Ignite UA, a community-building program offered by First Year Experience of the Division of Student Affairs at The University of Alabama, is accepting applications next week.

Ignite UA was built specifically for freshman and transfer students as they transition into life during their first semesters at The University of Alabama. The program is in its second year now, meeting every other Wednesday in Gorgas Library Room 205.

“Our goal is not to show students what they should do while here at the University,” Mary Alice Porter, coordinator for FYE and Parent Programs, said. “It is to help them identify resources and find what they are personally interested in doing, while helping them create a plan to accomplish these goals.”

Last year, Ignite UA aided students in creating an action plan – writing a goal on paper to make it concrete.

“This year we aim to take it a step further,” Porter said, “Not to just plan ahead, but to actually help in putting those plans into action.”

The program received 118 applications last year, and between 70 and 80 students got on board with the group. After applications are submitted for this year, a meet and greet session will be held Nov. 27 in Gorgas 205.

“We will be bringing back some of last year’s students, and a few faculty members as well,” Litsa Orban, assistant director for FYE and Parent Programs, said. “During the meeting, we will break the new students into five smaller groups, where they will meet with a peer from last semester’s program and a faculty member.”

Sara Hartley, executive director of FYE and Parent Programs, said Ignite UA will build strong leaders who will enhance their own experience at the University.

“Students who take advantage of involvement opportunities during their first year are often more successful and more satisfied with their college experience,” Hartley said. “Ignite UA is a great option for first year students who want to take a first step to becoming engaged in the community.”

Many graduates of the 2012 program grew throughout the phases and now serve as leaders in various roles on campus. FYE aims to identify students who have potential and passion for the University. Throughout the six program phases, students will identify the knowledge and skills appropriate to lead others in achieving a common goal, recognize themselves as leaders, describe themselves as global citizens and formulate a plan of action for their Capstone experience, according to the Ignite UA press release.

Applications are available at fye.ua.edu and are due Nov. 19 at 4:45 p.m. to Mary Burke East Room 132. Faculty and staff are encouraged to nominate first-year students by emailing the student’s name and contact information to [email protected].