Preparing for Life as a University Student (PLUS)

Looking for something exciting to do this summer? Apply to the PLUS program.

Organized by the Center for Student Diversity, Preparing for Life as a University Student, or PLUS, is a program that provides a supportive introduction to academic and student life at William & Mary. Through the leadership of trained peer mentors, incoming first-year students participate in a week-long, residential pre-orientation designed to foster meaningful connections with peers and campus resources. Ongoing engagement is provided throughout a student's journey at William & Mary.

Getting Involved

PLUS begins with a free, one-week residential pre-orientation, and continues throughout the academic year with cohort-specific mentorship, academic support, and student engagement initiatives designed to strengthen belonging and connection.

The PLUS program is designed to support underrepresented incoming students with making a smooth transition to college. PLUS also offers a welcoming space for students who are committed to cultural consciousness, uplifting diverse perspectives, and building inclusive communities. Students selected for PLUS will engage in leadership development, community building, intercultural exploration, self-awareness, and allyship. The program also provides participants with exposure to campus affinity organizations dedicated to enhancing the cultural, social, and educational experience at William & Mary. This is captured in our PLUS Pillars.

Learn more about our PLUS Pillars:

Academic Success

We focus on helping students engage in the curriculum, scholarship, & research. Students have the opportunity to engage in activities and workshops that help them:

Understand the Curriculum
Choose academic path with Academic Advising
Learn strategies to promote Academic Wellbeing & Student Success
Engage in scholarly research and writing

Community and Leadership Development

We focus on helping our students make a positive impact in our campus community and the greater Williamsburg community. Students have the opportunity to engage in activities and workshops that promote:

Civic Engagement
Campus Community Involvement
Student Leadership Development
Student Voice and Assembly

Flourishing

We focus on creating a healthy balance of academic and co-curricular experiences to optimize student success. Students have the opportunity to develop their understanding of:

The 8 Dimensions of Wellness
Healthy Relationships (Friendships & Romantic)
Conflict Resolution Skills
Recreation & Leisure

College to Career Readiness

We focus on engaging students early and often in opportunities to enhance their networking and career access to promote a growth mindset. Students have the opportunity to engage in:

Career Exploration
Entrepreneurship & Business Skill Development
Alumni Networking
Internships & Externships

As part of our long-term college-to-career readiness focus, PLUS participants also benefit from resources that support their ongoing success—including workshops, a job shadowing experience, and eligibility for a scholarship to participate in the W&M Study in D.C. program.

Belonging

Belonging and student experience are key factors for student retention and success. As belonging is the cornerstone of PLUS, we support students in building community and connecting with peers through:

Fostering cohort and alumni connections
Peer-to-peer mentoring
Affinity & Identity Development

PLUS Applications are accepted annually from May 1st - June 1st

APPLY NOW

PLUS 2025 Dates:

Sunday, July 12 - Saturday, July 19, 2025

Deadline to Apply:

Sunday, June 1, 2025

More Information

Monique Williams
Director, Center for Student Diversity
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