Early Arrival Programs

Students at silent disco

Connect with classmates and check out campus before classes begin!

Check out this year's Early Arrival Programs!

Knights of Color

The Knights of Color Mentorship Program is a yearlong mentorship program primarily designed for incoming first year and transfer students of color (Black/African American, Latin/Hispanic, Asian/Asian American/Pacific Islander, Native American/Indigenous, and Multiracial) to help develop community and resilience through intentional transitional support and foster an environment that aims to eliminate barriers to academic success and opportunity at a predominately white institution.

The Knights of Color Early Arrival Program includes opportunities to meet other incoming students of color, form networks with faculty/staff of color, and connect with previous cohorts who will serve as mentors throughout your time at Bellarmine. Knights of Color continues throughout the academic year with study halls, tutoring, skills workshops, 1:1 meetings with your mentors, and additional social and educational programming to ensure Incoming Knights of Color have all the support and resources needed to be successful at Bellarmine!

The Knights of Color Early Arrival Program is a highly encouraged opportunity to attend but is not required to participate in the Knights of Color Mentorship Program throughout the academic year.  

For more information contact, Dr. Emily Dixon-Howard at edixon@bellarmine.edu

Access BU

Access BU begins with an early arrival program designed to support students with disabilities in making a successful transition to college. In high school, students who use accommodations often have a team of professionals helping them to navigate the accommodation process. However, in college this becomes solely the student's responsibility. Access BU participants will learn how to use academic accommodations in college, build self-advocacy skills, connect with peer mentors, and establish a sense of belonging on campus. Participants will stay connected during the fall semester with ongoing programming, events, and 1-1's with peer mentors. 

For more information contact, Krista Schutz-Hamption at kschutz-hampton@bellarmine.edu

Pioneer Scholars

At Bellarmine, we celebrate the diversity and strengths that our first-generation (first in their family to graduate from a four-year college) students, faculty, and staff bring to our campus. The Pioneer Scholars Early Arrival Program is designed to support our first-generation students in making connections on campus before Week of Welcome even starts! Participants will dive into what it means to be a first-generation college student at BU, connect with peer mentors, and learn about resources available to help them navigate life at Bellarmine. 

Pioneer Scholars continues throughout the academic year for all first-year, first-generation college students with peer mentoring, weekly student-led programming, leadership development opportunities, and fun social events!  

If you are unable to attend the Pioneer Scholars Early Arrival Program but identify as first-generation, you will still be able to participate throughout the academic year. 

For more information contact Chelsea McKendree at cmckendree@bellarmine.edu