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TRITON EDGE PROGRAM

 

The Triton Edge Program is on hiatus for 2022.

 

Triton Edge aims to develop outstanding students and global citizens by preparing  international freshmen  for success through interweaving academics and cultural development. Students get a jump start on academics and campus awareness while also developing identity and intercultural understanding. By successfully completing the Triton Edge Program, students will also receive a notation in their Co-Curricular Record ( CCR ), to highlight this self-reflection and cross-cultural development training opportunity beyond the classroom.

 

Triton Edge Testimonials

View the Triton Edge 2016 Testimonials Video to hear about the program from previous participants!

 


Tell me about Triton Edge!

What are the Triton Edge Program Goals?

The goals of the Triton Edge Program are to…

1. Provide international freshmen with an academic jump start.

How we do this:

  • Participants are required to enroll in two courses (8-units) at the reduced summer session tuition rate during the Summer Session II term.
    • One required 4-unit AWP10 course to develop basic college writing skills
    • One 4-unit elective course selected by the student to fulfill a general education requirement
  • Participants will work with program staff and campus resources to develop the Success Plan to begin the fall quarter prepared for their academic careers. The Success Plan is the final project for AWP10.
  • Participants will engage in non-academic activities that are equally vital for developing as a successful student and global citizen.
  • By arriving to campus for Summer Session II and through the guidance of peer mentors, participants will develop campus awareness before the fall quarter begins.

 

2. Assist international freshmen in the social and cultural transition.

How we do this:

  • Through a combination of academic and intercultural awareness programming, participants will become confident in their roles as members of the UCSD, San Diego, and global community.
  • Participants will engage with topics such as intersectionality and identity during weekly Triton Edge Cohort Meetings.
  • Participants will develop intercultural understanding and intercultural communication skills.
  • Participants will partake in community engagement to become familiar with their new environment
  • Participants will live on campus in residence halls with other UCSD students.

What does Triton Edge include?

The Triton Edge Program has been carefully crafted to prepare students for success at UCSD and beyond. Because of this, all classes and activities associated with the Triton Edge Program are mandatory for successful completion. The Success Plan is required to pass the AWP10 course and to complete the Triton Edge Program.

Once completed, participants will earn the Triton Edge notation on their Co-Curricular Record, confirming this achievement.

All Triton Edge students will participate in the following:

  • Orientation
  • TE Cohort Meetings
    • Triton Edge Cohort Meetings (TE CMs) occur weekly from 6:00-8:30pm and vary in topic. At TE CMs, all Triton Edge participants are present and engage in workshops, activities, or presentations that encourage the development of a holistic student and assist in the cultural transition.
  • Two Summer Session II Courses (Full Time Enrollment)
    • AWP10 – Language and Learning in the American Academy (4 units)
      • AWP10 will introduce students with little or no experience with educational systems in the U.S. to the conventions of American academic discourse. The course will provide an introduction to critical thinking, reading, writing, speaking, and listening practices appropriate to college-level work at UC San Diego. It will prepare students who may not be familiar with the learning expectations of American universities to fully join the academic conversation. As a final project, students will submit their Triton Edge Success Plan and will also give a brief presentation of their plan to Triton Edge staff, ISPO staff, and fellow students.
    • ONE elective courses (4 units)
      • You will choose one course from the Recommended Courses List (available to students once accepted to the Triton Edge Program) compiled by the Council of Academic Deans from all six colleges. These courses have few or no prerequisites. It is highly recommended that students choose a course that will satisfy college general education requirements (GEs). Triton Edge is a rigorous and fast-paced program, therefore students cannot enroll in more or less than 8 units and it is a requirement that students choose a class from the Recommended Courses List.
  • Academic Tutoring Sessions
  • Weekly Peer Mentor Meetings
  • Community Activities

What makes me eligible to apply for Triton Edge?

Triton Edge is a fast-paced and intensive program that requires students to be fully committed to all aspects of the coursework and activities involved. Admission to Triton Edge is granted on a first-come, first-served basis. However, there is limited space in the program. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

We are looking for applications that reflect the following:

  • Highly-motivated, degree-seeking international freshmen who are eager to get a jump start on academics and campus awareness at UCSD.
  • Mature and responsible individuals who are eager to participate in intercultural and community engaged activities that will aid in their development as student leaders.
  • Students committed to completing the program in entirety.
  • Students who have met all UCSD admissions requirements to participate. See the online admission checklist (MyApplication) to ensure this has been done.

I'm interested, tell me more!

Where will I live during Triton Edge?

Once accepted to the Triton Edge Program, participants will register for on-campus summer housing through the Housing, Dining, and Hospitality webpage. It is mandatory that all Triton Edge Participants live in on-campus housing for the extent of the program.

 

Quick Housing Facts:

  • During Triton Edge, all participating students will live on campus at Thurgood Marshall College (TMC). Triton Edge participants will have the option for early move in and for Extended Stay beyond the end of the program. More information will be shared with students once accepted to the program.
  • Students will live in suites made up of double rooms and triple rooms, along with a shared bathroom and common living space. Room assignments will be made prior to your arrival at the university, and those sharing a room will have same-gender room assignments. 
  • Rooms will be furnished with a bed, desk, study chair, bookcase, closet, and small drawer unit. Sheets and towels are not provided.
  • Laundry facilities are available on site and are operated by Triton Cash. Triton Cash is credit that can be loaded onto students' campus ID cards. Triton Edge participants will receive their ID card at the Triton Edge Orientation.

Triton Edge Extended Stay (Optional)

  • After classes/finals end, students have the option to continue living on campus at Eleanor Roosevelt College for an additional cost through Triton Edge Extended Stay*.
  • Programs and activities will be available for Triton Edge students who wish to remain on campus.
  • Campus restaurants and select markets will be open during this time for meals.
  • Information and applications for Extended Stay will be sent directly to students via email during the Triton Edge Program.

*See "Expenses" section below for Triton Edge Extended Stay cost information

What are the program expenses?

Triton Edge Costs

Triton Edge participants pay for their Summer Session tuition and Summer Housing, Dining, and Hospitality (HDH) services. Tuition fees will show up in participant’s student accounts (via Tritonlink) in late June. The e-bill (used to make payment) will be available starting early July.

I'm ready to apply! What should I do?

What steps should I take when applying for Triton Edge?

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Read about the Triton Edge Program on the webpage.

Step 2: Attend a “What is the Triton Edge Program?” webinar.

Step 3: Submit your Triton Edge Program Application. Apply with the Summer Success Program Common Application!

Step 4: Wait two weeks (10 business days) while the Triton Edge Program staff review your application.

Step 5: Receive your program acceptance decision.

Step 6: Acceptance to the Triton Edge Program is conditional. This means, there is one more step to make your acceptance official! When you receive your conditional acceptance to the Triton Edge Program, you will receive a set of forms that must be read and signed by you and your parents/guardians. You must return these signed documents to the Triton Edge staff by the deadline given to confirm your acceptance.

Step 7: Triton Edge staff will confirm your acceptance once all required signed documents have been received.

Step 8: Register for Summer Session II. 

Step 9: Register for on-campus housing through the Housing, Dining, and Hospitality office.

Step 10: Submit your I-20/DS-2019 Request through iPortal. The I-20 is the travel document required for students with F-1 visas and the DS-2019 is the travel document required for students with J-1 visas. Because you are part of the Triton Edge Program, your I-20/DS-2019 will have an early start date. You will be prompted to upload evidence of your acceptance or enrollment in Summer Session in order to receive an early start I-20 or DS-2019. **If you submitted an I-20/DS-2019 Request before applying to Triton Edge Program OR if you did not upload evidence to receive an early start date, please notify Triton Edge Program Staff immediately at tritonedge@ucsd.edu .

Step 11: Obtain your F-1 or J-1 visa.

Step 12: Attend all mandatory online Triton Edge Program webinars. These webinars include: “Welcome to the Triton Edge Program” which will give program details and “Pre Arrival Information” which will discuss need-to-know information for when you arrive on campus.

Step 13: With the F-1 and J-1 visa, you are eligible to arrive within 30 days from the start date on your I-20/DS-2019. 

How do I apply for Triton Edge?

Applications dates to be confirmed.

I have a few final questions!

Frequently asked questions

You have questions? We have answers!

Who can apply?

Any incoming UC San Diego degree-seeking international freshman can apply.

When can I request my I-20/DS-2019?

Triton Edge students can apply for their I-20/DS-2019 using the iPortal only AFTER they have been accepted for the Triton Edge program and have successfully registered for their classes. You will be requested to upload evidence of your acceptance or enrollment in Summer Session for the Triton Edge Program.

What if I already applied for my I-20/DS-2019 (before applying for Triton Edge) and now need an early-start I-20/DS-2019?

If you applied for your I-20/DS-2019 before you applied for Triton Edge, and you now need an early-start document, please email tritonedge@ucsd.edu so that we can issue a new document for you. You DO NOT need to apply for another I-20/DS-2019 through the iPortal. 

Where and when do I pay my Triton Edge tuition fees?

Tuition fees will show up in your student account (Tritonlink) in late June. The e-bill (used to make payment) will be available starting early July.

How early can I arrive in the U.S.?

Triton Edge students will be able to enter the United States 30 days before the Triton Edge begins.

When can I move into on-campus housing for Triton Edge?

Dates to be confirmed for 2020.

Do I have to live in on-campus housing?

Yes. The Triton Edge Program is designed to help participants gain a full understanding of college life at UC San Diego, and programs will be provided in the dorms for you. Those who live off campus will not be able to participate in these residence life programs.

Can I have family or friends stay with me in the on-campus dorms?

No. On-campus accommodation is for registered UCSD students. There are other on-campus housing options for family and friends to stay through Guest Housing.

Will there be a program for my family if they choose to accompany me?

Yes! There will be a half day program for your family. More information to come!

Do I need early-start health insurance?

Yes. Students need to have health insurance coverage (dates to be confirmed in 2020). Triton Edge participants have two options for insurance coverage: either enroll in UC SHIP Early Start, or obtain your own health insurance (however, you must have a waiver approved by Student Health Services if you decide to take out your own insurance). Further details regarding health insurance will be sent via email to all of those accepted onto Triton Edge.

Does Triton Edge offer accommodations for students with disabilities?

Yes. If you are a student with a disability who may need accomodations to participate in our program, you are encouraged to contact the Office for Students with Disabilities directly at (858) 534-4382. Additional information may be found at https://disabilities.ucsd.edu/about/index.html.

Do I need to have all of my admissions requirements met BEFORE I apply for Triton Edge?

No, you do not need to have met all of these requirements before you apply for Triton Edge, but you MUST have them completed by the deadlines stated for each requirement (transcripts, immunizations, etc.) Check your MyApplication account and ensure you follow all instructions to complete this by the stated deadlines.

Questions? Contact us!

Triton Edge questions should be directed to:

Email: tritonedge@ucsd.edu and iprograms@ucsd.edu

Phone: (858) 534-3730