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 6-12, 2025)

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

Fall 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
    • Weekly meetings with your peer mentor

Spring 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
    • 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:
    • Sign your Letter of Intent: Signing this letter lets us know you intend to participate in the Program.
    • Complete the Program Questionnaire: This questionnaire helps our program staff get to know you and work to construct a program that meets your needs.
    • Sign up for a Summer Orientation in June: All new freshmen students will attend one of Truman’s June Summer Orientation sessions to register in courses, meet other accepted students, and learn more about how to prepare for the beginning of the fall semester.
    • Submit your 2025-2026 Housing Application (if you plan to be a Commuter, make sure to notify your Admissions Counselor).
  • SUGGESTED:

  • REQUIRED:
    • Attend Summer Orientation and register for courses. Learn more about what you’ll experience at Truman’s Summer Orientation HERE!

  • REQUIRED:
    • Attend our pre-Summer Experience info session on July 10, 2025 to help you prepare for the Summer Experience and the logistics of moving onto campus early. RSVP here!
  • SUGGESTED:
    • Attend an advising session with Program Director Ashleigh Harding to discuss your Program Questionnaire and address any questions you may have.

  • REQUIRED:
    • Attend the Bulldog Scholars Summer Experience (August 6-12), a week of events held on campus prior to the start of Truman Week and the beginning of classes.

Program Contacts


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