Passport is a program designed to assist promising first-year students achieve their full potential during their transition to the educational experience at Holy Cross. Each year Admissions invites selected incoming students to participate in Passport. Students who accept our invitation to join Passport are expected to complete all three components of the program.
The program has three components:
- Summer Passport – Students spend four weeks on campus in August before classes begin.
- Fall Passport – Students meet regularly with Academic Services staff, attend academic workshops, and participate in the Mentor Program.
- Spring Retreat - At the beginning of the spring semester, students get away to reflect on the fall semester, prepare for the challenges of the spring semester, and set goals for their time at Holy Cross
“Education is our passport to the future for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” — Malcolm X
Registration for the Passport Class of 2029 will open in March. Reach out to passport@holycross.edu, if you have any questions.
As an incoming freshman, I did not think that coming to college a month early was the best idea. I had second thoughts about the program up until I drove into the parking lot and was greeted by the beautiful Passport staff. Through the program, I was able to develop many relationships with people that I am glad to call friends and mentors. On top of connecting with people, Passport granted me the opportunity to build a conception of the college experience. Getting to navigate the college campus before my peers arrived was a huge advantage. I saw the positive impact Passport had on students so I decided to be a part of that. I came back to Passport as a staff member and it was one of the most enriching experiences I have ever had. Passport is more than a program, it is a family.
Attending Passport was an experience I would relive over again if possible. As an incoming freshman moving states away from home, I was nervous, homesick and questioning if I made the right choice. However, quickly the program assured me that this was the best choice I made and that Holy cross is my new home. The transition from summer to fall semester was a breeze simply because of how the Passport program prepared me socially and academically. Those who were my mentors in the summer are now some of my closest friends and I can’t imagine my college experience without them. During the summer, the relationships I built with others and the new relationship I built with my new self on the hill was truly unforgettable. Passport is an experience that I recommend to all who have the opportunity.
In my first couple of days at the program I would always see Malcolm X's famous quote, "Education is the passport to the future." Now I know that the College of the Holy Cross provides one of the most exceptional passports and doing this program further prepared me for my education journey at the college. Some of my favorite parts were how the program normalized going to office hours, creating healthy routines, finding your friend group(s), and familiarizing yourself with the Hill before the rest of your incoming class. All in all, Passport reinforces skills that allow students to have a strong first-year and this paves the way for students to continue to grow in their time at the College. In 2019 I participated in the program as a student and in 2022 I returned as staff. I recommend the Passport program to all students because it eases the transition to Holy Cross.