UAB Student Affairs is kicking off an initiative aimed at paving a clearer path toward success for students transitioning into their second year. As part of the exciting rollout, all second-year students are invited to attend the official launch event, “Second Year Student Welcome” on Monday, August 28 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Hill Student Center (ballroom A/B). The event will offer free food, swag, music and an introduction to the new program. Representatives from UAB Division of Student Affairs, as well as various schools and departments will also host tables with important information.
UAB Second Year Experience is a robust year of programming that will offer support, relationship-building opportunities, development, fun activities, and resources exclusively for UAB’s second-year student population.
“Studies show that second-year students don’t always receive the support and engagement they deserve,” said Brian Johnson, Director of Residence Life. “After reviewing our current practices, we determined we needed a more systemic approach to ensuring students’ transition, retention and resource needs were being met well beyond their first year as Blazers.”
Second-year students who participate in the program will:
- Expand and engage personal, academic, and professional networks.
- Engage in activities that aid in the development of personal identity, religious beliefs, and moral development.
- Connect with resources that assist in making informed decisions about career, academic goals, and financial management.
- Develop interpersonal relationships with a diverse group of faculty and staff.
- Participate in dialogues that assist in developing cultural competence.
- Engage in activities that promote a deeper understanding of concepts surrounding inclusion (power, privilege, social justice, etc.).
- Explore leadership opportunities in clubs and organizations.
- Participate in service learning opportunities aimed at increasing their understanding of what it means to be a global citizen.
- Engage in opportunities aid in their understanding of bystander intervention.
For disability accommodations and more information about the Second Year Student Experience (or the Second Year Student Welcome launch event), please contact secondyear@uab.edu.