UBMS Handbook

 It is the mission of Upward Bound Math Science to:

• EDUCATE students with the propensity for study in STEM
  (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) areas for post-
  secondary.
• STIMULATE and SUSTAIN interest in STEM careers, and
• MOTIVATE eligible and potential first-generation college
  students to realistically consider the attainment of a post-
  secondary degree in STEM.

Build the following characteristics into the lives of our students:

• CONSCIENTIOUS: To make informed decisions and
  accept responsibility for the decisions they make.
• DEDICATED: To strive for excellence in all aspects of
  their lives.
• DISCERNING: To use their imagination, creativity,
  and cognitive skills to set and achieve their goals.
• INTENTIONAL: To use their given talents and skills
  to better their lives and the lives of others.
• PURPOSEFUL: To continually pursue personal
  success and development.

Participation is free to qualifying students. All program activities, including admission tickets and meals, are covered by the program. Students are expected to “pay their keep” in sweat equity. Sweat equity is earned by working hard to accomplish program and personal goals.

These sessions are held virtually and in person biweekly (refer to your activity calendar for dates and locations). Failure to attend regularly could affect the student stipend amount and participation in the summer component.

1. Students must attend all Saturday sessions. Parents/Students should notify the office at least 48 hours in advance when they anticipate an absence. The notice should be written via an exemption form or email.
2. Students should arrive on time for all Saturday sessions. Sessions will start at 9:30 AM; therefore, students should arrive five (5) minutes early. Attendance is taken at the start of each session.
3. If the session is online, students are required to participate from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. In-person, students are required to participate from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Any student leaving will be identified as having participated in only a portion of the session. Students leaving early must receive permission to go from the UBMS staff member on hand.
4. While online, students should follow online etiquette.
5. Students are required to take notes during speaker presentations.
6. Students are not permitted to leave the premises without staff permission.
7. Students should turn cellular phones to vibrate and refrain from unauthorized use of electronic devices.
8. Transportation arrangements to and from Saturday sessions are the responsibility of the student and parent(s). Transportation should be secured before attending sessions.

Saturday Session Schedule

9:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Please remember to show a few minutes early. If you do not have homework, you should be picked up by 11:00 AM.

 Local (Wichita) Saturday Sessions

Kansas City, KS, Saturday Sessions

Senior Requirements:

• Complete FAFSA by November 30, 2025
• Complete three college entrance applications by December 1, 2025
• Admission into two colleges by December 1, 2025
• Attend senior meetings when scheduled. 
• Complete three scholarship applications by April 1, 2026
• Complete all 47 Ontrack Modules by March 20, 2026

If senior requirements are not met by appointed deadlines, semester stipends will be forfeited, and/or participation in Summer Bridge 2026 will be forfeited.

College Application Assistance:

Often, completing the actual college application is the key to admission and even the automatic scholarship awarding process. Students are provided with assistance in completing applications to any institution of interest. When possible, staff members work with colleges and universities to waive application fees.

Seniors who plan to attend Summer Bridge 2026 will need to complete a Wichita State University college application. The deadline for this is February 2026.

UBMS students will NOT:

• …display behavior, which is abusive or threatening to anyone, including physical, psychological, and/or sexual harassment.
• …steal, abuse, and/or deface University and/or Program property and facilities.
• …possess, distribute, and/or use illegal drugs, alcohol, and/or any form of tobacco.
• …possess weapons, explosives, fireworks, and/or any other items that would put anyone at risk of injury and/or death.
• …tamper with fire safety equipment.
• …gossip or spread rumors about anyone.
• …engage in unauthorized Physical Displays of Affection (PDA). Unauthorized PDA includes the touching of any body parts below the shoulders and above the knees.  Arms are exempt. Kissing is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated by the students or the staff.
• …hold hands or otherwise display authorized or unauthorized affection during structured program activities, (i.e., field trips, workshops, classes) or flirt or fraternize with any staff member.

On occasion, severe weather requires cancellation of activities.  Academic Support and Saturday Sessions will be canceled if the school system and/or Wichita State University cancels classes.  People should tune in to local radio and television stations for notification of closings. Students can also check their Facebook page for notices from the staff.   Also, people may call the WSU Inclement Weather Line at 978-6633 for notification.  If cancellations have not been made and you consider road conditions to be hazardous, please call the UBMS Office at 978-3316 ahead of time to notify staff of your plans.

We encourage parents/guardians to be involved in all aspects of their children’s lives, particularly with the UBMS program because we know and believe that it is a program that can and will work.  It has been proven that when students see their parents’ involvement, they are more likely to succeed in that area.  Parents are most welcome to visit our office or attend parent/staff events as scheduled by the program.  

UBMS students adhere to the following dress code when traveling or participating in program-sponsored field trips to represent UBMS, WSU, and themselves in a positive light. The following list is not exhaustive but does highlight some areas of concern.

• Each student is expected to dress in UBMS-issued shirts and closed-toed shoes for these excursions.  
• Hats and sunglasses are to be worn outside only and not in any building.
• Bandanas are not to be worn anyplace by anyone.
• Students are to be fully dressed appropriately and presentable at all times. Sagging pants and revealing clothes are NOT acceptable.
• Skirts and shorts are to be no higher than the length of the student’s fully extended arms including fingertips.  Both are at the discretion of the staff.
• No halter tops or midriff shirts of any sort.  Students wearing such attire will be asked to change.
• Students will not be allowed to wear sleepwear.
• Shoes must always be worn.

To protect the machines and software, students must abide by the following regulations: 

• Using the computer is a privilege. Students must be respectful of the equipment. Students must not abuse or mistreat the machines, software, or manuals.
• Students must show good behavior while using the computers, just as they would in any classroom environment. Students must behave and communicate appropriately.
• Users shall not play games or use the computer resources for other non-academic activities unless permission has been granted to do so.

Students will refrain from:

• Installing any software on the machines, including games
• Acting out around equipment that could be accidentally damaged.
• Placing food or drink at any workstation
• Downloading any material (programs or program enhancements) from the Internet
• Searching the Internet for any pornographic sites
• Coping material from a CD-ROM to the hard drive of the computer
• Setting up any instant messenger service
• Using obscene language, harassing, insulting, or bullying others
• Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures
• Violating copyright laws
• Creating, viewing, distributing, or storing libelous material (false statements about another person, organization, etc. that could harm their reputation)
• Any jump drives used to store student work will be issued by the program. No outside storage media can be brought into the classrooms.
• Computers, software programs, and Internet access are available to students for the sole purpose of education as directed by their instructor or other UBMS staff.

Listed below are expectations that ALL students must follow when attending online activities. Failure to follow the rules set forth by UBMS will result in forfeiture of your stipends.

• Students must attend online activities on time. 
• Students must sign in at the designated times and complete work by the established deadlines.   
• Students must be dressed properly when attending any sessions that require video. No pajamas or inappropriate clothing. 
• When attending any video conferencing meetings all attendees must limit distractions. No eating and drinking while in meetings.  
• Students must treat the UBMS staff, presenters, and peers with respect always. This includes email communication or any other communication.
• Use clear and concise language. 
• Avoid slang terms and texting abbreviations such as “u” instead of “you.”
• Remember that all college level communication should have correct spelling and grammar. 
• Students must not display online behavior, which is abusive or threatening to anyone, including the threat of physical, psychological and/or sexual harassment.
• Cyberbullying of any kind will not be tolerated!
• Do not post personal information into Google Classroom. 

The definition of a digital citizen is a person who develops the skills and knowledge to effectively use the Internet and other digital technology, especially to participate responsibly in social and civic activities. Simply put, one who knows how to conduct themselves online. We should all actively strive to be good digital citizens.

You will have to utilize the internet for research as well as attend meetings online. The following core principles are necessary for your success. There are three core principles: respect, education and protect.   

• RESPECT your fellow peers. Do not disrupt video conferencing meetings or online classroom time.
• EDUCATE yourself by completing your own work. Do not ask peers for copies of their work. DO NOT CHEAT!
• PROTECT your personal information. Do not give out personal information in Google classroom or while using the internet.

Campus guests are invited to use WSU's wireless network to access the Internet at no charge and with no registration or prior arrangements required.  Please connect your wireless to WSU Guest, open a web browser, and agree to the usage policy. 

Guest access is limited to web browsing on the default ports (HTTP on port 80 and HTTPS on port 443) and SSL VPN (port 443).  Guest access is also rate-limited to prevent abuse of the university wireless network.

Users may encounter material which is controversial, and which users, parents, teachers, or administrators may consider inappropriate or offensive.  However, on the Internet it is impossible to control the content of data and a user may discover controversial materials.  It is the user’s responsibility not to initiate access. UBMS shall not be held liable for any decision to restrict or regulate access to Internet materials.

Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm, modify, and destroy data of another user, Internet, and other networks. Vandalism will result in immediate revocation of all Internet/computer access.

Harassment is defined as any activity specifically designed to annoy, tease, or otherwise distress another user, and is strictly prohibited.

SCHOOL ACTIVITY:  Any school-sponsored endeavor that occurs immediately after the school day is completed.  School activities may or may not have a weekend component, but regular practice, research, and team activities require attendance immediately after school is dismissed.  Examples of school activities include drama, debate & forensics, sports such as football, basketball, or volleyball, and the various clubs that meet after school.

CO-CURRICULAR:  These activities may or may not revolve around school.  The focus of these activities is on skills-building, personal growth, or the education of the student about a topic or interest.  Examples of co-curricular events would include church youth groups, participation in the Wichita Youth Symphony, or Wichita Ballet.

IMMEDIATELY AFTER SCHOOL:  The beginning of the activity, athletic program, or event starts within fifteen minutes of the end of the regular school day.  

EXEMPTION: Pre-approved permission to be exempt from participation in UBMS program events, such as tutoring, Saturday Sessions, and Ontrack modules, for a period of the school year due to a conflict with a school-related activity or event.

1. Students desiring an exemption from academic assistance, Saturday Sessions, or community service projects sponsored by Upward Bound Math Science MUST first notify their advisor of their intent to participate in the school, co-curricular, or community service program.  The advisor, in consultation with the Program Director, will decide if the student requesting the exemption is eligible for one.  Factors include the following:
   1. Student’s previous participation level in program activities
   2. Current GPA 
   3. Letter of support from parents/guardian
2. If the exemption is not allowed, the student is expected to continue to participate fully in the program’s activities.  Failure to do so can result in the loss of participation in UBMS-sponsored activities, including the summer session.
3. Before the exemption is granted, the student must secure and deliver to the UBMS office within three days a letter from the coach/program coordinator/sponsor of exact time commitments, including dates, time in, and time out.  This letter must also have the signature of at least one parent/guardian to indicate that it has been read and talked about at home.
4. Students granted exemptions are still required to attend functions, seminars, and tutoring when the school activity is not in conflict.  For example, if track practice is from 3:30-5:00 Monday-Friday and track meets are on Friday afternoon, then the student would be expected to participate in any Saturday activities planned by UBMS. 
5. Students granted exemptions are required to turn in updated grades for each class weekly using one of the three methods mentioned earlier in this text.  Students should use the form “Student Progress Report” having each classroom teacher complete his or her section.  Completed forms are due to the UBMS office by Wednesday of the following week.  Students are welcome to call the Assistant Director at 978-3316 or email at ubms@wichita.edu to ensure receipt of the form.  Failure to turn in a completed form every week can result in the exemption status being revoked.
6. When the exemption is revoked, written notification will come from the UBMS office to the parents/guardian of the student participant explaining the reason why the action was taken.
7. Students granted exemptions are expected to return to the regular program schedule the day following the end of the exemption period. Failure to do so could constitute forfeiting that student’s roster spot in the summer program.
8. Students who did not get an exemption or who have their exemption revoked may appeal the decision of the Assistant Director to the Program Director, who has the final say on the matter.
9. Students who are granted an exemption and later choose to no longer participate in that school function will not be granted another exemption during that school year and must return to full participation the following day.
10. All students are expected to achieve at least 75% overall participation in the academic year to be eligible for summer session participation.

∗Seniors must complete all modules to participate in Summer Bridge and be eligible for Ontrack Scholarships—deadline for Seniors: 03/20/26.

1. Visit this link: College LASSI
2. The web page will provide directions for taking the survey.
3. After reading the directions, you will be asked to enter the following details to continue
   1. School Number: 82125
   2. Username: gyaw
   3. User Password: wpzw

The UBMS Star is a quarterly publication produced by the UBMS staff and emailed to both parents and students.  Articles are submitted on topics related to college life, such as financial aid, college admissions, and career awareness.  The newsletter is to be published through the UNMS website and social media, as well as emailed quarterly, and should be read by each student.  Topics of interest will include a message from the director, scholarship information, program updates, a monthly calendar, an article from the Assistant Director, the student spotlight, and a sampling of student short stories, poems, or other literary works.  Please take the time to submit your written works to Mrs. Berg for publication in the student Spotlight!

The program website is maintained by the UBMS Administrative Specialist. The page has general programmatic information as well as application materials, program surveys, and copies of the UBMS Star.  New enhancements to the website include a monthly calendar of events, a plethora of links for scholarship searches and financial aid assistance, as well as research presentations for each summer participant.

UBMS Current Students and Participants is the Facebook group used for current students and parents.  Alumni are included in the UBMS Participants and TC’s (WSU) Facebook page @Ubms Wichita State – Activity notifications and updates are posted on our Facebook account.  Join the group and stay informed.

Activity notifications and updates are posted on Instagram @wsu.ubms.  Join the group and stay informed.

Receive up-to-date information and reminders directly to your phone or email.  

WICHITA, and MAIZE FAMILIES: Enter the phone number (785) 831-4536 or 81010 with the message @a7f6.  Or go to the link Wichita and Maize, KS Remind and join us.   

KANSAS CITY FAMILIES: Enter the phone number (785) 831-4536 or 81010 with the message @a1b2c3.  Or go to the link Kansas City, KS Remind and join us. 

∗∗The preceding policies and guidelines are by no means comprehensive in scope. They merely serve as the basic code of behavior designed to ensure that all students are safe and benefit from the Program to the fullest. Should you have questions regarding the content of this document, please forward them in writing to the UBMS program director at 1845 Fairmount, Box 156, Wichita, KS 67260 or Lorene.Berg@wichita.edu