At Quinnipiac, “Getting involved” means being active, contributing to the vibrant culture and vitality of the community, and making self-discovery and social growth central to your student experience. Let’s meet Christina, an English and Theater double major with a minor in media studies. She’ll talk about some of the over 140 student clubs and organizations at Bobcat Nation. Take it away, Christina!
Thanks Alex, and welcome to Bobcat Nation! When searching for a university, I wanted a place where I had no shortage of opportunities to make my mark on campus, and Quinnipiac was the perfect fit! There is no limit to how involved you can get at QU!
Whether it be in greek life, one of our club sports, intramurals, or any of our other many organizations – there is something for everyone!
You can find all of these at our engagement fair every fall, just like I did! My involvement includes serving on executive board positions in Fourth Wall Student Theater and our Student Programming Board. Clubs united me with people I never would have met in class, and now many of them are my best friends. I’m also part of the Honors Program, Comic Sans (our improv troupe), Orientation, the Learning Commons, and the Quinnipiac Admissions team. If the club you’re looking for doesn’t exist, you can create one of your own with just five friends! I never would’ve thought I would have become such an integral member of the QU student life, and I couldn’t be more grateful for it!
There are also annual events that unite the Q-mmunity together, such as Fall Fest, our fall festival held on the Quad, and Wake the Giant, a performance by a musical or comedy artist every spring. If you’re athletic, try our Mountain Clash obstacle course run by our Recreation department. While being a good student is our number one priority, clubs, organizations, and events are a great way to get the most out of your experience here at Quinnipiac. For me, my involvement has really shaped my personal growth, pushed me to be a leader on campus, and developed skills I know I’ll use in the future!
Wow, Christina! You’ve taken advantage of the countless opportunities Quinnipiac offers to become a campus leader and to pursue your passions. Here, you can count on finding groups of fellow Bobcats who share your interests or can introduce you to new ones. Thanks for sharing how students can get involved.
Ok. Let’s meet Lachie, an international student from Auckland, New Zealand. When looking at colleges, he wanted a school that was the “right fit” and one that provided real-world, hands-on learning experiences. Now in the graduate year of his accelerated dual degree program, Lachie can’t wait to tell you about the immersive learning opportunities he found at QU.
Thanks Alex. G’day guys! I’m an international student from New Zealand. It was a big leap of faith for me coming to Quinnipiac, 9,000 miles from home. Now, entering into my graduate year, it’s safe to say I made the right call. QU offers so many opportunities and resources that provide immersive, hands-on learning to help you grow and become career ready. My favorite experience so far was the QU Launchpad Competition. Launchpad is similar to the show Shark Tank where students pitch a business idea to industry leaders for the chance to win a startup grant to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams! I worked with my partner for months to develop our pitch, a mobile app to help international students find their university fit. Students can enter the competition as part of courses offered by our Schools of Business and Communications – both designed to help students like me pursue their passions while fueling innovative ideas.
Experiential learning is at the core of student learning at Quinnipiac. From the simulation, standardized patient and skills labs in our Center for Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences, to our podcast studio in our School of Communications and Financial Technology Center in our School of Business, these are a few ways you can get real-world experience on campus. We also offer numerous ways to gain experience off-campus through internships, student teaching opportunities, and faculty-led trips abroad. We also have programs like QU in LA and QU in DC that put you in the center of the entertainment and political worlds – interning with industry leaders. I’m not sure I would’ve come to America if I didn’t find Quinnipiac. But it ended up being the right fit, between the connections, cutting-edge learning opportunities and the friendships I made here. That’s all I’ve got, back to you Alex.
Quinnipiac truly embraces the idea of learning by doing, and offers so many transformative experiences that help you grow as a student, professional and as a global citizen, on and off campus. Where will your experience take you at QU? Thanks Lachie for sharing yours!
Quinnipiac University is known for its foundational strengths of arts, sciences and humanities that are combined with market-guided professional programs. They also understand that students want to graduate into professions that make an impact. Let me introduce Anya, a third year 3 plus 1 student double majoring in journalism and political science. She’ll share how Quinnipiac is a leader in accelerated degrees and advanced learning.
Thanks for that awesome intro, Alex. Hey friends! As long as I can remember, I was always into performing. In high school, I got involved with local government and journalism, writing articles for a digital newspaper and serving on my town council. When it came time for college, I was stuck between continuing with the arts or pursuing my growing passion for political communication. I soon realized being a journalist or politician was, in its own way, sort of like performing. I knew Quinnipiac University’s School of Communications was the best place to be if I wanted hands-on experience and post-grad success. I was invited to join Quinnipiac’s 3+1 Accelerated Dual Degree program to earn my undergraduate degree in three years and master’s in one. Completing multiple degrees in four years would put me steps ahead of my peers, and help me save money. In my first two years at Quinnipiac – I’ve done everything from podcasting to television, print and more. I spent my spring semester interning for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as part of the QU in DC program. This past summer, I worked in production for Connecticut Public Radio. Being in the accelerated program gave me the education and necessary skills to successfully complete two internships before starting my third year of school. Quinnipiac is leading the charge for accelerated degree programs across the United States. By supporting motivated students like me hoping to enter the workforce sooner, Quinnipiac gives its students a big advantage, helping them stand out to potential employers. As a student at Quinnipiac, I’ve been given every opportunity to customize my college experience. Double majoring in an accelerated program… finding my place and friends in student organizations…completing a study away…and receiving a well-rounded education- I’m so glad I chose to be a bobcat! Now enough about me, back to you Alex!
Whoa Anya, Quinnipiac really does provide you the opportunities in and out of the classroom that provide the technical and soft skills employers are looking for! You’ve done so much in your three years and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for you. Thanks Anya!
Here at Quinnipiac, every member of Bobcat Nation is acknowledged, respected and has the resources they need to succeed, individually and collectively. It’s time to hear from Hallye, a sophomore Nursing student. When searching for colleges, she had a list of over 50 schools, looking for the right one to call “home.” We all want to know Hallye, how did you know Quinnipiac was right for you? Take it away.
Thank you, Alex, hey everyone! My family was super supportive as I went through my college decision process. I started with a really long list of schools, but at the end of the day, only Quinnipiac felt like home and aligned with my personal mission and professional goals. When I visited QU, I immediately felt a sense of community – which is very important to me – and knew this would be an intimate, hands-on learning environment. Before coming to QU, I was invited to be part of the First-Year Immersion Program, which is a program for traditionally underrepresented minorities to come to campus before the beginning of the semester and participate in social, cultural and academic programs that really set you up for success as you start your college journey. Now as a sophomore, in addition to pursuing my Nursing degree, I’m living out my passion by exploring and being involved with diversity, equity and inclusion concepts and initiatives. I’ve been able to find my place and hold several leadership positions on campus. The School of Nursing’s emphasis on holistic patient care also compliments my personal goals for betterment, building stronger communities and advocacy for women and multicultural issues. In addition, when I think about a holistic approach, QU has allowed me to nourish my mind, body and spirit. Whether it’s walking on the Quad, hiking Sleeping Giant State Park across the street, working out at the athletic and wellness center, playing intramurals, participating in events, like the BSU Fashion Show, or just spending time with my friends. At Quinnipiac, I’m more than just a student on campus, I’m a part of a lifelong community in a welcoming atmosphere. During my time, I have grown in so many ways; my character, intellect, professionally, and personally. Thank you for letting me share my story! Back to you, Alex.
Wow Hallye! I’m so glad that you’ve found your home away from home and been able to grow. Quinnipiac offers a personalized, student-centered experience and an inclusive culture. That was fantastic! Great job!
Surrounded by the seasonal beauty of New England, all while enjoying easy access to New York City and Boston, Quinnipiac offers endless opportunities. Paige is a junior double majoring in English and Media Studies and she’s ready to share with you how Quinnipiac’s campuses and location have so much to offer.
Thanks Alex! How’s it going Bobcats? As soon as I toured here, I fell in love. Sleeping Giant State Park, right across the street from our Mount Carmel Campus, makes Quinnipiac feel like home with its beautiful mountains overlooking Bobcat Nation and countless hiking trails.
One thing I love most about Quinnipiac is its location. Hop on a shuttle into New Haven for some pizza from one of the legendary Italian restaurants on Wooster Street, jam out at a concert at College Street Music Hall, or get some shopping done at the countless boutiques found downtown. Whatever you want, it’s around the corner or down the street! Being a native New Yorker, the proximity to New York City was really important to me. With Quinnipiac halfway between Boston and New York, there’s plenty of opportunities for internships and jobs after graduation. Last semester, I went to the House of Blues in Boston to see a concert. Whether it’s Boston, Hartford, New York, or anywhere in between, Quinnipiac is in the center of it all! While there’s a lot happening around Quinnipiac, there’s also so much happening on campus. Start your day grabbing a drink at our Starbucks in the Mount Carmel student center. Then head over to our Rec and Wellness Center which offers state-of-the-art fitness equipment, including a rock climbing wall, juice bar, yoga studios overlooking a rain garden, and staff support for your mind, body, and soul. On the Rocks Pub and Grill up on our York Hill Campus is an awesome place to eat, grab a drink, watch a game or see a comedian perform with friends. I hope you fall in love with this campus and what it has to offer just as much as I did. That’s all from me Bobcats! Back to you Alex.
Thanks for sharing Paige! There are so many exciting things happening on and around campus. I definitely need to hike the Giant and try some New Haven-style pizza before I leave. Thanks Paige.
Greta of St. Paul, Minnesota is gonna take us out of the classroom now and into the great outdoors. It’s one of the university’s campus farms to be exact. Greta is all about animals. She’s an Agriculture Education major and Equine Science minor. If you have a soft spot for life in the farm, you’ll love Greta’s story. Take it away, Greta.
– Hey y’all. I’ve always had a passion for animals and especially horses, but growing up in the city, owning livestock was not an easy option. Luckily, UWRF is helping me achieve my dream of some day owning a farm through their hands-on curriculum, clubs, and career opportunities. Our campus has two campus farms, one for horses and one for livestock and crops. I love being a part of the UWRF Intercollegiate Horse Show Association Western Show team. We practice horsemanship, reigning, and ranch riding. Then we travel to compete against other colleges. IHSA allows students the opportunity to show horses without the expense of owning a horse. The horse you ride is decided by a draw system at the host school. My teammates are my best friends and family. In another class, UWRF Racehorse Retraining, each student is assigned an off-the-track thoroughbred. Throughout the semester, it’s our job to retrain the horse to repurpose them for other skills. At the end of the semester, the horses are adopted off into new homes. Lastly, I’m a part of Block and Bridle, a student organization where we learn to show livestock and have a show. Last semester, I learned to show lambs and market goats. But our campus has more than just teaching farms. It is located on a world-class trout stream, the Kinnickinnic River. Before class, I love to fly fish. The scenery is gorgeous and the trout are plentiful. Some surveys have even documented 10,000 trout a mile. Overall, UWRF has been a life-changing experience with countless opportunities and has prepared me for my future. I have gained so many skills for my future and have lifelong best friends, both two and four-legged. Thank you for hearing my story, and back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Greta. UWRF also has a dairy herd that is part of a statewide innovation research network. Another really neat thing is that the milk produced on campus is used to make cheese and ice cream made completely by students in the campus dairy plant. I absolutely love it. Thanks again for sharing your story.
College is an adventure, that is for sure. Now throw in the opportunity to travel abroad to study for a semester or two. UW River Falls offers a wide variety of international education programs, which Isaac from Brillion, Wisconsin, was drawn to without hesitation. Take it away, Isaac.
– Howdy everybody. My college search journey was all about academics and finding a sense of community. As soon as I stepped foot onto UWRF’s campus, I was greeted with smiling faces telling me that this was going to be my future home. UWRF’s campus is full of resources and opportunities for you to explore. One of those resources is our Office of International Education. UWRF prides itself in being one of the top UW schools to send its students on study abroad experiences. I was one of those students where I was able to spend five weeks in Europe studying my favorite subject of psychology. My summer experience allowed me to have unique learning experiences on the streets of London, in the museum in Paris, or even in a garden in Berlin. Planning for this experience sounds like it would be stressful, but many of UWRF’s resources work together to make this process simple. For example, our Financial Aid Office set up an individual meeting with me to break down the finance part of the program. This journey was something I will never forget and gave me life skills that I can never learn inside a classroom. River Falls understands this, and this is why we invest in value in sending students on these study abroad experiences. When I first started college, I had no idea I was going to be able to travel the world while still continuing my studies. Studying abroad is way more than just a vacation. I now know how to adapt and thrive in different cultures and have a much deeper understanding for the global perspective. Well, that’s my story. Now back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Isaac. UWRF is a leader in international education with signature programs like the International Traveling Classroom where students study with faculty while traveling through Europe. Experience Scotland offers the comfort of a cohort learning community, and for the more adventurous, try a directed independent study program, Semester Abroad Europe. These are just a few of the great international opportunities right here on campus. Thanks again.
I’m always inspired by the students we meet on “The College Tour”. Meet Giselle. She’s from Cottage Grove, Minnesota, and double majoring in Psychology and Neuroscience. Giselle and many others like her are full of energy, ideas, and hope for the future, but they don’t always know exactly what to expect regarding opportunities that await them. Giselle, we’re looking forward to hearing your story.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi everybody. I’m excited to be talking to you about my research experience here on campus. When I was looking for a college, I didn’t know what I was capable of. I especially didn’t know that I would be doing as much research as I am now. I came to UW River Falls because it was close to home, affordable, and the class sizes were just right for my learning style. The average professor-to-student ratio is 19:1. UW River Falls values and invests in undergraduate research. Students are encouraged to do research regardless of their major. Everyone can do research. In the last two years, I had the opportunity to create and complete two research projects. The Psychology program has amazing research courses that help guide and prepare students to conduct research. I was funded for my most recent research by a TRIO program on campus. Through the URSCA Office, I have also had the opportunity to present my research at their fall gala, but was also able to apply for a grant to allow me to present at a regional conference. The wonderful TRIO program helps first-generation students like myself get additional help and funding as well. A college education is more than just another stepping stone. It is a place where you develop skills that will be used not only at a job, but in everyday life as well. Through this Psychology Department, URSCA, and TRIO program, I have gained the knowledge and confidence not only to conduct research, but to also be able to share my knowledge and teach someone else how to do so. I feel well-prepared for graduate school, and I’m thrilled to see what comes next. Alex, over to you.
– Thank you, Giselle. Opportunities are limitless for UW River Falls students interested in research. Their upcoming Science and technology Innovation Center, SciTech, will feature a space for students to connect with employers in the STEM fields to get internships and help them do research and solve real-world problems. How cool is that? Thanks again for sharing your story.
For Sam from South St. Paul, Minnesota, UW River Falls is a family tradition, but that wasn’t necessarily the plan. Sam was diligent and intentional when searching for a college that would fit his style. He found just what he was looking for in UWRF to prepare him for his future career as a teacher. Tell us how you got here, Sam.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. Hello everyone. When I started searching for colleges in high school, I tried to be as thorough as possible and visited 11 different college campuses. I decided to attend UW River Falls, making me a third-generation UWRF student. However, I didn’t choose River Falls because I had family that came here. More than any other college I visited, UWRF felt the most community-oriented. Adjusting to college life and getting involved was an easy process for me. The size of the university allowed me to try a little bit of everything. My first semester, I joined the Cross Country team as a walk-on and was elected into the Student Senate. Since then, I’ve gotten jobs as an orientation leader, a tour guide, and a chancellor student ambassador. I am also an avid intramural player, and I’ve taken first place in ultimate Frisbee, as well as last place in volleyball. Academics come first, however, and is the main reason why I originally chose UWRF. The university was originally founded as a teacher school back in 1874, and even though the school isn’t a teacher-only college anymore, it still has an amazing education program. What I enjoy most about my program is that I was able to observe in real classrooms early on. This hands-on experience helped me confirm that education is the career that I wanna go into. It’s also helping me obtain teaching strategies that can’t be learned by listening to a lecture. Between my classes, athletics, experience opportunities, and social life, I’m keeping busy. I wouldn’t want it any other way though. Take it away, Alex.
– Thank you, Sam. The teaching and learning opportunities at UW River Falls have provided many rich experiences that will serve you and your fellow teacher education students as well. UW River Falls has been preparing K-12 educators for nearly 150 years. Here’s hoping there’ll be lots of future Falcons following in these footsteps. Take care.
Milton, a Computer Science major from Blaine, Minnesota was in a bit of a quandary while doing his college search. That wasn’t until he felt the love of the UWRF community. From there, the pieces fell into place, and he is now looking to the future with a new perspective. Milton.
– Appreciate the intro, Alex. How y’all doing? When deciding on a college, I wanted to find a college that fit all my needs. UWRF fit that perfectly. Affordability, distance, and campus size were all key factors in my college decision. UWRF was one of the best decisions I made. Coming here, I made amazing connections with new people and became a part of a great community. Throughout my entire life, I’ve always been the only Black kid in my class up until high school. I never had a problem with it, but I wanted a group of people to whom I could really relate to. I decided to join the Black Student Union. BSU helped me create a connection with students of African descent, minorities, and other students on campus. It led me to become the co-president, which I’m very excited about. UWRF does a great job at making me feel special within the community. I’m surrounded by students, teachers, and staff that are all interested in getting to know me as a person. UWRF has many resources on campus that are very helpful for students. I realize college isn’t only about education for a future job, but something more than that. College helped me realize the person I am and the people I wanna surround myself with. Also, it’s all right to have fun and enjoy life in college and make memories to last a lifetime. Thanks for listening to my story, y’all. I’m sending it back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Milton. River Falls is definitely the best of both worlds, a small-town setting, less than an hour away from a thriving metropolitan area with a major international airport. What more could you ask for? Thanks again, Milton.