Semester Zero

Semester Zero is an immersive college preparatory summer experience exclusively designed for all rising 11th graders at College Track. Held at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona, this unique opportunity provides scholars with a preview of college life, enriching learning experiences, connections with peers nationwide, and a chance to solidify their college-going aspirations.

Semester Zero is an invaluable and eye-opening experience that we highly recommend for you. While it is not mandatory, it is a staple expectation for all future 10th-grade scholars in our program. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to set you on the path to success.

All scholars in the class of 2027 are expected to attend Semester Zero and complete all preparation requirements:

• • January: Attend Semester Zero orientation to learn more about our college immersion program
  • April: Complete Class registration and roommate preference form
  • April: Complete Waiver packet (including waivers from College Track & Northern Arizona University)
  • June: Attend Family pre-travel meeting to learn all finalized travel and program logistics
  • July 20: Scholars travel to NAU for Semester Zero!

College Track is delighted to offer this experience to all families free of charge. College Track and Northern Arizona University will cover transportation to and from, lodging, meals, co-curricular activities, course offerings, and provide staff supervision.

• Stay tuned for ongoing/monthly updates from the site staff
• Participate in the pre-departure family session
• Ensure all required forms are submitted by the specified deadlines
• View and Download Packing List
• Ask questions

• College Track scholars from across the country
• College Track staff, NAU staff and faculty
• To provide additional guidance and support during Semester Zero, upper division NAU students will be hired and trained to serve as mentors specifically for our program.

• Breakfast from 7:30-8:45 am
• In the morning, scholars will participate in Academic and Career Workshops facilitated by NAU faculty and staff
• Lunch and mid-day break
• In the afternoon, scholars will participate in Wellness and College Prep Workshops facilitated by NAU and College Track staff
• Dinner and evening break
• After dinner, scholars will have a variety of evening activities to choose from
• Scholars will end every day with a small group reflection circle
• Lights out by 10pm

• NAU is one of College Track’s inaugural higher ed partners. In addition to Semester Zero, the partnership includes a cohorted admission model for College Track scholars. 
• NAU has a wealth of experience hosting large groups like ours. They are well prepared to make the experience fun, enriching, and comfortable.
• Semester Zero is designed to bring #CollegeTrackNation together in one place. Being on campus at NAU will be a new experience for all scholars, regardless of where they are from!

Scholars will learn their room assignments during check-in at NAU.

• Scholars will have one roommate of the same gender from a different College Track site.
• Residence floors will be divided by gender. Gender-inclusive housing will also be available to those who elect it.

Scholars will eat their meals at the Hot Spot, located in the University Union. 

• Scholars will NOT need to pay for their meals during Semester Zero. 
• If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, please note that in your registration form.

No, linens and towels will be provided. However, you may consider bringing your own pillow, blanket or personal items to make it feel more like home.

Scholars will have access during scheduled recreation times

TSA does not require people under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States.

We know this will be the first time many of our scholars travel by plane. We will explicitly walk you, your family and staff through what to expect at each step of the journey. Scholars will be grouped into “chaperone groups” of no more than twelve scholars to one College Track staff member during travel.

We will provide a comprehensive packing list later this spring.

While we expect scholars to participate in the entire week-long experience, emergencies may arise. Rest assured that in such cases, there will be adults available to chaperone you back home mid-week if absolutely necessary.

Each Site will have its own plan. Check with your Executive Site Director or Director of Programs for more information.

Scholar safety is our top priority.

• All scholars will be assigned to a small group with a dedicated staff member. Adult staff will provide consistent supervision at all times. 
• All staff will be comprehensively trained to respond to a variety of safety situations.

Scholar safety is our top priority.

• All scholars are covered by College Track’s travel medical insurance.
• If a scholar needs medical attention, we will contact parents/guardians immediately and have a staff member provide dedicated attention to the scholar for the duration of the medical emergency and recovery.
• Urgent medical services during business hours can be provided at NAU Campus Health Services. After-hours or emergency care can be provided at Flagstaff Medical Center or a local urgent care facility.

Yes. Your parent or guardian must complete a Scholar Medical Authorization form, which must be submitted to your lead chaperone.

• Prescription medication must be in a container labeled by the pharmacist or prescriber. 
• Non-prescription medication must be in the original container with the label intact.

Although we will provide masks, COVID tests, and hand sanitizer, we are treating COVID in the same manner as other viruses and contagious illnesses. In case someone falls ill during their time at Semester Zero, additional dorm rooms will be available for isolation purposes when needed. Subsequently, we will determine the safest and most efficient way to facilitate individuals’ return home.

There are no plans to require COVID testing upon arrival to NAU.