What is Lawrence Launch?
Lawrence Launch is a three-week introduction to liberal arts learning at Lawrence University. New Lawrentians participate in a credit-earning curriculum including the Lawrence Launch seminar, based on the First Year Studies model of close reading, discussion, and writing. Students also choose one elective course.
Lawrence Launch participants will learn how to leverage Lawrence’s resources to achieve success through co-curricular programming. Participants will get to have fun with their classmates and learn what Lawrence and Appleton have to offer. Lawrence Launch is a program for any student who believes they would benefit from getting to campus early and adjusting to college life and the academic rigor of college.
Who should apply?
Lawrence Launch is a program for any student who believes they would benefit from getting to campus early and adjusting to college life and the academic expectations of college. Lawrence Launch is particularly beneficial for students who want to learn about the workload and expectations at Lawrence, want a head start on their college experience, want more time to adjust and settle into the college experience, and students who took a gap year.
How much does participation in Lawrence Launch cost?
Pricing information will be updated soon.
How are students selected to participate in Lawrence Launch?
Lawrence invites all new students to express their interest in participating in Lawrence Launch and to provide their reasons for wanting to participate—be they academic, social, or personal. Due to the limited number of spaces available, participation is limited to 60 students, and Lawrence is not able to invite all interested students to participate.
Will there be free time? What will the schedule look like?
While attendance at all classes and co-curricular events is expected throughout Lawrence Launch, students have plenty of personal free time. Throughout the program, there are also social events in which participation is encouraged but not required. Please see the draft schedule displaying sample class schedules, co-curricular events, and social events.
Can students earn academic credit through Lawrence Launch?
Yes. After successful completion of the two Lawrence Launch courses, participants earn six academic credits, which can be applied toward graduation.
Do students have to stay on campus during the program?
During Lawrence Launch, all students must reside on the Lawrence University campus. If students have a prior commitment that falls during one of the program weekends, they should discuss this commitment with the program directors.
Lawrence Launch runs from August 16 through September 5.
What happens if an interested student is not invited to Lawrence Launch?
There are resources available to help all students succeed during the academic year at Lawrence. These resources include peer tutoring, writing and discussion workshops, academic success courses and specialists, academic counseling, and the Con Brio Music Theory E-Course for music students. Students should speak with their academic (faculty) advisor early in the fall term to express their interest in any of these resources.
Does participation in Lawrence Launch affect a student’s college admission status?
No. Lawrence Launch has no bearing on a student’s enrollment. Since participants have already been admitted to Lawrence through the university’s competitive admissions process, we are confident that they possess the potential to thrive at Lawrence. Lawrence Launch is one of many supports in place to help students reach their full potential.
Can international students participate in Lawrence Launch?
Yes. International students are invited to participate in Lawrence Launch alongside their fellow new, first-year peers. International students may be enrolled in a specific seminar section aimed at multilingual learners, with support to help students transition into English-speaking courses. There may be additional costs for insurance for international students.
Do students choose their courses?
Students will be automatically placed into one of several Lawrence Launch seminar sections but will be asked which elective course most interests them during the application process.
Review the list of courses. (Link updated)
Where will students live during Lawrence Launch?
Upon arrival on campus, most or all Lawrence Launch students will move directly into their fall-term housing assignments. As construction work finishes on campus, there should be no need for students to move again before the school year begins unless directly contacted by program directors. If a student is required to move to a temporary room, they will be contacted as soon as possible.
Apply to Lawrence Launch
If you’re ready to enroll in Lawrence Launch, follow the link above. If you still have questions, please review the FAQs or contact your academic advisor.