celebrations.

At the heart of the program, we intend to assist students in cultivating the skills, confidence, and resources that will enable them to thrive during their time at CIIS. Hosted by the Office of Student Success in Student Affairs in collaboration with the various departments across the university, the Bridge Program is tapped into networks of student life.

Following a three-day immersive program at CIIS campus, incoming students are paired with a peer mentor group that will meet throughout the upcoming academic year. Through the Bridge Program, students are more easily connected to the resources, events, and services available throughout their program of study. The year-long mentorship program provides immersive experiences, community building and peer-to-peer development. All students are invited to co-create the culture together!

Bridge Program Events

Bridge Program Coordinator and Instructor: Sumana Dugar
International Student Advisor: Shmee Giarratana

Monday, August 12

F-1 Responsibilities & International Student Life
9:30am - 4:30pm (lunch included)
In-person at CIIS Mission Campus, Area 5

Tuesday, August 13

Academics & CIIS Culture
9:30am - 4:30pm (lunch included)
In-person at CIIS Mission Campus, Area 5

Wednesday, August 14

Life in the Bay Area
9:30am - 4:30pm (lunch included)
In-person at CIIS Mission Campus, Area 5
Group outing to Golden Gate Park
 

How is the Bridge Program different from New Student Orientation (NSO)? 

NSO allows new students to learn about all aspects of student life as well as the opportunity to meet faculty, staff, and other students. The Bridge Program orients students to foundational writing and classroom communication skills, and offers the opportunity to be matched with a peer mentor. Because both programs provide critical skills and resources for your CIIS journey, we encourage you to attend all sessions.