The pre-freshman summer program is required for all university students admitted into Opportunity Programs at Manhattan University.  

The summer program is designed to orient pre-freshmen students to life on campus, enrich their academic skills and acquaint the student with the services available at the University. 

Students are required to take one writing course, one mathematics course, and a third course that is tailored to their chosen major. The summer program typically runs from the first week of July to the second week of August over four or five days for six weeks.

During the summer program, students are eligible to receive three credits for their writing course, English 106, English 110, or Religion 110, which are courses that are traditionally taken during a student’s first year as a university student. This opportunity gives students the flexibility of reducing their course load in their first year and serves as a contingency for future semesters. Students are also given the opportunity to advance from precalculus to Calculus I if they are successful in the summer program course. 

Opportunity Programs will support the student holistically to assist them to reach their academic goals. Students will be advised regularly, and will be empowered to take ownership of their academic success.  Opportunity Programs will collaborate with Assistant Deans, faculty, and other departments on campus to ensure that the student is fully supported. Advisors promote student engagement in all facets of the University community. 

The Learning Commons, located in Thomas Hall 3.10, facilitates tutorial services throughout the academic year.  Tutoring is offered through the Center for Academic Success and supplemented with Opportunity Programs tutoring, which can provide more frequent sessions for students enrolled in the programs.

During finals week and between semesters, group review sessions are held to help prepare students for final exams and the following semesters.

Students are able to make appointments through the Center for Academic Success, or speak to an Opportunity Programs advisor.

Opportunity Programs has a designated study room for students in the programs, also located in Thomas Hall 3.10.  Students can complete independent work or utilize computers in the room.  The space is generally available Monday-Friday from 9:00-7:00.

First year students are paired with a Peer Academic Coach (PAC) to develop foundational academic skills and learning strategies that are integral for student success. Peer academic coaches are trained to follow a weekly curriculum that focuses on topics such as: time management, note-taking, study strategies, test-taking, and goal setting

In alignment with the mission of Opportunity Programs, the Mentoring Program aims to serve as an additional layer of support for our participants, specifically first and second year students. Mentors provide students (Mentees) with support in multiple areas such as: career development, social integration, understanding campus resources, providing guidance in academic environments, and much more. The Mentoring Program aims to increase student persistence by providing support in areas that are often barriers to student success as they transition into college.

The Literacy Series is designed to support freshmen and sophomores in acquiring skills for the development and construction of college level writing assignments.  Over eight weeks, students will learn the foundation and structure for successful writing.

Opportunity Programs facilitate workshops that provide students with step by step strategies to improve their study habits, organizational skills, and career planning. Workshops are offered throughout the fall and spring semesters and are tailored to each class.