Two-hundred and fifty first-year students attended “Scholarships, Societies and Services,” an event, held on Thursday, informing students about how to get involved on campus.
Amanda Floyd, director of first-year affairs, said the SGA wanted a collaborative event where first-year students could get a dose of everything the University has to offer.
“When first-year students become involved at the Capstone,” Floyd said, “they get a sense of what it feels like to be at UA. It gets them excited to get involved and become more well-rounded.”
Students heard from speakers about ways to earn scholarships, get involved in honor societies and community service and student employment.
Scholarship Director Carolyn Rogers informed students about the Dec. 1 application deadline for scholarships. Scholarship applications are available on mybama.ua.edu.
Kathleen Cramer, of the UA office of student affairs, spoke to students about involvement in honor societies.
“What you are now is not what you’re going to be even three semesters from now,” Cramer said. “You’re on a journey of self-discovery.”
Honor societies are an important step in preparing for the future, Cramer said, and she encouraged students to take the initiative to get involved.
There are many benefits from being involved in honor societies, she added. Involvement promotes the desire for sustained achievement, brings honor to the Capstone, inspires others to excel, supports innovative research, enhances faculty relationships, fosters connections with fellow scholars and builds a portfolio and personal vision.
Vaishali Patel, director of recruitment for the human resources department, told students about opportunities for student employment.
“As first-year students on your own for the first time,” Patel said, “you’ve probably realized money goes pretty quickly.”
Patel said there are three different types of employment students can participate in: student assistants, federal work-study programs and off-campus employment.
Studies show that students who work on campus perform better academically and stay in school, Patel said, and students interested in employment should visit jobs.ua.edu.
Charlotte Brown, a student who works in the Community Service Center, told students that volunteering allows them to give back to the community and gain experience for professional life.
“By adding service you can enhance your resume and personal experience while here at the Capstone,” Brown said.
Tara Youngblood, a freshman majoring in political science, said First Year Council informed her about the event, and she said she was especially interested in learning about scholarships.
“It’s important to be active on campus, because I believe you become more well-known and it helps you with jobs and all types of skills you’ll need for your future,” she said.
Youngblood said the event informed her of all kinds of scholarship opportunities, jobs and volunteering.
Katlyn Stricklend, a freshman majoring in political science, also said she left the event feeling more informed about activities on campus.
“You need to go to school not only for school,” Stricklend said, “but to better yourself.”
