Loyola Marymount University’s ACCESS program (A Community Committed to Excellence in Scientific Scholarship) is designed for first-year students in the Seaver College of Science and Engineering. By generous donations from Thomas and Marlene Hynes as well as Robert and Sharon Sclabassi, this program provides students an opportunity in an all-expense paid, three-week residential program that focuses on academics and critical thinking in the sciences. Participation in the ACCESS program will prepare students for academic excellence through collaborative engagement in scientific scholarship.

Benefits of the Program

• Receive academic preparation and career planning advice, including information about graduate studies and strategies for successful post-baccalaureate paths
• Receive a stipend that can be used to defray the cost of books during your first year of college
• Receive three college credits that count toward your degree
• Get a head start by becoming an integral part of the scientific community on campus before the semester begins
• Work with other students on problems in the sciences while developing and sharpening your own analytic skills
• Become connected with University resources and exclusive opportunities through your participation in the program
• Be exposed to LMU residential life before the semester begins (free room and board provided during the three week period in the summer)
• Meet faculty, staff, and key administrators before the first day of classes
• Participate in a variety of outings (all expenses paid) that expose you to culture and life in Los Angeles, including destinations such as the Wrigley Marine Science Center on Catalina Island, DreamWorks Animation Studios, NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Ballona wetlands, the West Basin Water Treatment Plant, Dodger Stadium, and the La Brea Tar Pits.

Who Can Participate?

• Incoming Freshman enrolled in the College of Science and Engineering
• Interested students must interview via video conference or attend one of the LMU orientation sessions offered in June
• Participation by invitation only

What are the Costs of Participation?

• Participation is free. Students will be given free room and board, cost of admission and travel for field trips as well as a stipend to defray some of the costs of textbooks during their first year.

Requirements for Participation

• Students must attend all events, activities, and academic sessions related to the program, which take place during the daytime, evening, and weekends
• Students must reside on campus full time from Sunday, July 29th to Saturday, August 18th (free of charge)
• Students must sign up for a one-credit ACCESS course that meets in the Fall 2012 semester and a one credit course that meets in the Spring 2013 semester.
• Students enroll in a common section of ENGL 110 in the Fall 2012 semester (unless already placed out).  This is already a required course for all LMU students.
• Students enroll in a common section AMCS 115 in the Spring 2013 semester.  This is also a required course for all LMU students.