Hello,  
I am delighted to welcome you to the Freshman Summer Start Program (FSSP) web page.   Now in our 7th year we have an exciting academic and social program this summer for newly admitted freshmen. FSSP students average 9-10 units, taken from a choice of over 70 courses offered during Summer Session B that fulfill general education and pre-major requirements. We also offer special FSSP core courses: Freshman Seminars, Honors Sections, Introduction to Undergraduate Research Courses, and Enrichment Courses. Moreover, there are numerous academic and social activities to help students transition academically into UCSB, make friends, meet faculty, learn about the campus and its many resources, and enjoy the Santa Barbara summer.

FSSP is subsidized by the state, so program costs are less than in the fall, winter, or spring. We also gave out over $400,000 in grants and loans last summer and out-of-state students pay the same as in-state resident students.  

As you can read in the wave review section of this website, our students are especially enthusiastic about FSSP and the positive experiences they take away from the program. They made friends and had fun, but they also did well in their classes and experienced college life in a more relaxed and supportive environment.

The faculty mentors, advisors and counselors who participate in our Wellness activities, Residence Hall Director, Assistant Hall Director, student Resident Assistants, FSSP Program Manager, and I all care very deeply about the well-being of our students and are committed to helping them achieve their academic potential and to discovering all that UCSB has to offer. I hope to see you this summer.

Dr. Ralph Gallucci
Director, Freshman Summer Start Program
Continuing Lecturer in Classics