FAQ

The MAPS Program:

Q: I am interested in participating in MAPS, but I can attend only part of the summer program. Can I still participate?
A: It is required that students attend all classes, participate in the MAPS activities, and remain on campus for the entire 6-week period.

Q: I would like to attend MAPS, but I don’t plan on being a freshman at K-State during Fall 2013. Can I still attend?
A: MAPS is a summer bridge program for incoming K-State freshmen. Students who are planning to enroll in a different college/university during Fall 2013 are not eligible for MAPS.

Q: What costs are covered by MAPS?
A: Tuition, textbooks, lab supplies, room and board, and most meals are all paid for by MAPS (except for Sunday nights when the dining hall is closed). MAPS will also pay for group activities such as industry tours and the side trips associated with them. For all intents and purposes, MAPS is free for students.

Q: What costs are not covered by MAPS?
A: MAPS does not cover expenses related to traveling to and from Manhattan, Sunday evening meals, K-State’s Orientation fee, and personal items.

MAPS Program Logistics:

Q: The application says I receive a stipend for participating in the MAPS program. Will the stipend go to pay for tuition or will it go directly to the participants?
A: MAPS students will receive their stipends midway through the MAPS program. The stipends will be in check form and can be used however the participants wish. 

Q: How many credits can I earn during the summer with MAPS?
A: MAPS participants will earn up to six (6) credits:

  • four (4) credits of Chemistry 210 (Chemistry 1 lecture and lab) OR three (3) credits of Math 100 (College Algebra) 
  • one (1) credit of Kinesiology 161 (Fitness and Conditioning)
  • one (1) credit of University Experience.
Q: Do I have to attend K-State’s orientation?
A: Yes. MAPS students are required to attend K-State’s orientation session on Friday, June 14, 2013. Important information about the campus and your college is shared during K-State’s Orientation. In addition, you will meet your academic advisor, prepare your fall class schedule, create a K-State email account, and get a K-State student ID card during Orientation. You will need to pay for you and additional family members to attend the day-long event.

Q: Where will I live during the summer with MAPS?
A: MAPS students will be living in a co-ed, standard room-style residence hall on K-State’s campus. MAPS Peer Mentors will live on the floor and help you adjust to college life. They will assist you with understanding university and K-State Housing and Dining policies concerning student conduct.

Q: When can I move into the residence hall?
A:  Students can move into the residence hall after K-State’s Orientation has concluded, at 3:00pm on Friday, June 14, 2013.

Q: Is transportation provided to/from the Kansas City airport?
A: MAPS does not provide transportation to/from the Kansas City International Airport (MCI). The Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK) now has daily direct flights from Chicago O’Hare and Dallas-Fort Worth. It is the MAPS participant’s responsibility to make arrangements for transportation to and from Manhattan at the beginning and end of the program. If you need assistance, please notify the MAPS staff.

Q: Can I bring my car to MAPS?
A: MAPS participants are not allowed to bring or ride in personal vehicles for the duration of MAPS. Parking is tight at K-State, and permits are expensive. MAPS will provide safe transportation to and from designated events.

Q: What do MAPS participants do when they’re not in classes?
A: MAPS students are in classes Mondays-Thursdays, with ample breaks in their classtime during the day. The entire group participates in industry tours or oncampus activities each Friday. Saturday events can include: trips to Worlds of Fun, activities around Manhattan (swimming, mini-golf, picnics, bowling, movies, city-wide events), challenge course activities, group competitions, the Little Apple Jazz Festival, and other non-academic stuff. MAPS students have Sundays “off.”

The MAPS Application:

Q: The application asks for a recommendation from a community official. Who is eligible to write that recommendation for me?
A: Past MAPS students have had coaches, church members/teachers, family friends, 4-H leaders, mentors, and scout leaders write recommendations as community officials.

Q: Is there a similar program for soon-to-be college sophomores?
A: The MAPS program is unique in that it is a summer bridge program. It is designed to create a cohort of students who will enter college together and provide a touchstone for the start of their college career. To our knowledge, there isn’t a MAPS-type program for college sophomores at K-State.

Q. Can I fax my MAPS application to you?
A: Yes, students can fax their completed MAPS application to 785-532-6339.

So, why should I participate in MAPS?

Q: What are the benefits of the MAPS program? 
A: MAPS students are able to start their college careers early! Students spend six weeks getting to know other students, faculty, the K-State campus, and their major. MAPS students also get to experience industry tours and meet professionals (and faculty) who can serve as mentors for them throughout their college careers. Finally, six weeks at K-State is a great way to spend the summer!
(MAPS is also free for students! Did we mention that?)

Q: Whom do I contact for more information?
A: You can contact the MAPS Coordinator if you need more information or have more questions regarding the program. Please write, email, or call:

Brandon L. Clark
MAPS Coordinator
MSO Office
Kansas State Student Union 
Manhattan, KS 66506
bclark@ksu.edu
Phone: 785-532-6436 
Fax: 785-532-6339