Forty members of the Class of 2023 began getting a head start on college when they arrived on June 30 for the Opportunity Programs’ intensive academic college transition program.
Each summer, Opportunity Programs welcomes to campus a cohort of incoming students for a five-week program, directed by Phyllis Breland (HEOP) ’80. It introduces students to Hamilton’s academic rigor and assists them in building a personalized foundation for success, including an opportunity to fulfill College graduation requirements in quantitative and symbolic reasoning and in physical education.
This year’s group includes an international student from Ghana and U.S. students from as far away as Colorado and Texas.
After an orientation program on Sunday night, the group got right into academics. Students are introduced to coursework that includes an emphasis on written and oral communication and critical reasoning. Courses include mathematics, philosophy, psychology, and science. The program also exposes students to time management skills, research methods, and library resources to assist in the development of a personalized routine for learning.
Hamilton faculty teaching this summer include Karen Brewer (Chemistry), Mark Cryer (Oral Communication), Cindy Domack (Geology), Todd Franklin (Philosophy), John Geissinger (Athletics), Rob Kantrowitz ’82 (Math), Herm Lehman (Biology), Margaret Thickstun (Writing) Jeff Landry & David Walden (Campus Psychology), Routine for learning (Phyllis Breland & Brenda Davis).
The students also met with President David Wippman who joined them for lunch on July 2. This year’s program will feature "More Than a Meal," Friday lunches with leadership staff from the Dean of Students Office, Campus Safety, and Financial Aid.
