Lighting Your Zag’s Spark

By: Kelly Alvarado, First Year Experience Programs

Congratulations – your student is halfway through their fall semester at Gonzaga University! During the fall, your student may be experiencing a myriad of emotions… excitement at being a college student, confusion around changing relationships, or an itching to return home for the holidays. Many of these feelings are normal and healthy. We want to let you know of a programming initiative occurring on campus for the second half of the fall semester for students who may be experiencing anxiety, stress, or confusion regarding their fit within the Gonzaga community.

Spark is a collaborative effort by First Year Experience Programs and Student Involvement & Leadership that consists of a six-week workshop series for students experiencing issues with transition and sense of belonging at Gonzaga. The purpose of Spark is to provide students a safe space for them to explore their transition in the university environment. The program is grounded in student development theory and provides students the strategies necessary to identify how they can manage the academic, social and spiritual changes they are facing at Gonzaga.

The program is open to ANY student questioning their “fit” or searching for their niche. Students have the chance to participate every week or just attend when they feel like it – it’s up to them! Topics will cover academics, normalizing behaviors, problem solving, involvement, and writing their story.

It is our hope that these workshop will create a spark necessary for students facing a multitude of transitions to ignite their Gonzaga spirit and student experience. Please encourage your student to participate in the program by stopping by First Year Experience Programs in Crosby 110 or Student Involvement and Leadership in Hemmingson Center, Rm 304. Information on the program will also be posted via twitter at @ZagsInvolved.