Bridge to Success

Introduction to the process of teaching and learning. The purpose of the course is to familiarize students with the engagement of teaching and learning as a critical component of student achievement. Students will come to develop an understanding of the historical, philosophical and sociological foundations of education in the United States.

In addition, students will explore the legal status of teachers and students, including federal and state laws and regulations. Students will develop an understanding of contemporary issues and current trends in education as well as local, state, and federal governance of schools.

Lastly, professionalism, ethical standards, and personal integrity within the teaching profession will be studied along with Virginia’s Guidelines for Uniform Performance Standards and Evaluation Criteria for Teachers.

This course explores organic ways of moving while maximizing circular forces, coordinating breath and movement, and working with gravity and momentum. Particular attention will be given to dynamic alignment imagery to facilitate efficient movement patterns.

Students will be expected to learn choreographed exercises and phrases, to improvise, to create original material, and to work with partners. Students will study key contemporary artists in the field.

Readings, written assignments, videos and live performances will be assigned to enhance the understanding of the form.

Questions pertaining to the relationship between dance, race, gender, culture, and politics will be explored.

• Successfully complete a one-unit course in a Field of Study General Education course.
• Attend all class sessions.
• Participate in all program study sessions, workshops, events, and field trips.
• Work closely with Bridge to Success staff.
• Check University email address throughout the day for communications from professors, the Bridge to Success Program Director (Dr. Courtney Hughes), and University staff.
• Follow all University of Richmond policies and all applicable laws.

**Students must receive written permission from the director to miss any of the required sessions.

For access to important information about course registration, lesson planning, and remote class participation, please take some time to become familiar with three important sources: Bannerweb, Blackboard, and Zoom.

Bannerweb is an online system where you will register for class, check final grades, track your progress to graduation, and be able to see your schedule. You will need your NetID to log in and the first time you use it you will set a PIN, and you will need to install Duo on a second device for two-point authentication. Please log into bannerweb.richmond.edu.

Your high school may have used a website for hosting course content and Blackboard is the University’s main platform for this. When you log in to blackboard.richmond.edu, you will see page for each course in which you are enrolled. This summer, you will use two pages: one for your Field of Study course and one for the Bridge to Success Program. These pages will contain downloadable syllabi, course readings, and assignment prompts. You may also be asked to participate in asynchronous (not all at the same time) discussions using the Discussion fora on Blackboard.

If any program events need to be held virtually for any reason, we will use Zoom, an online synchronous video conferencing platform, for classes, workshops, and program events. This will enable face-to-face interaction with peers, professors, writing consultants, staff, and invited experts. See the University’s page on Zoom here to download the application and create a Basic (free) account using your University email address.

Students will enroll in one of two available courses meeting a requirement for graduation. The program theme for the summer of 2026 is "Learning in Motion" and students will be asked to rank their course preference with one of the two choices offered. While we will do the best we can to place everyone in their first choice, we also must balance the number of students in each section so we cannot guarantee that you will receive your first choice. However, both courses are interesting and satisfy one unit of coursework towards graduation.

• DANCE 251: “Contemporary Dance,” taught by Alicia Díaz, associate professor of dance.

• EDUC 217: “Foundations of Education” taught by Allison Brenning, teaching faculty of education and director of special education and elementary instruction.

• A computer. You will need to be able to access email, BannerWeb, Blackboard, and Zoom. If you require a computer or help accessing high speed internet, please let the BTS director know as soon as possible.
• A university email account.
• Your One Card and any course text books will be handed to you during move-in on June 21.
• Successful completion of the Bridge to Success Program will require approximately 30-40 hours of work per week reading, taking notes, participating in class discussions, and completing all assignments. Be prepared with a willingness to learn, think, and grow together.

On Sunday, June 21, 2026, students will move into their assigned summer University residence hall. Bridge to Success Director Courtney Hughes will be on hand to distribute OneCards and answer questions.

Following move-in, a welcome reception will be held in the Queally Athletic Center. During this program, staff and University leaders will welcome new Spiders and their families to the University of Richmond.

After the welcome reception, families will depart and new Spiders will gather to discuss program logistics and expectations for the summer.

Lastly, new Spiders will be led on a tour of campus, ending at Heilman Dining Center where they will enjoy dinner together on campus for the first time.