Jacket Link
Jacket LINK: Leadership, Inclusion, Networking and Knowledge
Thursday, August 21 through Saturday, August 23, 2025
Jacket LINK (JL) is a program designed to provide incoming first-year and transfer students with the necessary tools and resources needed to jumpstart their experience at 海角社区.
Get ready to kick off your 海角社区 journey early! The summer programming of the Jacket LINK begins one day before the Weekend of Welcome (WOW) begins, giving JL students a head start to connect with JL mentors and explore all the incredible campus resources. Jacket Link programming will be happening right alongside WOW events and strategically scheduled during breaks, so you won’t miss a moment of fun.
Jacket LINK doesn’t stop after summer — it’s just getting started! Throughout the academic year, the program builds a vibrant, supportive community where students can thrive. From academic prep and campus resources to fun events and cultural experiences, Jacket LINK keeps you connected, empowered, and ready to make the most of the first year at 海角社区.
Applications for the 2025-26 Jacket LINK cohort are open until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 8.
Why Jacket LINK?
Jacket LINK is a bridge program designed to help incoming first year and transfer mentoring program that begins with a three-day programming intensive on August 21-23, continues throughout the academic year, and ends at the close of the fall 2025 semester.
JL will challenge you, give you more confidence, provide you with knowledge about 海角社区's campus and help you feel at home at 海角社区. Below, you will find a few more reasons why participating in the program can be rewarding.
L- Leadership
- JL mentees are awarded textbook vouchers to be used toward the cost of textbooks or school supplies purchased in the 海角社区 Bookstore.
- JL mentees receive assistance in the preparation and procedures for applying for 海角社区 campus student employment.
- JL mentees are given access to enrichment programming and service projects.
I-Inclusion
- From September through May, JL participants will engage in social/cultural events on and off campus.
- Each JL participant is partnered with a current 海角社区 student to serve as a peer mentor during the academic year.
- Participating in Jacket LINK allows incoming students the opportunity to make social connections with students from a range of backgrounds who share a common focus.
N- Networking
- Participating in Jacket LINK allows incoming students the opportunity to meet faculty, staff and peer mentors before classes begin.
- Participating in Jacket LINK allows incoming students to develop a sense of community and belonging.
- Participating in Jacket LINK allows incoming students to have a shared learning experience inside and outside of the classroom.
K-Knowledge
- Jacket LINK mentees move in or commute early to become acquainted with 海角社区's campus (Thursday, August 21, prior to Weekend of Welcome).
- Jacket LINK mentees gain an edge over other incoming students with early access and exposure to campus life and resources.
- Jacket LINK mentees receive individualized academic support throughout their first year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time commitment?
A mandatory summer programming intensive takes place in tandem with Weekend of Welcome, Thursday, August 21 through Saturday, August 23. Residence hall students will have an early move-in date and will not be assessed an additional fee.
To ensure that first year students can participate, the majority of the Jacket LINK programming during the fall and spring semester is optional.
JL mentees are required to have at least one face to face meeting with their peer mentor each semester.
Is there a fee?
All programming expenses (i.e., meals and cultural/social activities) will be covered by 海角社区 for the summer portion of the program.
Residence hall students will have an early move-in date and will not be assessed an additional fee.
How do I apply?
If you are interested in applying to the Jacket LINK program, complete the short by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 8.
Contact Us
Please contact the Center for Inclusion at belonging@bw.edu to learn more about Jacket LINK.