Summer Academic Success Academy (SASA)

SASA Objectives

Get a jump-start on your success!

  • Discover self and career aspirations;
  • Build on essential skills for course completions;
  • Begin the journey to mastering the university's learning outcomes;
  • Navigate the academic resources of the institution.

Welcome to SASA!

Congratulations on choosing Coppin State University as your institution of higher education. Believe it or not, you’ve already started investing in your future by choosing to attend the Summer Academic Success Academy (SASA) program. This is a 6-week summer residential program designed to help newly admitted Coppin State University students make a smooth transition to college, improve essential college readiness skills for college completion, and earn college credits. Students receive an introduction to the academic, social, and recreational resources of the campus community. At the conclusion of the program students are connected to faculty, staff and peer mentors that serve as guides on their collegiate journey to success.

To qualify for participation in this program, you must be admitted to Coppin by way of SASA. This admit type is determined by the Office of Admissions and participation is a required part of your admission into the university. Enrollment in this program is on a first come, first served basis.

This year’s Summer Academic Success Academy will be held July 6, 2025 – August 15, 2025.

Why enroll in SASA? Consider the benefits

  • Early College Credits: You will earn 6 college credits (2 classes) that will go towards graduation.
  • Academic and Social Development: You will gain a deeper understanding of who you are, and how college can help you accomplish your dreams. You will begin to cultivate some life-long friendships before officially starting the fall semester.
  • Orientation to the Campus: You will have discovered all the nooks and crannies of the campus. In essence, this will be your campus before any other freshman arrives.

Enrolling in SASA

Prospective students that have been admitted to the university by the Office of Admissions will be granted access to the enrollment system called Slate. In this system, you will be provided with a check list of items to complete to secure your spot in the SASA program. The SASA enrollment fee is $300, and enrollment is limited to 100 students on a first come, first served basis.

This program has a value of over $4,000 for Maryland residents and $8,000 for out-of-state students. Participants will be awarded the SASA summer grant which covers SASA tuition, housing, meals, and books.

Components of SASA

Academic Transformation

Students are enrolled in two academic courses at Coppin State University. Students will be given the opportunity to improve their proficiency in college readiness skills under the guidance of highly effective instructors.

Intrusive Advising

During the program, students meet with their academic advisors to gain an understanding of their major requirements. Academic advisors will review the student program sheet, which enables students to know where they are on the graduation pathway every step of the way.

Academic Resources

During the length of the program, students will be connected to various academic resource centers on campus which include the Math Lab, and the Reading and Writing Lab. Students will also have academic peer leaders who will serve as tutors and peer mentors.

Self-Discovery

Students will dive deep in discovering their interests, career goals, and motivation for success. Students and instructors will undergo a mutually beneficial journey that will connect life-long learning to accomplishing dreams and aspirations. We complement the academic curriculum with engaging student activities and special interest events such as social activities, a talent show, and excursions.

What to Bring

Please reference this list for guidance when packing for the program. While this list contains many items, it cannot possibly include everything. Please use good judgment when packing.

  • Alarm clock
  • Cable cord - At least 12 feet in length (to connect Cable to TV)
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Clothes hangers
  • Desk lamp
  • Extension Cord (UL approved)
  • First aid kit
  • Hair dryer
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Laundry supplies: laundry bag and laundry detergent
  • Medications
  • Personal toiletries
  • Pillows
  • Power strip (UL approved)
  • Rainwear
  • Refrigerator (3.6 cubic feet, maximum)
  • School supplies (notebooks, writing instruments, etc.)
  • Shower shoes and caddy
  • Towels
  • TV/Stereo
  • Wall-safe hooks and tape (for hanging pictures & posters)
  • Wastebasket
  • X-Long twin-size sheets

  • Live pets (except fish)
  • Microwaves
  • Any cooking appliances (hot plates, grills, crock pots, toasters, etc.)
  • Halogen lamps
  • Candles and incense
  • Illegal items and contraband
  • Lighters or matches

Frequently Asked Questions

Students newly admitted to Coppin State University by way of the Summer Academic Success Academy must attend this program as part of their admissions process.

Program enrollment will close when the capacity is met. Due to limited space, it is highly recommended that you secure your spot in SASA as early as possible. Students admitted to Coppin by way of SASA that do not secure a spot in the program will not be able to attend Coppin State University in Fall 2025.

All participants must move into their assigned room on Sunday, July 6th between 9am-12pm. All participants must move out on August 15th by 12pm.

Yes. Living on campus is mandatory during the duration of the program. This policy is intended to help with your transition to college and increase community engagement during your first-year experience.

Students are not allowed to leave campus, or trips without the explicit consent of the program director.

No. Housing is only guaranteed during the SASA program (July 6, 2025- August 15, 2025). If you want to live on campus during the academic year, you must apply for housing through the Office of Housing. For more information about the housing application process, please visit the Office of Housing website.

The $300 non-refundable SASA fee covers the following items for the duration of the program:

  • University enrollment fee
  • Tuition (2 classes)
  • Books (to be returned at the end of the program)
  • Room and board (you will be sharing a room)
  • Trips/excursions (purchasing items during these trips is at your own expense)
  • Food (3 meals per day) 
     

The $300 fee is non-refundable.

All required textbooks will be provided free of charge by Coppin State University during SASA. Students are responsible for purchasing additional supplies such as notebooks, writing instruments, etc.

Yes. Students who fail to adhere to the Student Code of Conduct or the Rules of the SASA program will be immediately dismissed. During SASA, students are not subject to the Judiciary process.

Students’ academic standing will be evaluated on a weekly basis. Those with unsatisfactory academic performance will be dismissed from the program.

Successful completion of the SASA program includes earning a C or better in each class, completing assigned tasks within the program, and adhering to the code of conduct/rules set by the program.

Yes. Grades in SASA will impact your cumulative GPA. SASA is a great way to start earning a high GPA.

No. Financial aid is not used during SASA.

No. This is a residential program which requires participants to remain on campus; therefore, students will not be able to work during this program.

Students are encouraged to be comfortable while learning. Please be mindful of the setting and dress appropriately while attending classes, workshops, trips, events, etc. Below are a few tips to help you dress successfully for the college setting.

  • Reserve lounge attire such as pajamas, bonnets, durags, slippers, etc. for the residence hall setting.
  • Do not wear clothing or accessories that contain offensive language, or images.
  • Refrain from wearing clothing that reveals visible undergarments.
  • Participate in Professional Wednesdays by wearing business casual attire.

Of course, this list does not cover all items. Please use your discretion when determining if your attire is appropriate for the college setting and outings. If your attire is deemed inappropriate by SASA staff, you will be asked to change clothes.

Students are encouraged to participate in Professional Wednesdays. Bring at least 5 professional dress attire for Professional Dress Wednesdays and the Closing Banquet.

Staff

Questions or concerns should be directed to SASA@coppin.edu.

Program Coordinator

staff

Latoya Clark
Director of Mentoring and Summer Bridge

staff

Can Help With
Our House Mentoring program
SASA program

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of our incoming first-year students?

If so, apply by clicking the link below to become a Peer Leader within the SASA program.

Apply