Schedule

Dates and Schedule

ASCEND is typically a five-week online summer program that runs from late June through late July. Specific meeting days and times may vary by cohort or program pathway, but each version of ASCEND combines self-paced online learning with live small-group meetings.

Each week, students complete online learning activities at their own pace, including videos, practice problems, and reflection activities. Students then meet with their coach and small group to discuss applied problems, ask questions, and think together about the transition to Notre Dame.

• Students should expect to spend time each week watching content videos and working through practice exercises that review important mathematical concepts and skills.
• Students participate in live small-group meetings with a coach and other incoming Notre Dame students.
• Small-group meetings focus on problem-solving, collaboration, reflection, and preparation for college-level learning.
• For many ASCEND cohorts, live meetings are held twice per week after the first week of the program. Exact meeting times will be shared with students before the program begins.

Weekly Workflow

Milestones

ASCEND does not use formal grades. Instead, the program is designed to help students assess their current strengths, identify areas for growth, and build confidence before beginning their first semester at Notre Dame.

Throughout ASCEND, students will use several tools to track their progress and reflect on their growth:

• Incoming self-assessment: Students begin by reflecting on their current mathematical preparation, learning habits, and goals for the program.
• Practice problem sets: Students work through online practice assignments connected to each module.
• Small-group applied problem-solving: Students collaborate with new classmates and an upperclassman coach on applied problems that encourage discussion, reasoning, and persistence.
• Final reflection assessment: At the end of ASCEND, students reflect on how they have grown, what they have learned, and what they want to continue working on as they begin at Notre Dame.