A large part of the college experience is getting involved in campus life. Research shows students who are engaged in campus activities are more successful in college. This Fall semester we decided to try and entice students to get involved in one activity before they got to campus by starting the Pick One initiative. And students responded in droves!
From Associated Student Government to Wellness, from the Council of Religious Organization’s to Students Against Racism, and from Freshman Service Project to University Recreation, students had opportunity to pick one of 15 different organizations and programs in which to get involved.
“Students were invited to Pick One involvement activity to support their transition to the Razorback community from the select list of programs,” said Lori Lander, assistant vice chancellor for campus life and associate dean of students. “They then had the opportunity to connect with other students who share a similar interest while making new friends and learning about campus.”
Students connected virtually with their fellow Pick One groups before coming to campus and meeting in-person with those same students.
“Our goal was to have 10 percent of the freshman class participate, which would have been about 600 students,” Lander said. “We had more than 2,100 students sign up to participate!”
Each of the 15 areas accepted a certain number of students, which was based on staffing and ability to engage large numbers of students. Not all students got into their first choice, but many did, and people felt it was a great success.
“I’ve really enjoyed my involvement in the Pick One program,” said student Aura Pinto-Avelar. “I like how it made it easy for me to find the groups that best fit me and meet my needs.”
“The Pick One initiative was a success for University Recreation. We were able to connect with 600 Pick One students who selected UREC as their first choice for this year’s initiative,” said Mike Hoover, associate director of assessment, staff development and Outdoors. “Pick One students have had the option to select specific program areas within UREC that interests them the most. At any given time we seem to have 150-200 students from the 600 that chose UREC who are responsive to outreach and remaining engaged.”
Because the Pick One program was so successful in its inaugural year staff hope to expand on the offerings next Fall.