Jumpstart Program | Ithaca College

Fall 2021 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 one-day Jumpstart programs on a variety of topics on Tuesday, August 17 before Orientation begins.

There is no cost for new first-year and transfer students to participate in this program, but there is an application process. Applications will open on Thursday, May 27 and will close on Monday, June 21 at 9:00am.

All Jumpstart participants will get to move in to their residence hall rooms on Monday, August 16!

Read about each program and its distinct focus, then choose your favorites to rank on the application!

2021 Jumpstart Program Descriptions

Community Plunge

This is a great opportunity for students to volunteer and connect with the Ithaca Community before the academic year begins.

Photo of river gorge in state park, trees, rocks along river.

Ithaca is Gorges!

Go on an iconic adventure through Robert F. Treman State Park to see some of the best waterfalls the Northeast has to offer!

students posing with superhero decorations

Lead-In

Participate in an adventure-challenge course and enhance your personal leadership with the support of a new group of friends.

The Green Tour

Learn about local food sources and taste local foods on this tour around the Ithaca area.

students standing in front of a sign for Buttermilk Falls state park

FreshFest With Hillel

Make lifelong friendships, get a feel for campus, and bring those camp vibes to campus at Hillel’s signature early move-in program

First Look

Join first-gen students to build community, cook a meal at a local farm-to-table restaurant, & learn insider tips on IC resources.

Movies & Arts in the Ithaca Community

Meet fellow cinephiles, art lovers, and theatre fans while learning about the local arts scene!

The Big Gay Scavenger Hunt

Explore downtown Ithaca on a quest to find some of the LGBTQ history and culture our city has to offer!

POSTPONED: Enjoying Sex at College!

This program will be held during the Fall semester. It’s time to remove the shame and taboo-ness of sex and sexual pleasure!

Discover Ithaca

Meet the other new international students, discover what’s special about Ithaca, and learn your way around town.

Apply Online Now!

The Jumpstart application is open - you will select and rank the programs you are interested in! Deadline is June 21 at 9am!

Important Dates for Jumpstart 2021

application, selection, and event information for summer 2021:

May 27: Online application opens.

June 21: Online application closes at 9:00am Eastern Time.

June 23: All applicants are notified of their selection status.

August 16: All Jumpstart participants move in to their campus housing assignments; evening welcome program hosted by Jumpstart staff.

August 17: Jumpstart programs run all day!

August 18-20: Ithaca College convocation and Orientation programs.

Click here to apply!

Contact Us

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

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

ose@ithaca.edu

(607) 274-3222