The University of Nevada, Reno announced on Mar. 30 that incoming students to the Honors College can participate in the Summer Honors bridge program before their first fall semester. The initiative allows new students to connect with faculty, engage in interdisciplinary discussions, and build relationships with peers both online and through select in-person experiences.
The program aims to help students transition into college life by fostering a sense of community and offering opportunities for academic exploration. Participants can earn cocurricular experience credit by attending sessions throughout the summer.
Most discussion sessions are available online, allowing participation from any location. With over 30 different sessions covering topics across sciences, humanities, arts, professional development, and guidance on navigating honors experiences, students can tailor their involvement according to their interests. Past participants say they learned about the Honors College and explored disciplines outside their majors while gaining valuable information about research or study abroad opportunities.
Basil Pearson, a psychology student who attended Summer Honors, said it provided her with “a ton of good information about the Honors College and what opportunities are offered.” The inaugural “Lake Tahoe Experience” summer camp brought 21 incoming students together at the university’s Lake Tahoe campus for two days. During this overnight event—the first of its kind—students engaged in discussions about art and environment with faculty from both campuses and participated in activities such as drawing nature scenes and learning about outdoor signal instruments like the Sierra Alphorns.
Gianni Ayala, an aerospace engineering student who took part in the Lake Tahoe Experience, said “cultures across the world are molded by the natural environments around them, musical instruments especially.” Nick Coté described how this experience created a supportive network: “Heading into on-campus life…built friendships that I have turned to. This close-knit network of friends I didn’t know I’d need has been a joy…and a source of support as I have taken on freshman year at [the University] head-on.”
On day two of the camp, participants went on a guided hike led by Outdoor and Adventure Leadership teaching faculty where they further explored community building through shared activities like group storytelling games. Pearson noted that learning directional awareness during this hike boosted her confidence: it was “the first time she learned about directional awareness,” which helped her succeed later during NevadaFIT.
Current honors students also joined as Student Leaders to facilitate community building among newcomers. Avery Nicholas recalled bonding moments during hikes: playing ‘one-word story’ games made uphill treks more enjoyable while strengthening ties among mentors and mentees alike. Oscar Liu reflected that engaging deeply with new honors students allowed him to develop empathy and curiosity—qualities he believes will serve him well moving forward.
With another summer approaching soon, university officials encourage interested incoming honors students to seek out more information each spring.
