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Pathways - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pathways?

Pathways is Academy at Swift River's orientation program. It provides a safe and nurturing transitional experience for students as they arrive on campus. For the majority of our students transitioning from therapeutic programs, Pathways provides a thoughtful introductory experience and it seeks to sustain prior treatment gains and celebrates hard earned success. Students typically participate in the Pathways program for eight full days over a two week period. The key topics covered include Community Living, Who is Who and What is What at ASR, Stages of Change, Elements of Acceptance, the flow of an Academic Day, and Celebrations and Intensions. These themes are explored through journaling, group discussion, experiential learning and games, activities, service learning, interviews or initiatives.

How long does Pathways last?

The average length of stay in Pathways is eight days over a two week period. Students may stay with Pathways a few days longer.

What does a student's experience look like in Pathways?

The focus of Pathways is to prepare students for a successful experience as an ASR student. This is accomplished through a variety of group activities, experiential learning and introspective assignments. Students are living on campus in traditional dorms. Pathways creates a "campus within a campus." Pathways groups are small, and the group is together from 8:00am-3:00pm Monday-Friday. Students may work on or design a service learning project, go on the low or high ropes course, attend special group sessions or participate in group initiatives. Students, especially those coming from a wilderness program, recognize the camaraderie and small size of this group setting as they adjust to campus life.

Do students participate in academics during this stage?

Students do not participate in traditional classes during Pathways. We have found that this orientation has allowed our students to better adjust and consequently thrive in our setting upon completion. Students do spend one day during their Pathways orientation shadowing a fellow student in the Academic Program so that they can prepare for the transition back to school, ask any questions or voice any concerns while still in the small Pathways group.

Do students participate in campus life during this stage?

Pathways is a unique transitional program in that it fully integrates the campus life experience. Students are enrolled with the help of Student Ambassadors. These Ambassadors help mentor and introduce new students to the campus. Pathways students live on campus in dorms and become accustomed to daily campus life. They have access to all recreational facilities and the vibrant community. Pathways students participate in therapeutic group and athletics with the rest of their peers after school and on the weekends.

What are the communication guidelines during Pathways?

Letter writing via post or e-mail is open to immediate family members upon enrollment through your student's Clinical Counselor. Your student's Clinical Counselor will also make a parent phone call within 48 hours of enrollment. The Clinical Counselor then provides weekly updates and schedules the first working visit. This visit occurs typically five weeks after enrollment.