Arriving on campus for classes is the first step for new University of Wyoming students in climbing toward their academic and career goals.
As Wyoming's only four-year institution, UW knows the transition to college is different for high school students, junior college transfers, veterans and those with non-traditional backgrounds.
UW's Summit Transitions Program (Summit) brings the many different components of college life together for a special weekend of activities and experiences. Summit better prepares incoming students and their families for the many facets of college life before classes begin.
"The Summit program provides interactive and informative programs for incoming students and parents that immediately engages them with the university community," says Jo Chytka, Summit committee chair and Center for Advising and Career Services director. "The program is designed to recognize the importance of this transition and ease students into the campus community. The range of activities touches all areas from the importance of academics, as emphasized at the President's welcome by President Tom Buchanan and Provost Myron Allen, and the faculty "Sneak Peaks", to small group time that allows them to get to know other students and to have some fun on campus and in the surrounding area."
Students will also engage in a campus or local community activity designed to highlight the value of service and involvement to higher level learning.
Summit events kicked off this year on Thursday, Aug. 18, when students began moving in to residence halls and will conclude on Monday, Aug. 22 with the President's Welcome Back Barbecue on fraternity mall featuring food, music and fun activities.
During Summit, freshman students enjoyed a "Welcome to Wyoming Dinner" at Washakie Center; an address to the incoming class of 2015 by President Buchanan; "Neighborhood Night Games" featuring volleyball, swing dancing, obstacle course, ice cream social and more; a faculty "sneak peak" session to gain some inside information about course guidelines and other transition tips; a theater performance; casino night in the Wyoming Union; peer mentoring to learn more about college life; and a movie on the lawn.
Non-traditional and transfer students met during lunch with a variety of representatives from UW student support units, learned about the UW Libraries and it's the state-of-the-art offerings, and were provided information by the Non-Traditional Student Council about life in Laramie, including housing and parking tips.
Veterans learned about financial aid information, counseling services, course credit for military experiences, unique first-year issues they may encounter, and the UW Student Veterans Center.
Parents and families are an important part of Summit. Special activities for them included a reception sponsored by Cowboy Parents and an informational session with Dave Cozzens, Dean of Students and Associate Vice President for Student Affairs.
Summit represents a commitment by the entire university community, Chytka says. "Summit is truly an all campus endeavor to support this transition and to set students up for academic and personal success at UW."
Check out the Summit Homepage and the Schedule of Events
