BRADFORD, Pa. — Thirty first-year students got a head start on college life this fall through a new program at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

In August, the University of Pittsburgh offered its Provost’s Academy on the Bradford campus for the first time. For a week before their peers arrived, students who chose to enroll in the academy got to know one another, learned about campus resources, and spent small-group time with professors.

The program is sponsored by the Provost, who is the university’s chief academic officer. The academy is designed to help students — particularly those with financial need or who are the first in their families to attend college — build confidence and community before classes begin. Although it’s been offered on the Pittsburgh campus for eight years, Bradford is the first regional campus to host it.

“We’ve been working really closely with the regional campuses and thinking about how to support students,” said Dr. April E. Belback, associate vice provost for student success and advising. Bradford was selected to go first after its success in 2024 with a similar program, the Dean’s Academy.

“Over the course of a week, students get comfortable with the surroundings,” added Dr. Adam Lee, vice provost for undergraduate studies. “They get a sense of belonging on campus and a feeling that they’re prepared academically.”

The academic preparation focused on hands-on learning in one of three subject areas:

• Chemistry: With Dr. Femi Oloye, students collected water from local sources and tested its quality in the lab.

• Forensic science: Dr. Robin Choo led students through investigating a mock crime and bringing it to trial.

• Engineering: Dr. Vinayak Ranjan guided students learning about the strengths of metals, polymers and composites. Then they created and tested 3D models using their new knowledge.

Danica McChesney, a mechanical engineering technology student from Union City, and Sasha Ginsberg, a mechanical engineering major from Mississauga, Ont., became friends during the academy. Along with making friends before school started, both said they’ve leaned on the campus resources they learned about.

“I believe the Provost Academy was very beneficial,” McChesney said. “I knew about the Academic Coaching and Tutoring Center and the Writing Center. I became familiar with many faces on campus and became familiar with my surroundings. On multiple occasions, I have been sitting in the library – clearly struggling with work – and Professor (Catherine) Kula has seen me, found Bernie (Picklo, tutoring center coordinator), and helped me out. She recognized me from Provost Academy.”

Ginsberg agreed. “I use all the studying techniques provided and tutoring,” she said. “I really appreciate that I was able to meet professors, so I was familiar with some faces around.”

The real proof of success will come in whether students thrive during their first year — and whether they return for a second. The provost’s office plans to track those outcomes as it considers expanding the program.