First Year Experience Office Launches New UA Student Program

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Applications are being accepted from freshmen and transfer students to take part in Ignite UA, a new community-building program created by the First Year Experience Office in The University of Alabama Division of Student Affairs.

Ignite UA is a program that helps students become part of the University and surrounding community. Participants will complete four phases with the goal of developing relationships and skills that will last throughout their collegiate careers.

Applications can be found at www.fye.ua.edu and are due back to 132 Mary Burke East by Friday, Nov. 18, at 5 p.m. Faculty and staff are encouraged to nominate first-year students by emailing the student’s name and contact information to parentsc2@sa.ua.edu.

“We hope to identify students who have potential and passion. These students don’t necessarily need to have been involved in anything or have previous leadership experience, this is their chance to build that foundation,” said Litsa Orban, program coordinator.

The program will officially begin in the spring semester, but participants will be selected in early December. Throughout the phases, students will focus on their sense of self, campus and community awareness, developing connections and finish with a plan of action for their Capstone experience. A portion of the program will be facilitated in partnership with LeaderShape®, a leadership training and personal development program that visits more than 60 college campuses annually.

“Many freshmen and transfer students may still be looking to find their niche on campus and this is a great outlet to explore their interests while learning about resources and ways they can make an impact,” said Sara Hartley, assistant to the vice president and director of First Year Experience & Parent Programs.

To learn more about the program, go to www.fye.ua.edu, follow @FYEatUA on Twitter and like “The University of Alabama, First Year Experience” on Facebook.