BUCS Academy

Building Up College Success

Mary V. Jordan Center

Get a head start before your first fall term at ETSU begins.

BUCS Academy is a free, three-week residential program that helps you build the skills you need to thrive at ETSU. ETSU covers all housing, meals, social activities, and enrollment in a 3-credit, required course (Using Information Technology, CSCI 1100).

  • Succeed academically: Earn 3 course credits toward your degree and gain study, note-taking, time management, and financial literacy skills.
  • Connect: Build relationships with ETSU faculty, staff, and fellow students.
  • Plug in: Learn about campus resources, policies, and college life.
  • Explore: Explore Johnson City and the region through guided activities led by program staff.

2025 BUCS Academy Information

July 12-August 2, 2025
Application Deadline: May 1, 2025

Questions?
bucsacademy@etsu.edu
423-439-4844

 

Program Dates, Location, and Schedule

BUCS Academy participants will move into Lucille Clement Hall on Saturday, July 12, 2025 (9:00 a.m.-noon) and stay through Saturday, August 2, 2025 (noon). Activities take place across campus and off campus.

You’ll receive a detailed schedule at check-in, but a typical weekday will look like this:

8:00 AM

Breakfast

9:00 AM

Class

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00-4:30 PM

Activities & enrichment

5:00 PM

Dinner

6:00 PM

Group activities

7:00 PM

Evening social & homework time

Weekends will include time for personal tasks like laundry, plus off-campus activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who is eligible for BUCS Academy?
    New freshmen and transfer students who will be enrolled full-time in the fall.
  • What does BUCS Academy cost?
    ETSU pays tuition and fees for a 3-credit course and provides on-campus housing and all meals. You’ll only need to cover incidentals.
  • Do I have to live on campus during the program?
    Yes. All students stay on campus for the duration of the program.
  • If I live in the Tri-Cities TN area, do I have to stay on campus during the program?
    Yes.
  • Can I bring my car?
    Yes, but students will take university transportation when attending sponsored outings and events.
  • Can I choose which class I take during the program?
    • All participants take CSCI 1100, Using Information Technology, a course required for graduation from ETSU

BUCS Academy Leaders

The next best thing to being a BUCS Academy participant is being a BUCS Academy leader!

BUCS Academy Leaders contribute to participants’ intellectual, personal, and social development by creating a welcoming, supportive, and engaging environment. Leaders live alongside participants in Lucille Clement Hall, providing guidance and encouragement and facilitating evening and weekend activities.  Leaders serve from July 9, 2025 (arrival for check-in and training) through the conclusion of the program on August 2, 2025.

Application Link: Coming Soon!
Application Deadline: To Be Determined

Questions?
bucsacademy@etsu.edu
423-439-4844

BUCS Academy Leaders learn to mentor fellow students.

Required training sessions and staff meetings will help you:

  • Practice effective communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Know when to offer direct assistance and when to make referrals.
  • Share your college experience and success strategies, such as time management, utilization of college resources, etc.
  • Serve as a familiar first resource for students.
  • Responsibilities
    • Offer encouragement and guidance as mentors and role models for BUCS Academy participants.
    • Create and lead group activities with other BUCS Academy leaders and Jordan Center and BUCS Academy administrators.
    • Have a positive attitude, be reliable and flexible, and demonstrate punctuality.
    • Be professional at all times and positively represent BUCS Academy and ETSU.
    • Attend all required training sessions prior to the academy and all required staff meetings during it.
    • Live alongside participants in the designated residence hall (Lucille Clement) for the duration of the academy.
    • Verify participant presence in the residence hall each evening.
    • Complete other duties as assigned.
  • Qualifications
    • Have completed at least two semesters at ETSU
    • Minimum overall GPA of 2.50
    • In good academic and disciplinary standing with ETSU
    • Enrolled full-time at ETSU in fall 2025 (at least 12 credits)
    • Able to live on campus for the entire program
    • Former BUCS Academy or QUEST participants given priority.