August Kickoff

Welcome to the BRIDGE community!

We are excited that you will be on campus in Fall 2024. Our BRIDGE kickoff event will take place August 11-16, 2024 at The University of Alabama. The kickoff event is just for first-year BRIDGE students to get acquainted with the BRIDGE community and campus. The BRIDGE Experience begins with this weeklong kickoff event for first-year students led by a group of upper-level student leaders called the BRIDGE Builders. First-year BRIDGE students will be able to move-in early to their dorm room for the 24-25 academic year. There will be more information about early move-in for BRIDGE students on the housing and residential communities move-in webpage in late spring 2024. To find out more about participant requirements and to sign up, please see below. 

2024 Kickoff Event Dates and Sign Up 

Sunday, August 11 – Friday, August 16, 2024 

For more information on how to sign-up for the BRIDGE 2024 Kickoff Week, email bridgeprogram@ua.edu. Registration will close on July 31, 2024, unless we reach capacity prior to that date.

There is no cost associated with being in the BRIDGE community or attending the Kickoff.


Additional Need to Knows

Please review the information below to learn more about what to prepare for and expect while attending the kickoff event.

Before the Kickoff

Bama Bound 

It is mandatory that all first-year BRIDGE men participate in Bama Bound summer orientation prior to August 2024. Bama Bound registration will open in February 2024. BRIDGE students should select a Bama Bound date prior to the August Kickoff (meaning a June or July session date). 

Early Move-In 

Early Move-In information will be available in late Spring 2024. 

Special Accommodations 

If you require special accommodations, please contact us to make appropriate arrangements at bridgeprogram@ua.edu or 205-348-2408. 

Special Accommodations 

If you require special accommodations, please contact us to make appropriate arrangements at bridgeprogram@ua.edu or 205-348-2408. 

During the Kickoff

The BRIDGE Kickoff event for first-year students will be August 11-16, 2024. 

Attendance 

All first-year BRIDGE students are expected to be in attendance and participate at all scheduled Kickoff activities. Students cannot participate in other early arrival programs (i.e. Camp 1831, Honors Actions, IFC Recruitment Week, Biology Bootcamp or any other campus program that conflicts with August 11-16, 2024). Students must make a choice for which early arrival program they wish to do. Once you check-in, you are demonstrating your commitment to participating in all program activities. Our staff maintains a level of responsibility for where participants are located, and we want you to receive the full benefits of participating in BRIDGE for the entire program. Please note that dinner with family, leaving town, and other conflicts are not considered extenuating circumstances for not participating in program activities. 

Check-in Details  

Bring your virtual Action Card to check-in on the first day of the Kickoff. Note: Any student who arrives late or misses check-in must contact the BRIDGE office by calling 205-348-2408 or emailing bridgeprogram@ua.edu. 

Parking Information 

In you live in on-campus housing, you should park your car in your residential zone. For students who live off-campus, you may park in UA Student Center Parking Deck. Please visit the Transportation Services Website for information about parking and transportation on campus. 

Housing Accommodations 

If you will live on campus in Fall 2024, you are able to participate in early move-in as a BRIDGE participant. You will be able to move into your assigned residence hall room for the academic year. For participants living on campus, you may stay in your room for the remainder of your first year after you move-in for BRIDGE. Early move-in information will be available in late Spring 2024. 

If you live off-campus, you should plan to make accommodations for your living arrangements. If you are unsure of your options, please contact our office at 205-348-2408 or bridgeprogram@ua.edu

Prepare to Unplug from Device 

As a BRIDGE participant, you are encouraged not to use your phone during the program, unless it is for emergencies or quick check-ins with your family. This is so that everyone can be fully engaged. 

In Case of Emergency 

In the case of an emergency, contact the Capstone Center for Student Success at 205-348-7011. They will be able to get any necessary messages to BRIDGE staff.