The University of Utah makes every effort to help students make a smooth transition and feel connected as a new member of the U community because we want you to succeed! As a student at the University of Utah you will have an opportunity to get involved in many academic, social, and professional organizations. Examine some of these opportunities by reading how some of our students have benefited from being connected at the U.

HONORS | UROP. U Rock | POLITICS | LEAP | BENNION | THE WORLD AWAITS U! | ORIENTATION | A U-nique Experience

When I graduated from West High School in Salt Lake City, Utah with an International Baccalaureate diploma, many of my peers decided to go to leave Utah for school. I did not, wholly because of the excellent opportunities offered to me by the University of Utah and its Honors College. Looking back on my four years at the U, this was the best decision I have ever made. The Honors College and its diverse and fulfilling options was unrivalled at the better known schools I had visited, and throughout the years, I have participated in several of the astounding programs and courses it offers. I was selected to live on the first Honors Living and Learning floor at Chapel Glen, where I lived and studied with students who did not fail to amaze me with their talents and the diversity of their interests. I studied abroad at Cambridge University as part of the Honors Study Abroad program. I was a member of the Honors Higher Education Think Tank, where I worked with senior administrators at the University to create and implement policy changes. As a member of the Community Leader Scholar cohort I had the privilege to meet with several of Salt Lake City’s best-known and most-influential leaders. My senior honors thesis, on hospitals in colonial Indian, has been the capstone of my extraordinary experience at the with the Honors College. Being a member of the Honors College has been the best part of my experience at the University of Utah. I identify myself with the Honors College, rather than with the college of my major, because of the remarkable experiences and opportunities it has given me. The Honors College is truly one of a kind, and the best in its class. The personal focus of the staff and faculty, combined with the commendable opportunities available, create a unique learning experience that exemplifies the concept of a liberal education.

Katie Miller

UROP. U Rock

I believe that there are many things learned in the classroom that require authentic experience in order to be deeply understood. True academic excellence often follows a deeper understanding, and a deeper understanding is gained from comprehensive personal experience. UROP opened the door for me to have such experiences by introducing me to cutting-edge research happening right here at the U.

As an undergrad, being involved with research has taught me to think more critically and to question things that I once accepted without understanding. It’s exciting! The experiences granted to me through UROP have introduced me to what many think of as being behind the scenes, and I have realized that it is actually the front lines; research is the proverbial tip of the sword in the battle against the world’s most urgent and complex problems.

My education here at the U of U has been enhanced tremendously by the research opportunities that I have through UROP. I would encourage every student in every field of study to get involved in the research and creativity happening every day here at the U. With time and effort, we can make great discoveries, further our understanding, and hopefully, make life better for those around us, as well as for people around the world.

Jason M. Tanne — International Studies, B.A.
Pre-Medicine President, University Undergraduate Research Association (UURA)

POWER POLITICS

The Hinckley Institute of Politics Internship at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has helped me gain a better understanding of the complex health care system. I had the opportunity to work on various projects, which allowed me to gain real-life experience that I found never have received in a classroom. This internship has been invaluable in helping me decide the direction of my professional goals.

Marko Mijic — Behavioral Science and Health

LEAP Past Freshman Fears!

As a Leap student my freshman year in college and as a peer advisor in both successive years I can not say enough about the Leap program and how it has benefited me. Over the three years I spent within the Leap program I have been able to watch myself grow as not only a student, but as a person. Leap taught me that it was ok to create bonds with your classmates and that school could be enjoyable. Most importantly, however, it taught me that you could also get to know your professor on a personal level. As a freshman I created bonds with both the students in my class and my professor Dr. Ownby. This was a class where students came early to class and stayed late. This was a group who supported each other both in the classroom and outside, and cared more about the collective group as a community, than for themselves individually. This was family: this was Leap. I returned to leap my sophomore and junior years as a Peer Advisor for Dr. Ownby’s class with a conscious effort to create the same environment within the class. Although it was my job to be my students’ advisor, I learned more from them than I ever had imagined possible. I learned that you have to be willing to make mistakes, and to take ownership for those mistakes. I learned that all students need encouragement, and all students appreciate a little recognition. I learned that my attitude as an individual would reflect in the attitude of my students. I learned that optimism and enthusiasm is catching, and it is possible to have fun in everything you do. As a leap peer advisor, I learned. Although this short little summary of my experiences in leap can give you an idea of the leap program, leap is an experience that must be felt, in order to be learned.

Jake Zimmerli

BENNION CENTER

Volunteering with ESL Guadalupe Schools through the Bennion Center has been one of the best things I've done in college. The experience has given me leadership skills I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Being a volunteer has widened my perspective on the Salt Lake community and on low income non-English speaking communities around the country. I have come to realize that adult education is imperative to help strengthen a community. The experiences I have had now will help me play a more active role in adult English education, as well as immigration.

Samuel Passi

OUTDOOR ORIENTATION

The University of Utah offers a wide variety of Orientation Programs. As a participant in the Outdoor Orientation Program, I was introduced to basic aspects of everyday college life and gained an acute knowledge of Utah’s highly recreational wilderness. This Orientation truly gave me an in-depth look at programs available on campus, as well as off campus. One thing that I love about the U is the diversity of its location. Campus is perched just a short TRAX ride from Salt Lake City, as well as a short hike to Utah’s beautiful Wasatch Mountains. Being a part of Utah’s Outdoor Orientation Program was a terrific opportunity for me to meet new people and create friendships that will last a lifetime. The University of Utah’s Outdoor Orientation Program is a great way to start your adventure at the U!

Jared Grant —University of Utah Freshman

OVERNIGHT ORIENTATIONS
GENERAL OVERNIGHT ORIENTATION
Monday, June 15 – Tuesday, June 16
Tuesday, July 7 – Wednesday, July 8

Discover the variety of opportunities, resources, and vicinities within! Dine and spend the night in the Residence Halls, receive academic advising, gain helpful insights into the University of Utah, learn your way around campus, register for classes, and participate in engaging evening activities.

SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, MINES AND EARTH SCIENCES OVERNIGHT ORIENTATION
Thursday, June 18 – Friday, June 19

Take a tour of Red Butte Gardens with faculty, participate in a contest of trebuchet building, and explore possibilities in the sciences.

UNDECIDED OVERNIGHT ORIENTATION
Monday, June 22 – Tuesday, June 23

Explore major and minor possibilities, design a class schedule that will help you meet academic requirements, learn about other opportunities to enhance your degree, and build connections with fellow students and University College Advisors.

BUSINESS OR HUMANITIES OVERNIGHT ORIENTATION
Thursday, June 25 – Friday, June 26

Experience venues in the Colleges of Business and Humanities; enjoy a faculty panel and participate in a class demonstration.

FINE ARTS OVERNIGHT ORIENTATION
Friday, June 26 – Saturday, June 27

Discover the fine arts venues, take part in the student and professional panel, and participate in a performance workshop.

HEALTH SCIENCES OVERNIGHT ORIENTATION
Monday, June 29 – Tuesday, June 30

Discover the U’s innovative Health Sciences sites, gain knowledge of the many opportunities available for you, and engage in a student and professional panel.

HONORS OVERNIGHT ORIENTATION
Thursday, July 9 – Friday, July 10

Visit the Honors Center and housing options, participate in activities with the Honors staff and faculty, and gain insight into the many opportunities the Honors College has to offer.

A U-nique Experience
Going to a university can seem like a scary experience. When I attended the Science, Engineering, Mines & Earth Sciences Overnight Orientation, I felt more at ease in my transition from high school to college. The Overnight Orientation allowed me to explore campus, meet with an academic advisor, register for classes, and build a community. We also had the opportunity to explore the venues in the science areas as well as participate in a contest of trebuchet building in teams. If you want to make friends, gain in-depth information an understanding of the U, and engage in a great experience, I encourage you to attend an Overnight Orientation program!

Jessica Behl — Materials Science & Engineering
Salt Lake City, Utah