Fall 2020 Jumpstart Program for new, IC students

Jumpstart is a collaboration between several departments on campus that offers new students a chance to explore the local community, learn about resources on campus, and meet new friends. We are offering 10 half-day Jumpstart programs on a variety of topics on three Saturdays after first-year students move in and before in-person classes begin.

There is no cost for new first-year and transfer students to participate in this program, but there is a selection process. Read about each program and its distinct focus, then choose your favorite. You'll indicate which programs you're interested in on the application, which opens on August 10. Each Saturday evening there will be a social event offered on campus for all Jumpstart participants. More information will be shared with the attendees in September.

Important Dates for Jumpstart 2020

August 10: Online application process opens. 

September 7: Online application process closes at 11:59 p.m. (EST).

September 11: Applicants will be notified of their selection status via email.

September 19, 26, and October 3:Jumpstart programs are held! Programs run for 4-5 hours during the day on each of these dates. Participants who are selected to the program can choose one Jumpstart program to participate in and their preferred date, so that we can offer this experience to as many new students as possible. 

Apply to Jumpstart link coming soon!

Note: The application is not accessible via all smartphones. We suggest using a computer or tablet to complete the application. 

Contact Us

Please contact the Office of Student Engagement if you have any questions.

(607) 274-3222

Thank you to the following departments for sponsoring Jumpstart programs: BOLD Women's Leadership Network, Campus Center, LGBT Center for Education and Outreach, New Student and Transition Programs, Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, Office of Student Engagement, Recreation and Leisure Studies, and Residential Life. 

Hear what current IC students have to say about how Jumpstart helped them "jumpstart" their Ithaca College experience!

Note that the programs listed below are from 2019 just for your reference, the 2020 Mini Jumpstart programs are different due to the unusual move-in and start of classes schedule!

Community Plunge

Connect with your new neighbors in the Ithaca community as you work with a team of other incoming first-year students on local service projects.

Commit to Serve
ECHO
(Experiencing Connections by Heading Outdoors)

Sleep under the stars with your classmates along the Finger Lakes Trail as you use and grow your outdoor adventure skills.

Connect with Nature
The GREEN Tour
(Gardening, Recycling, Eating, Enjoying Nature)

Learn about sustainability in Ithaca as you tour farms and food production systems, hike gorge trails, and eat like a locavore. 

Save the Planet
Lead-In

Learn what leadership looks like at Ithaca as you meet successful student leaders, build your skills, and lead your peers through an adventure challenge course.

Take the Lead