Accommodating Student Needs: The Academic Bridge Programme

The Academic Bridge Programme (ABP), started by the Office of Admissions in 2018, is a specially curated English language communications and academic writing course for select students in the incoming undergraduate cohort to bridge the gap between their high school education and Ashoka University’s academic rigour. We piloted the first batch of 25 students for a 9-day immersive English language learning course, and over the years this batch has grown and the programme has evolved into a 3-week course. From 2018 to 2023, ABP has supported 220 students from 157 schools across 15 nationalities. This year, the 7th cohort of the ABP comprises 48 students – the largest cohort since the inception of the programme.

The programme’s curriculum is collaboratively designed by the Centre for Writing and Communication (CWC) and the Undergraduate Writing Programme (UWP). Incorporating both group and individual assignments, the instructors apply scaffolding techniques to ensure that the students can build on their learning outcomes in the academic courses they go on to choose. This is the main goal of the ABP – to provide students with the requisite training in writing in English for academic purposes. Among all the academic and communication skills they acquire over these three weeks, confidence is the standout feature that helps them integrate smoothly into campus life. In this direction, the Office of Admissions conceptualised a new feature this year – an interactive session, conducted by the Head of the Department of Performing Arts, to assist students with self-expression through new language learning, dance and vocal performances, and visual arts.

Besides the instructors from CWC and UWP, the Office of Learning Support (OLS) and the Ashoka Center for Well-Being (ACWB) also contribute significantly to this transition initiative. Often, the ABP cohort consists of students with learning or physical disabilities. To ensure this additional support, the OLS – constantly referring to new knowledge, best practices, and building awareness in the field of ableism – works towards further reducing social, emotional, intellectual, and physical accessibility barriers for students.

On the other hand, ACWB’s trained professionals support students if they are struggling with their mental well-being. This year, rather exceptionally, ACWB has held one-on-one consultations with the ABP cohort to communicate the support they can offer to these students during their academic journey at Ashoka University. The Academic Bridge Programme, with the support of CWC, UWP, OLS, and ACWB is thus a one-of-a-kind transition initiative for students needing English language support, which often overlaps with learning and accessibility support. As a major stepping stone towards each student’s academic success on campus, the programme – needfully conceived by the Office of Admissions – is also one of Ashoka University’s flagship programmes in ensuring campus inclusivity and diversity.