Springboard
Welcome Class of 2027!
The University is offering in-person “Springboard” courses (in fields such as Calculus, Business, Computer Science & Chemistry) to support student confidence in their first semester. All sessions include mentorship from current students and faculty as well as first-year program advisors. Incoming students can get an early start on their academic career by joining!
Clarkson is committed to student success and putting all students on the pathway to becoming successful alumni.
Springboard Options
THIS COURSE IS FREE!
Gasper Sekelj, Instructor of Economics and Financial Studies
Email: gskelij@16686c.com
Springboard to Business (S2B) is an exclusive, new opportunity for incoming first year business students to ease the transition to college life while connecting early on with faculty, staff and professional advisors.
As an introduction to the world of business and economics, S2B is designed to help prepare students for various required business and economics classes as business students in Clarkson’s Reh School of Business.
The course will help students understand the economic roles of consumers, firms, workers, and government in a dynamic environment and will utilize the understanding of mathematical methods and their application to the fundamentals of business and economics.
Topics will include application of algebraic and functional interpretation, geometry, creating and using graphs to subjects such as supply and demand, marginal analysis, time value of money, and economic growth. The course will also introduce the basics of Microsoft Excel, as they are used in selected topics in business and economics.
THIS COURSE IS FREE!
Alexis Maciel, Chair of Computer Science
Email: alexis@16686c.com
An introduction to computer science focused primarily on computer programming and software development. It is designed for students with little or no prior background in computer programming and will help them transition into CS141.
The course covers basic concepts such as variables, input and output, conditional statements, loops and data files. The C++ programming language will be used and the course will include plenty of hands-on activities.
Springboard to Computer Science is an opportunity for all incoming first year Computer Science students who have little to no background in computer science coursework.
THIS COURSE IS FREE!
Maddie Masi, PhD, Chemistry, HEOP Admissions & Academics Counselor
Email: mmasi@16686c.com
Springboard to Chemistry is an introductory course with both lecture and project-based learning components. This course offers first year students an opportunity to establish their confidence in a rigorous college environment before the semester begins. Prior background in Chemistry is not required. Chemistry is happening all around us all of the time, so let's learn about it!
Students will meet for class in the mornings, becoming familiar with content topics they will encounter in first year Chemistry at Clarkson. During class time, students will also be able to work in small groups, designing their own experiments. Students will be able to use their free time to work on their experiment as well as meet with the instructor for support. The course is designed to mimic the overall Clarkson experience, providing students with skills that will transfer to their first-year success!
The two main goals of the course are (1) to provide students with reassurance they can be successful in a challenging course and (2) to have students design and carry out their own experiment that is an application of something learned in class (with the instructor's guidance).
Joseph Skufca, Professor / Chair of Mathematics
Email: jskufca@16686c.com
Students move into their academic year rooms nine (9) days early and begin the process of settling into college campus life.
The coursework runs about three (3) hours in the morning and about one (1) hour in the afternoon. We familiarize students with the books, software, and system they will use in first year calculus, while allowing them to work with instructors and graduate teaching assistants, exposing them to the college approach to learning.
While reviewing essential topics from algebra, trigonometry and geometry, students acclimate to campus before fall classes begin. It provides students an early opportunity to establish a cohort group of like minded students and build the team study skills characteristic of highly successful Clarkson students. Students can enroll in this program through Clarkson Portal. The cost of this course is $650.00.
The Student Support Services (SSS) has scholarships available to assist income-eligible students to offset this cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courses are being offered and how much do they cost?
Clarkson is offering Springboard courses in Calculus, Business, Computer Science and Chemistry! Cost and details are available in the course descriptions.
What is the benefit and why should I signup?
Students will be able to move in early to the residence hall room that they will live in during their first year. When not in class, students will be able to explore the campus and local community, participate in group activities, and more.
Who is Springboard geared toward?
Springboard is for incoming freshmen who feel like they need some prep work before the fall semester begins. Clarkson is committed to student success and putting all students on the pathway to becoming successful alumni. Offering Springboard is our way of providing students the opportunity to prepare and come on campus feeling confident.
When do Springboard courses start?
Students will arrive on August 17th and classes begin the following day.