InvolveСÓÅÊÓƵ
InvolveСÓÅÊÓƵ is the University's official student engagement platform. Attend events, network and get involved in community service volunteer opportunities!
Every first-year course is required to have one out-of-classroom experience (OCE) per semester. These experiences allow students to connect with one another, their instructor and peer mentor, and explore the beautiful community that they are living in. Popular OCEs include minaret climbs, De-Stress Kits through Wellness Services, team building in Plant Park, Tampa Bay Fun Boat Tours and custom group fitness classes at СÓÅÊÓƵampa's very ownÌýBenson Alex Riseman Fitness and Recreation Center. All instructor-led OCEs are held during class times and are designed to build upon the curriculum introduced throughout the intentionally designed modules in the СÓÅÊÓƵAMPA courses.Ìý
In addition to the valuable OCEs students share with their peers and instructors, First-Year Studies also organizes signature events to foster deeper engagement. These signature events are made possible through the successful partnerships cultivated within the Tampa Bay community. СÓÅÊÓƵampa Night at the Lightning is the flagship signature event, offering students a chance to enjoy exclusive fan experiences while cheering on their home team, the Tampa Bay Lightning. In the 2023-2024 academic year, more than 2,400 students participated in OCEs and signature events, making these experiences a central and celebrated part of students' first year at СÓÅÊÓƵampa.Ìý
Why OCEs?
Partnerships
Partnerships are crucial for the overall student experience as they create a supportive network that enhances student engagement and success. By fostering collaborations between campus departments, community organizations and employers, students gain access to valuable resources, mentorship, and real-world opportunities. These partnerships help create a sense of belonging, provide opportunities for lifelong connections, and ensure students have the tools they need to feel successful during their time at СÓÅÊÓƵampa.ÌýÌý
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Ways to Partner with First-Year Studies (FYS)
First-Year Studies Signature Events
An organization can partner with FYS to create a signature event that further introduces students to the СÓÅÊÓƵampa and Tampa Bay communities. By collaborating on a themed event, such as team building, financial and digital literacy, Tampa history, etc., organizations can showcase their resources, programs,Ìýand opportunities for involvement. The signature event will be designed to align with the goals of FYS, focusing on student development, connection, and support. This partnership opportunity not only helps first-year students feel more connected but also encourages long-term engagement with organizations throughout their college experience.Ìý
Out-of-ClassroomÌýExperiences
AnÌýorganization can partner with FYS to create an out-of-classroom experience that allows students to apply and expand upon their classroom learning while exploring both the campus and the surrounding community. This could include guided tours, service projects, or interactive workshops that relate directly to student'sÌýacademic themes or personal development. By engaging with an organization’s resources in a real-world context, students can deepen their understanding of course material, build connections with local resources, and develop a stronger sense of belonging on campus, all while enhancing their college experience outside the traditional classroom setting.
Workshops/Class Presentations
A representative from an organization can engage with first-year students by hosting an interactive workshop/presentation. The workshop/presentation could include a Q&A session, hands-on demonstration, information on career paths within an organization, or information on services and how students can get involved. This opportunity allows organizations to build connections with students, making services and resources accessible. By partnering with FYS,Ìý organizations can assist in fostering a sense of community right from the start of our СÓÅÊÓƵampa student's journeys.Ìý
If you are interested in partnering with our office in any of the following ways, please contact utampafys@ut.eduÌýor (813) 257-3686.
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