Opening weekend begins Aug. 17 with scheduled residence hall move in, Opening Ceremony and other events on and off campus to welcome new students and returning students to campus. It is an opportunity before classes begin on Aug. 28 for the Wolf Pack to reacquaint with campus, the community and their fellow Pack members.
Starting on Aug. 19, ÁùºÏ±¦µäFIT will return and welcome approximately 3,600 first-year students to campus, and TransferFIT will welcome 250 transfer students. ÁùºÏ±¦µäFIT is a one-credit academic bootcamp that introduces students to the rigors of academic life, preparing them for academic success. TransferFIT helps students ease the transition to the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno.
The ÁùºÏ±¦µäFIT program, now in its 10th year on campus, has been highly successful in preparing new students for a successful initial year at the University. In fact, the program has had a major part in boosting the average one-year retention rate by a 7-10% increase. Students attend one of 11 college-based camps and participate in a collaborative learning experience by pairing with an undergraduate mentor in their selected major and moving into a study group known as a "Pack." Students also meet and engage with faculty, staff and fellow students in their academic major. This year, over 550 student mentors will be participating.
"It was phenomenal,” a ScienceFIT participant said. “Not only did I receive lecture material in biology and chemistry, but I also made a lifelong connection with other students in the program who also are motivated. I was able to network with my professors, too, and experience what it was like to take tests without the fear of failing. At first I was kind of scared of boot camp, but I am so glad I did it."
“ÁùºÏ±¦µäFIT sets students up for success,” Director of Academic Development Programs Felicia Dewald said. “By the end of the week, students know what their classes will look like, what a college exam will look like, and they have made connections with peers in the same discipline as them. It is remarkable to witness the difference in students between the first day of ÁùºÏ±¦µäFIT and the last day of ÁùºÏ±¦µäFIT. Students will start the semester with confidence.”
As part of the ÁùºÏ±¦µäFIT check-in process, all new students receive an iPad, keyboard, and Apple pencil as part of the Digital Wolf Pack Initiative, providing a common learning platform and equal access to technology and digital tools for new and incoming degree-seeking students.
Each ÁùºÏ±¦µäFIT camp is slightly different, based on the student’s area of study, but all camps include study sessions, participation in activities with their Pack mentors, homework, lectures, and exams. They also receive training in skill sessions led by various officials including financial literacy, technology skills, wellness, inclusion, fitness classes and more.
To kick off ÁùºÏ±¦µäFIT, students and their families are invited to participate in various ÁùºÏ±¦µäFIT Opening Weekend events, including the ÁùºÏ±¦µäFIT Opening Ceremony, which will be held at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19 in Mackay Stadium.
