Pathways - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pathways?

Pathways is Academy at Swift River's campus based 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 wilderness programs it protects fragile treatment gains and celebrates hard earned success. The Pathways process ensures cooperation and communication between the wilderness professional and Swift River team downloading important treatment information.

How long does Pathways last?

The average length of stay in Pathways is four weeks.

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 team building, experiential and introspective assignments. Students are living on campus and in traditional dorms. Pathways creates a "campus within a campus." A group, averaging twelve students will complete this experience together. They are together from 8:00am-3:00pm Monday-Friday. Students may enjoy hiking, ropes course, special group sessions and team building exercises. Students coming from wilderness 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 adjust and thrive in our college preparatory setting upon completion.

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 Residential Life calendar.

What are the communication guidelines during Pathways?

Parents are asked to complete a letter supporting their son/daughter's transition. Letter writing is open to immediate family members upon enrollment, via regular or e-mail. Parents speak with the Pathways Coordinator within 48 hours of enrollment. The student's clinical counselor then provides weekly updates and schedules the first working visit. This visit occurs typically five weeks after enrollment.