First Year Bridge
The First-Year Bridge program provides exceptional support so you can start your college career with confidence and achieve your goals.
The program serves students whose application materials indicate they could use some extra support, especially in math or English. While in the program, you’ll have smaller classes and meet regularly with an advisor or success coach to stay on track. You’ll also enjoy the same benefits as every other UWM student, with the ability to participate in student activities, join student organizations and engage with our multicultural and affinity centers. Please note this is an in-person program; an online version is not available.
We’re excited to join you on this path. Let’s get started!
The First-Year Bridge program has a limited capacity, so it is important to register for orientation as soon as it is available.
Contact
Angie Izard
Director, First-Year Bridge Program
- adizard@uwm.edu
- 414-229-4321
- Northwest Quadrant – 1932D
Hours
Office: Monday – Thursday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Virtual: Friday 8 a.m.-4:30p.m.
Academic Benefits
The goal in First-Year Bridge is to set you up for success — at UWM and after graduation. Here are some of the key academic benefits you’ll enjoy:
Academic Progress
During your first semester, you’ll take a first-year writing class, a math class and other introductory courses. These courses will have extra academic support built into them to help you master the material. When you finish the program, your credits will count toward your degree, keeping you on the path to timely graduation.
Well-Defined Academic Plan
If you’ve declared a major, your advisor will help you choose the appropriate classes. If you haven’t, our goal will be to help you decide on a major by the end of your second semester so that you can move into the appropriate school or college within UWM to finish your degree.
Small Classes
Benefit from personal attention and make close-knit friendships in our small, supportive classes.
Bridge helped me learn how to apply my skills to every task. I can ask questions and get help when I need it. I feel more confident in school than I ever have.
The Bridge math specialist, Mr. Nick Johnson, gave the coolest math lesson I’ve ever seen! It was all about multiplication and division and it was called ‘Exploding Dots.’
Financial Benefits
We understand that college can be a financial challenge. First-Year Bridge offers financial advantages to make your education more affordable:
Scholarships and Aid
89% of UWM undergraduates receive financial aid and scholarships. Some students qualify for free tuition through the Milwaukee Tuition Promise. The best way to find out what you qualify for is to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form. This is the first step in determining eligibility for state and federal financial aid, and many scholarships require it.
Affordability
UWM remains one of the best deals in higher education. Learn more about our tuition rates.
Questions about Financial Aid?
If you have questions about financial aid, reach out to UWM’s Financial Aid Office. They’re happy to answer questions and can help you complete the FAFSA.
Housing & Other Resources
Most students who are new to the Milwaukee campus live in Sandburg Hall. Learn more about the housing application process and get your application in as soon as possible. Space does fill up!
Other resources on the Milwaukee campus include Student Involvement, University Recreation and the Student Health and Wellness Center. Be sure to check out our eight multicultural and affinity centers:
Frequently Asked Questions
UWM’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions recommends this program for students who are not admissible to their program of choice, and could benefit from additional support with their math and English coursework.
Bridge students enjoy smaller classes, have more access to their academic advisors, and have writing and math support built into their regular class schedule.
Yes. Bridge students are UWM students and have access to all the resources that other UWM students have, including University Housing, the Student Health and Wellness Center and University Recreation.
You were placed in a noncredit math course (MAT 75) based on your math placement score. At the end of the semester, you will take a placement test that will either satisfy your core math requirement or put you into a credit-bearing math class.
Yes, Bridge students are considered full-time students.
Students who successfully complete all Bridge coursework without dropping any classes in the fall or spring semester should have at least 20 credits by the end of their first year.
Most UWM students spend their first two semesters fulfilling their general education requirements. These classes include: English, math, humanities, social science and natural sciences.
Classes taken during the Bridge program will satisfy many general education requirements. After you finish Bridge, you’ll have more classes to choose from and begin to work on your major.
Every student’s academic journey is different. In Bridge, you will take classes that will transfer toward your undergraduate degree.
It will be possible for you to complete many degrees in four years. However, some majors have specific requirements, such as field placements, internships and practicums, that — when combined with required classes — make them more challenging to finish in four years.
If you want to shorten your time in college, you can consider taking classes during the summer or UWinteriM. Talk to your advisor about the best path for you.
Bridge students are like all other UWM students when it comes to applying to specific programs. Each undergraduate program has a different grade point average and entry requirements. Your advisor will help you find the program that’s right for you.