Frequently Asked Questions

Residential Academy

All Residential Academy participants are required to live on campus. The residential experience is an important aspect of the Academy. Living on campus offers an opportunity to exercise independence, manage time, bond with classmates, and utilize campus resources.
Participants are not permitted to keep a car on campus. Violators risk being ticketed or towed.
To maintain a safe and secure environment, guests are not permitted in the residence halls during the Academy.
Scholars are allowed to leave campus on Sundays from 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. They must sign out and sign back in with a mentor. Leaving campus is prohibited throughout the week, except for emergencies. In the case of an extenuating circumstance, a parent or guardian should reach out to Ms. Lawson at mnlawson@bowiestate.edu or bulldogacademy@bowiestate.edu.
We provide reasonable accommodations for students who have registered with the Office of Disability Support Services.
Bulldog Scholars Academy charges a flat rate that covers tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, support services, supplies, weekend travel, and extracurricular activities.
When participants are enrolled in classes, a charge for tuition and fees is applied to their account. This is an automated process that cannot be circumvented. Bulldog Scholars Academy will zero out those charges by applying a tuition scholarship to the account. The Academy will submit scholarship requests as quickly as possible; however, those payments are processed in another office, and there may be a lapse between the time when the charge is applied and the scholarship is issued. We ask that you bear with us as the adjustments are made. If you have questions about summer fees, feel free to contact us at bulldogacademy@bowiestate.edu or 301-860-3298.
Participants benefit by:
- Earning up to 6 college credits
- Becoming familiar with campus
- Making new friends
- Connecting with faculty and staff
- Connecting with upper-classmen and campus organizations
- Learning how to manage time
- Networking with alumni
- Learning how to succeed in college
- Building community
- Exploring the DC-Baltimore Metro area
- Receiving academic and mentoring support
- Qualifying for merit scholarships
The Residential Academy awards merit-based scholarships for outstanding academic performance. The awards are tiered, based on Grade Point Average (G.P.A.) and announced during the closing ceremony in August. Scholarships will be applied to student accounts after the completion of the Academy.
A Bulldog Card (Student ID) is issued during the first week of the Academy. Scholars should carry the card with them at all times and be prepared to show it to security officers, residence hall desk assistants, and other personnel upon request. Bulldog Cards are also used to pay for meals in the Dining Hall, access library resources, and in some cases, unlock doors.
Conflict is a natural part of life. If handled well, it presents an opportunity for growth. The Academy takes a multi-pronged approach to addressing conflict, which includes:
- Building community and practicing healthy communication to create a foundation for conflict resolution.
- Clearly articulating rules and standards: Some of the standards are dictated by campus policy (e.g. no drugs or alcohol), some are set forth by the program (e.g. quiet hours), and others are created collaboratively (e.g. Roommate Agreement). They are in place to create a safe and peaceable environment. Mentors will review standards and policies to ensure that all participants understand expectations.
- Encouraging open and respectful communication: Many conflicts result from misunderstandings and can be resolved through communication. BSA residential staff are trained in conflict resolution. They model and teach empathic listening, emotional regulation, and other conflict resolution skills. Participants are encouraged to use these skills when conflicts arise.
- Providing mediation: Sometimes it is helpful for a neutral party to facilitate dialogue. BSA’s residential staff are prepared to mediate conflicts when necessary.
- Maintaining accountability: When community standards are broken, offending parties will be held accountable, and in some instances, given an opportunity to repair harm.
Yes,scholars have access to three meals a day, Monday-Friday and brunch and dinner on the weekends. Students with allergies or special dietary needs should speak with dining services staff if accommodations are needed. Scholars are encouraged to pack snacks to satiate hunger between meals.
For a list of recommended items, visit this page: https://www.bowiestate.edu/campus-life/housing-and-dining/what-to-bring.php
Drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and weapons are not permitted on premises. Scholars found in possession of one of these items will be reported to judicial affairs and may be asked to leave the Academy. Moreover, to ensure the safety of the residence halls, candles, microwaves, and other cooking appliances are prohibited. Residents who wish to keep a microwave in their room may purchase a micro-fridge unit. For a full list of prohibited items, visit: https://www.bowiestate.edu/campus-life/housing-and-dining/what-to-bring.php .
Quiet Hours are from 10:00 p.m.-10:00 a.m. in the residence halls. Out of respect for students and staff who prefer an early bedtime, all residents are asked to be mindful of their noise between those hours.
Campus Safety is staffed 24-7 with police and security officers. Students can reach dispatch by calling 301-860-4040 or 911. During the summer, only students and staff are permitted in the Residence Halls. The front desk is monitored by a Resident Assistant or Security Guard. All residents are required to present their ID cards to access to the building. Although the campus is relatively safe, students are encouraged to take precautions, including maintaining awareness or the surroundings, traveling in groups after dark, locking up valuables, and identifying emergency exits.
The Academy provides books and supplies, including calculators and lab equipment, when applicable. Scholars are encouraged to bring laptops, notebooks, pens, and pencils for taking notes and completing assignments. Participants who do not have a laptop will have access to computer labs and printers.

Commuter Academy

Frequently Asked Questions

We provide reasonable accommodations for students who have registered with the Office of Disabilty Support Services.
Bulldog Scholars Academy charges a flat rate that covers tuition, fees, books, and Grownish college transitions seminars.
When participants are enrolled in classes, a charge for tuition and fees is applied to their account. This is an automated process that cannot be circumvented. Bulldog Scholars Academy will zero out those charges by applying a tuition scholarship to the account. The Academy will submit scholarship requests as quickly as possible; however, those payments are processed in another office, and there may be a lapse between the time when the charge is applied and the scholarship is issued. We ask that you bear with us as the adjustments are made. If you have questions about summer fees, feel free to contact us at bulldogacademy@bowiestate.edu or 301-860-3298.
Participants benefit by:
- Earning up to 3 college credits
- Becoming familiar with campus
- Making new friends
- Connecting with faculty and staff
- Learning how to succeed in college
A Bulldog Card (Student ID) is issued during the first week of the Academy. Scholars should carry the card with them at all times and be prepared to show it to security officers and other personnel upon request. Bulldog Cards are also used to access library resources.
The Academy provides books and supplies, including calculators and lab equipment, when applicable. Scholars are encouraged to bring laptops, notebooks, pens, and pencils for taking notes and completing assignments. Participants who do not have a laptop will have access to computer labs and printers.