EXCEL Summer Program

EXCEL  IS:
A three day summer program for new and returning students. EXCEL provides new students with a pre-college experience featuring workshops designed to expose the commonalities of first year college life by challenging students to focus on ways that will assist them in developing academically and socially. Returning students are provided the opportunity to mentor EXCEL participants in developing a sense of liberal learning, understanding the context of life-long learning, achieving personal and professional growth, and a sense of social responsibility.    
The program components include:  
        - academic and personal development, 
        - interpersonal skills, 
        - resource awareness.

EXCEL PROVIDES:
New students the opportunity to:        
        - connect with an upper class mentor and other BSU students 
        - engage in developmental workshops and interactive activities,                       
        - gain early exposure to campus life and understand the campus 
        - experience living in the residence halls.

EXCEL PAST PARTICIPANTS SAID:   
EXCEL was one of the greatest experiences I've had since being at Ball State. Coming in and knowing people made my transition from high school to college really smooth.                             
~ Cleophas, Indianapolis, IN                            

The EXCEL program boosted my confidence and smoothed my transition into Ball State University, while at the same time allowing me to create new friendships that will last a lifetime.
~ Mary, Muncie, IN

I learned that the more I get involved, the more friends I make along the way. 
~ Stephanie, Indianapolis, IN 

EXCEL was the starting point for my social and academic support system at Ball State University.
~ Brent, Indianapolis, IN

EXCEL APPLICANTS:
Must:
        - be American born of African, Asian, Hispanic, or Native American descent, 
        - be an entering first year student at Ball State University,                       
        - complete an application w/ a money order or check in the sum of $30.

The fee includes the applicant's room, board, and supplies. Applications are mailed to Ball State's confirmed first year students in April and are due to the Center in May. 35 participants are selected and notified by June and the program takes place in July.

EXCEL MENTOR APPLICANTS:                                                                                                                                       Must:                                                  
        - be upper-class student leaders who live in the residence halls,                 
        - complete an EXCEL Mentor Application and Interview, 
        - complete Mentor Training                                                               

Eight mentors are chosen and individually assigned a small group of four to six first-year students. Mentors are expected to help Mentees transition from high school to college by offering resources and guidance and by assisting first year students to become comfortable with navigating around BSU's campus. All Mentors endure training sessions that will prepare them with necessary information and skills to provide appropriate resources to Mentees. EXCEL Mentor applicants may apply online by clicking the Mentor Application link or by completing an application in the Multicultural Center Monday through Friday between the hours of 9am – 4pm.

EXCEL applicants may apply online by clicking the EXCEL Registration link or by sending a 3'5 index card with name, address, a contact number, gender, birth- date, high school attended, an emergency contact name and telephone number, an email address (optional), the date of your confirmation letter from Ball State University, and your check or money order payable to The EXCEL Program-Multicultural Center to the following address: 

The EXCEL Program c/o:

David Taylor
Assistant Director                                                                                                                                                                Multicultural Center 
Ball State University 
325 North McKinley Avenue 
Muncie, Indiana 47306

For more information, please contact David Taylor  at (765) 285-1344 or email: dltaylor@bsu.edu.