Gateway Scholars Program

This program provides students with resources to increase their likelihood of success and to thrive as students at the university. While most required components take place in the first semester, programs and services continue to support students until they graduate. Students who enroll at the university through this program have the same pathway to degree completion as every other student: four years of fulltime study.

PROGRAM FEATURES

Extended New Student Orientation

Your Gateway Scholars Program extended orientation begins Sunday, August 17. This will be followed by Orientation for all Fall 2025 incoming students, held Thursday, August 21 through Sunday, August 24.

The most important task to complete at orientation is getting acquainted with college life at Millersville University. Even if you have attended another institution, college life at MU will have some differences, and you should plan to attend.

The University's goal is for you to immerse yourself in college life so that when you start classes the following week, you "hit the ground running." Orientation gives you the opportunity to make friends, investigate campus clubs and organizations, meet department faculty, learn about helpful resources, be informed of policies and regulations, and become comfortable with navigating the campus. The full schedule and registration details will be available in early summer.

First Semester Schedule

Students will enroll in five courses their first semester as is typical of first-semester students. The courses will include specified sections as follows:

  • First Year Seminar (required of all students)
  • English Composition
  • General Education requirement
  • Course in the chosen major
  • Mathematics

Throughout their first semester, students will attend study sessions conducted by peer mentors assigned to their classes.

Second Semester Schedule

  • Students will select courses in conjunction with their academic advisor.
  • Students will enroll in a specified section of Fundamentals of Speech (required of all students)

Academic Success Coach

  • Students will be assigned to an academic success coach with whom they will meet regularly.
  • Following the first year, students may continue to access program resources, as needed. Like all students, they will have access to a broad array of programs and services. 

PROGRAM FEE

There is no additional fee for this program.

PROGRAM CONTACT

Dr. Christina Pantoja Williams, Director of Pre-College Programs
Phone: 717-871-5713
Email: christina.williams@millersville.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is this program mandatory?

    Students admitted to the University through the Gateway Scholars program are required follow the program structure. This includes taking specified courses and course sections in the first year of study.

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  • How are students selected for this program?

    Typically, students are chosen for this program because they demonstrate an ability to be successful with the support this program provides, even though they had some academic challenges in high school.

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  • Can I be dismissed from the program?

    Students in the Gateway Scholars program follow the same requirements as any other students regarding academic probation and possible dismissal from the university. Those requirements can be found here.

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  • Is there a required summer component?

    No. The Gateway Scholars program begins five days before the start of the first semester. There are no other required sessions outside of the regular fall and spring semesters.

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  • Am I required to live on campus?

    The program does not require participants to live on campus. However, there is a requirement for first year students to live on campus unless they are approved to commute. The details can be found here.

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  • Am I able to graduate in four years?

    Students participating in the Gateway Scholars program, like all other students, can complete their full program of study in 4 years of fulltime study. A regular course load is 15 credits (5 classes) each fall and spring semester.

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