Mount 101 students briefly took off their masks to pose for a picture in August 2020.
This summer 60 incoming first-year students will have the opportunity to start their academic and social college experience early. Mount 101, the summer bridge program, is designed to offer students two three-credit courses while fostering a sense of friendship and community through field trips and events. Before their peers even arrive on campus, students will earn six college credits by completing FSYM 100: Foundation of Liberal Arts and FSYM 103: Quantitative Problem Solving.
“This was one of the best decisions my parents and I made. Not only was the transition smoother, but the course gave me the necessary tools to be successful going into my fall semester,” said criminal justice major and student-athlete Asia Yates, C’23. “I learned how to write college papers, how to manage my time properly and just overall how to be a successful young adult. I ended up finishing my fall semester making dean’s list.”
Students will also learn how to navigate their new college environment, discover helpful resources and meet classmates, faculty, administrators and staff, resident assistants and others who will impact their daily lives and college careers. Mount 101 students also receive priority academic advising, are first in line for certain on-campus jobs and move in early.
This year’s Mount 101 classes will be taught by Chair and Associate Professor of History and Director of Mount 101 Timothy Fritz, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Science Isaac Mills, Ph.D., Professor of Science and Mathematics Melanie Butler and Assistant Professor of Political Science William Christensen, Ph.D. Enhancements to the program include a second academic course, expanded enrollment, financial aid assistance and increased travel opportunities.
Last year’s Mount 101 was limited to 37 students and had travel restrictions due to COVID-19 safety protocols. “We are excited to return to off-campus activities after a hiatus the last year. At the least we will do a Washington D.C. scavenger hunt and go to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and possibly an Orioles game,” Fritz added.
“Dr. Fritz presented many different opportunities for us to explore and go on some amazing trips that helped build long-lasting friendships,” Yates added. While transitioning their thoughts, actions and mindset from a high school senior to a college freshman, students can benefit from the early enrollment summer bridge program because they start the path to academic and personal success.
The first Mount 101 class graduated this summer and included honor students like Matthew McDonald, C’21, a Boren Scholarship winner. “The program isn’t geared toward any specific demographic; it’s all sorts of students. My hope for students who complete this program is for them to discover their academic path 
sooner than later and create the bonds necessary to thrive at the Mount,” Fritz said.
Mount 101 runs from August 2-19, 2021, and a program fee covers course textbooks, housing and most meals. Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Registration opens soon, and interested students can register at msmary.edu/mount 101. Interested parties can email mount101.msmary.edu or call 301-447-5828.