Center for Academic Excellence

Bulldog Scholars Program

Two students
Our Bulldog Scholars Program provides first-year students with intentional, supportive programming that can help you discover avenues for academic improvement and success.

Program Benefits

Scholarships + Costs for Summer Experience

  • All Bulldog Scholars receive a $2,000 scholarship every academic year ($8,000 over four years).
  • Costs of our Summer Experience are covered by the program (meals, early move-in, activities).

Special Opportunities

In your first year as a Bulldog Scholar, you have access to services and opportunities that set you up for success as you continue into your sophomore year and beyond.

Summer Experience (August 7-13, 2024)

    • Academic preparation in English and Math
    • Advising workshops
    • Connections to faculty and campus partners
    • Community building
    • Access to peer mentors

Fall 2024 Semester

    • INDV 110: Skills for Academic Success 
    • ENG 190: Writing as Critical Thinking (with free supplemental instruction) OR Math course at placement level (with free supplemental instruction)
    • Regular advising and coaching sessions from Center for Academic Excellence staff
    • Bi-Weekly meetings with your peer mentor

Spring 2025 Semester

    • INDV 150: Book & Discussion – Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
    • ENG 190: Writing as Critical Thinking (with free supplemental instruction) OR Math course at placement level (with free supplemental instruction)
    • Regular advising and coaching sessions from Center for Academic Excellence staff
    • Bi-Weekly meetings with your peer mentor

Next Steps

If you are prepared to become a Bulldog Scholar, there are just a couple more steps to take.

  • REQUIRED:
    • Complete your Letter of Intent and Program Questionnaire (available in the “Next Steps” tab of your Truman application portal).
    • Schedule a virtual advising session with an academic advisor. The CAE Team will be reaching out during the spring semester to set up these sessions.
    • Sign up for a Summer Orientation date (available beginning April 2024).
    • Submit your 2024-2025 Housing Application by May 15 (more information to follow from the Office of Admission).
  • SUGGESTED:
    • Attend a virtual student/parent informational session on the Bulldog Scholars Program. Register here!
    • Schedule an on-campus visit if you have not already.
    • Attend Truman’s Admitted Student Event in Spring 2024.

  • Attend Summer Orientation and register for courses. Learn more about what you’ll experience at Truman’s orientation here.

  • Complete our Needs Assessment prior to attending the Summer Experience in August.

  • Attend the Summer Experience (August 7-13), a week of events held on campus prior to the start of Truman Week and the beginning of classes.

Program Contacts


John Theriac, Admission Counselor
Office of Admission
jtheriac@truman.edu
(660) 785-4114
Learn more about John here!

Ashleigh Harding, Director of Student Success
Center for Academic Excellence
aharding@truman.edu
(660) 785-7403

Other Resources

As you prepare to become a Bulldog, below is a list of available resources, offices, and departments you can connect with prior to stepping on campus.

  • The Center for Academic Excellence — The team at the CAE oversees the Bulldog Scholars Program and houses Truman’s first-year academic advisors. These advisors will help guide you through your first academic year and the Summer Experience.
  • Campus housing — All first-year students are required to live on campus. Connect with Admissions or Residence Life about the housing application and connecting with a roommate.
  • Financial Support — If you plan to use student loans or grants to fund your education, you will want to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can always connect with the Office of Financial Aid to discuss your financial aid package.
  • Academic Support Services — There are many other services available on Truman’s campus that can assist students as they make the college transition in their first year. Click the link to explore these offices and services.
  • Admissions
Center for Academic Success