Hi First Year Students!
My name is Amanda Oliver and I am YOUR Program GUide Saturday/Monday! I am a rising junior studying Public Relations with minors in Promotion and Visual Literacy. During my two years on campus so far, I have been involved with the Student Media office, the Office of Emergency Preparedness & Risk Management, the Payne Center for Leadership Development, and the Center for Community Engagement (CCE).
You’re going to hear a lot of “Get involved!” advice from current Gonzaga students and others who want you to make the most of your experience on this campus. I am going to outline a few ways for you to do just that, however, it is very common for students to overwhelm themselves within their first few weeks. Try different things, pace yourself, and remember that you have plenty of time here to do everything you wish to!
The Student Resource and Community Fair takes place on Friday, August 24 from 8a-3p in the Hemmingson Ballroom. Make sure you stop here before or after you move in to find both on campus departments and off campus resources to help you during your first year.
In early September, there will be a Club Fair on Bulldog Alley. Bulldog Alley is the pathway that leads from Hemmingson, parallel to Foley Library. This will be a great opportunity for you to check out most of the clubs that are already established on campus, talk to their officers and current members and find out more about them. You also have the ability to start a club through the Gonzaga Student Body Association (GSBA).
During your first few months, you have the opportunity to apply for the Comprehensive Leadership Program (CLP) and Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program. Most likely, you have already heard of these programs and received information in the mail. Both are wonderful programs but extremely competitive. If you apply and aren’t granted admission, it’s okay! There are so many other terrific opportunities for involvement.
Participating in intramurals is a fun way to meet other people. Freshmen Games take place during your first semester and help you meet others in your residence halls. We offer over 25 sports, including inner tube basketball, flag football, basketball, volleyball and badminton. All are available for men’s, women’s and co-ed teams.
At the end of your first year, you can apply for the Experiential Leadership Institute (ELI) through the Payne Center for Leadership Development. This is a leadership development program that takes place during the first semester of your second year, focused on knowing self, building community and impacting the world. Keep your eyes open for more information.
Gonzaga has endless opportunities for involvement. If you end up not liking something, feel free to try something else! Gonzaga’s mission includes “intentionally develop[ing] the whole person — intellectually, spiritually, culturally, physically, and emotionally.” Find a way to Ignite Your Spirit through CCE, GSBA, or simply saying hi to someone you don’t know.