ASCEND

Welcome to ASCEND!

ASCEND, A Scholarly Community Entering Notre Dame, is a summer pre-college program that helps incoming Notre Dame students prepare for the transition to university-level mathematics and academic life. Through online learning modules, applied problem-solving, reflection, and small-group mentoring, students strengthen foundational skills while building community with peers and current Notre Dame students before arriving on campus.

ASCEND began as a mathematics readiness program and has grown into a flexible model that supports students across multiple academic pathways, including science, engineering, architecture, business, and other programs where quantitative confidence and college learning strategies are essential. Many of the concepts and skills covered in ASCEND are drawn from Notre Dame’s introductory mathematics courses, placement expectations, and the kinds of problem-solving students will encounter in their first year.

If you have been accepted into ASCEND, congratulations and welcome to the Notre Dame family! We are excited to have you join us. Throughout this program, you will refresh important mathematical skills, practice new ways of thinking, connect with other incoming students, and begin learning how to use the support structures available to you at Notre Dame. Welcome to the family, and go Irish!

What ASCEND Provides

ASCEND helps students begin Notre Dame with greater confidence by combining:

• Mathematical skill development through videos, practice problems, and applied problem-solving.
• Small-group community with other incoming Notre Dame students.
• Near-peer mentoring from current Notre Dame students who understand the transition to college.
• College learning strategies focused on reflection, help-seeking, persistence, and effective study habits.
• Early familiarity with Notre Dame resources that can support students academically and personally once they arrive on campus.

More Than a Math Review

ASCEND is built on the belief that preparation for Notre Dame involves more than reviewing mathematical techniques. Students also need opportunities to ask questions, practice collaboration, develop confidence, and learn how to use the support structures available to them.

In ASCEND, students work with a small group and a current Notre Dame student coach. Coaches help students think through mathematical problems, reflect on learning strategies, and prepare for the academic and social transition to college. Students are encouraged to talk with their coaches not only about mathematics, but also about life at Notre Dame, study habits, office hours, clubs, campus resources, and the many questions that come with beginning college.

The ASCEND Experience

The ASCEND experience combines self-paced learning with live small-group interaction. Students should expect to engage actively with the material, participate in discussions, and reflect on their growth throughout the program.

• Begin with reflection and self-assessment. Students identify their current strengths, areas for growth, and goals for the summer.
• Review essential mathematical ideas. Students work through online modules that refresh important algebra, functions, trigonometry, and other foundational topics.
• Work through applied problems in small groups. Weekly meetings give students a chance to discuss challenging problems, explain their reasoning, and learn with peers.
• Prepare for the transition to Notre Dame. Through coaching, reflection, and discussion, students learn strategies for studying, asking for help, managing challenges, and engaging with the Notre Dame community.

Who ASCEND Serves

ASCEND supports incoming students through several college and program partnerships. While each version of ASCEND may emphasize different mathematical topics or applications, all versions share a common goal: helping students build confidence, community, and readiness for Notre Dame.

ASCEND has supported students through partnerships with programs and colleges across the University, including science, engineering, architecture, business, and other Notre Dame communities.

For Colleges and Programs

ASCEND can be adapted to support different groups of incoming students. While the mathematical content and applications may vary by cohort, each version of ASCEND combines quantitative preparation, applied problem-solving, reflection, and near-peer mentoring.

Programs interested in learning more about ASCEND should contact Dr. Brian Mulholland, Director of ASCEND.