The TrailBlazers create the first impression of UAB and play a vital role in assisting in the recruitment of students to UAB and their college decision process. The TrailBlazers conduct campus tours, meet with prospective and admitted students, and participate in receptions and UAB preview day programs. The TrailBlazers are a very important group on campus and must represent UAB in a positive light at all times (whether on-duty or off-duty).
The 2026-2027 TrailBlazer applications must be submitted in-person by Monday January 12, 2026 by 5:00 PM.
The following are all the requirements an applicant must complete to be considered.
- Attend an Interest Session. Interest sessions will be held in the Campus Visit Center, Hill Student Center 201. Dates are listed below. You must attend one interest session before submitting your application.
- Tuesday, November 4, 4:00 – 4:30 PM
- Wednesday, November 5, 12:30 – 1:00 PM
- Friday, November 14, 3:30 – 4:00 PM
- Monday, November 17, 4:00 – 4:30 PM
- Thursday, November 20, 5:00 – 5:30 PM
- Wednesday, December 3, 4:30 – 5:00 PM
- Monday, January 12, 4:30 – 5:00 PM
- Complete the entire application packet: applicant information, short answer questions, one-page resume, and two letters of recommendation. The completed application packet must be received no later than January 12, 2026 by 5:00 PM. Please submit your application packet in-person to the Campus Visit Center. If for some reason, you cannot drop it off in-person, please contact
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Letters from family or friends will not be accepted. Recommendation letters can be included in your application packet in a sealed envelope or emailed directly from your recommender toThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . - Participate in a Group Interview. Group Interviews will be held January 13-16, 2026 (location may vary). You will be emailed a link to sign up for a group interview time if selected.
- Participate in an Individual Interview. (If selected) Individual Interviews will be held January 20-23. Those selected for individual interviews will be notified by Sunday January 18.
What are the minimum qualifications needed to apply to be a TrailBlazer?
To apply and be considered for TrailBlazers, you must:
- Have a 2.75 UAB cumulative GPA (without rounding) at the time of application and throughout the duration of your TrailBlazer experience.
- Be enrolled in classes full-time for the Spring 2026, Fall 2026, and Spring 2027 semesters (enrollment in summer semester is not required.)
- Be available to give tours in Summer 2026 (exceptions for study away trips or class can be discussed).
- Serve as a TrailBlazer for at least a one-year commitment. Applicants scheduled to graduate before Spring 2027 will be discussed on a 1:1 basis for returners (not for new members).
What are the requirements to be on the TrailBlazer team?
If you are selected to serve as a TrailBlazer, you must commit to the following:
- Attend and observe UAB Day on February 21.
- Attend and observe Dragon Day on April 11.
- Attend the TrailBlazer End of Year Celebration and Induction Ceremony on April 24.
- Attend the TrailBlazer Off-Campus Retreat May 4-6.
- Shadow at least 7 tours during the Spring 2026 semester led by current TrailBlazers.
- Attend weekly Friday training sessions throughout the Spring semester beginning Friday, February 6 at 3:30 PM.
- Attend New Wave Welcome Wednesday January 28 at 4:30 PM.
- For Summer 2026, commit to minimum of 10 summer campus tours.
- Beginning in the Fall 2026 semester:
- Commit to a minimum of 1 daily campus tour per week.
- Assist with group tours/extra events (minimum of 5 per semester).
- Attend event allocation meetings and other TrailBlazer meetings on Wednesdays at 5:30 PM.
- Assist in all UAB events sponsored by Enrollment Management:
- For example, UAB Days, Transfer Days, UAB Nights, college fairs, specialized visit days, various recruitment events and other events and tours as they arise.
- Most events are on Saturdays, some Fridays (class is an excuse).
- Assist in all Campus Visit Center needs including, but not limited to, VIP student visits, phone calls, making information packets, organizing materials, assisting with event preparations, working at the reception desk, creating social media content, and more.
Note: These requirements and dates are subject to change.
We highly encourage you to check your UAB email daily and follow @uabtrailblazers for any announcements or updates. If you have any questions, please email