What is PointersWay for Success?
The University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point is committed to supporting student success. The PointersWay for Success program (PointersWay) reflects this institutional commitment and is designed to help you begin your college journey with a strong foundation. Through this program, you will have opportunities to strengthen your academic skills, connect with campus resources, explore your interests, and build meaningful relationships within the UW–Stevens Point community.
We recognize that the transition to college can be both exciting and challenging, and we want you to know that you are not alone. Our team is here to support you, and we look forward to working alongside you throughout your first year. We believe in your potential and are excited to have you as part of the PointersWay for Success program.
Your Success Plan
During your first academic year, you will be expected to meet several program requirements outlined in your PointersWay for Success Agreement and your personalized success plan. These expectations are designed to help you build a strong academic foundation and make the most of your college experience.
Upon successful completion of the program requirements, you will complete the PointersWay for Success program after the first three semesters and continue at UW–Stevens Point as a traditional second-year student, transitioning to the college and school of your major.
We are excited to partner with you and support your success at UW–Stevens Point!
Mission
Building access, expanding opportunities, and cultivating the next generation of leaders.
Goal
To support the successful transition of first-year students to college by strengthening academic preparedness, fostering a sense of belonging through a supportive network, and promoting informed decision-making regarding their academic and career pathways.
Students move into their residence hall one week early before the fall semester begins. This immersive, weeklong experience is designed to support the transition from high school to college by building a sense of belonging, strengthening academic skills, and connecting students with campus resources.
PointersWay Summer Bridge Program Dates
Aug. 23 – 28, 2026
Tentative Schedule:
- Move in day – Aug. 23, 2026 (PointersWay students only early move in)
- Program Activities – Aug. 24 – 27, 2026
- Trip to Mt. Olympus – Aug. 28, 2026
- For details forthcoming
Cost: FREE!
Eligibility: By Invitation Only
Each student is paired with an undergraduate peer mentor. Students will meet their mentor during the Summer Transition Program and continue the relationship throughout their first year, focusing on connection, community engagement, and personal and academic growth.
Students are assigned to a dedicated academic advisor who provides proactive, individualized support in course selection, academic planning, and navigating program requirements.
Students will develop essential skills such as time management, study strategies, and test-taking techniques. Additional tutoring support is available through the Tutoring and Learning Center (TLC), including supplemental class support and group tutoring sessions for select courses.
Students will enroll in a First-Year Experience Seminar, and related learning opportunities designed to support academic success and college transition.
Students explore majors and career pathways through course(s), workshops, career fairs, company visits, and connections with professionals in their fields of interest.
Students participate in monthly events and enrichment activities that promote belonging, well-being, and meaningful connections within campus and the broader community.
Program Criteria
PointersWay for Success is an invitation-only program for incoming students who demonstrate potential and a commitment to earning their degree. Students are selected through a holistic review conducted by the UWSP Admissions team, one that recognizes achievement comes in many forms and considers the full picture of who you are and what you’re capable of.
If you’ve been invited to join PointersWay for Success, it’s because we see your potential and we’ve built this program specifically to help you reach it. We believe the right support, connections, and resources make all the difference, and we’re with you every step of the way.
Participant Requirements
As a student in the PointersWay for Success program, you will:
- Participate in the Early Move-In & Summer Transition Program
- Enroll in pre-determined courses for two semesters
- Attend scheduled class supplemental support and tutoring
- Limit your enrollment to a maximum of 15 credits per semester during your first year
- Meet one-on-one with PointersWay assigned academic advisor three times per semester
- Participate in PointersWay sponsored events
Required Coursework
Participants in the PointersWay for Success program are required to enroll in designated program-supported courses including the First-Year Experience Seminar, Reading in the Disciplines, English, Math, and selected general education courses.
Academic Support
A key component available to PointersWay for Success students is class supplemental support, which is group tutoring linked to students’ required courses. Students will also have access to individual and online tutoring provided by our campus Tutoring-Learning Center.
Your Future | Your Path | PointersWay
Please note: PointersWay’s Early Bridge Week will occur the same week as LEAD August 23-28, 2026