List of SJE Programs
1. SOAR Program (Sophomore Outdoor Adventure Reorientation). SOAR is an experiential education course which is now in its third year. Students travel for two weeks at the end of their first year and then meet in the fall to complete the course. The participants in May 2005 canoed the Boundary Waters of Wisconsin. The May 2006 and 2007 SOAR participants visited the Rocky Mountains and Desert Southwest. This course helps students reflect on their first year and learn about themselves, develop leadership and healthy living skills, discuss and prepare for sophomore year expectations, and form lasting friendships with other students.
2. 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament. This Fall event is co-sponsored with the Student Recreation Center and the Basketball office, and is marketed to all sophomores. The tournament began in 2004 with twenty teams, and more than doubled in size in 2007 with 40 teams participating. Each participant receives a t-shirt, and the winners of the tournament receive official WVU basketball sweat suits. Entry fees are collected and given as a donation to the United Way. Another tournament is planned in Fall 2007.
3. SJE Faculty Dinner Series. This program began in Fall 2006 and features three Faculty Dinner Series per semester in the Mountainlair. Each dinner has a theme based upon the expertise of the faculty who is speaking, and provides an opportunity for students to connect with faculty on a more personal level and explore different areas in which they might have an interest.
4. Mountaineer Mystery Trip. In Spring 2008 sophomores and juniors will embark on a mystery bus trip, not knowing where they are going until the bus is well on its way to their destination. Activities such as these mystery trips to different cities offers a fun way for students to connect with their peers and enjoy a new experience.
5. Patagonia, Chili Trip. Students can experience international travel by electing to join the Adventure WV and Extension staff on an 18-day exploration of the Ays�©n region of Chile, beginning in December 2007 and returning January 2008. Participants will earn six credits as they head to the opposite side of the world in the wild and mysterious area of the southern hemisphere known as Patagonia. This incredible landscape is filled with endless glaciers, old-growth beech forests, and glittering lakes. It will be summer when they arrive for an adventure filled with new experiences: fly fishing, sea kayaking, glacier hikes, and mountain treks. They will be immersed in the unique traditions of life in Ays�©n, with plenty of chances for cultural exchange. As long as they have an adventurous spirit, theyâ��re sure to fit in.
6. Successful Journey of Events Game. Sophomores and juniors can choose to participate in a year-long game sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. Throughout the academic year students must attend at least ten out of the fifteen possible events listed on their game card to be eligible for a drawing for an IPOD. The drawing will take place during finals week.
7. Three Day Wellness Retreat. WVU Students Affairs is planning a Three-Day Wellness Retreat in October 2007 for sophomores and juniors. The Retreat will be held at Camp Dawson in Preston County, West Virginia. Students will enjoy classes on nutrition, attend Zumba exercise classes, master a ropes course, experience Yoga, make new friends, enjoy a beautiful region of West Virginia, and much more.
8. Progressive Power Hours. Experience WVU and Career Services have partnered to offer sophomores and juniors the opportunity to focus on professional development for the career of their choice. The Progressive Power Hours will be approximately two hours long, and provide opportunities for a select group of sophomores and juniors to learn how to write the perfect resume, dine with proper etiquette while interviewing for a prospective job, prepare for job interviews, dress for success, and network with WVU alums.
9. Pre-Game Celebrations. Experience WVU has combined efforts with other student services on campus to offer an alternative pre-game celebration for students. This celebration offers two hours of free games, prizes, entertainment, and food on a football game day in Elizabeth Moore Hall.
10. Transitioning from Life in the Residence Halls. SJE is working with the First-Year Experience and Residential Education to help first year students transition from the halls. Tables are set up in the halls early each semester to promote Experience WVU and the programs earmarked for sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
11. Center for Civic Engagement Internships. Student Affairs partners with the Center for Civic Engagement to work with interns from the Multiple Disciplinary Studies program. These students help create, plan, and execute programming for sophomores, juniors, and seniors and fulfill their obligation to complete an internship within their program of study.