All right, now let’s meet Bethany, a senior majoring in finance and accounting, and minoring in architecture. She’s gonna tell us how easy it is for students to connect with their professors, which isn’t something you’ll find at every school. Bethany, please take it away.
– Hey, y’all, I’m a senior from Dallas, Texas, and I’m studying finance and accounting. When I’m not in class, you can find me working in the admissions office, helping students as a TA, and staying involved in Greek life. I also raised a black lab named Forrest to become a service dog through a Tulane program called TUSTEP. At Tulane, we have an eight to one student to faculty ratio. I saw what that actually meant when it came to figuring out what I want to do with my life. I started school determined to become an architect, but I quickly realized it wasn’t for me. Before my sophomore year started, I began looking into other majors, and I was stressed about how I would get into my classes and still graduate on time. My worries were quickly resolved upon reaching out to my academic advisor. She helped me get in touch with faculty in the business school, and I had professors calling me over the summer to talk to me about my career goals. When I officially decided I wanted to study finance and accounting, I was put in touch with the registrar, Colette, and she worked tirelessly to get me into every class I wanted. One of those classes happened to be taught by her sister, Christine, the head of the accounting department. Today, I’m lucky enough to work in the same building as Colette, so I see her all the time. We even grab coffee together every once in a while. Christina’s been my professor for two of my accounting courses and I TA for her every semester. These women have been influential to my success at Tulane and they truly embody what the school means when we talk about approachable and helpful faculty and staff. What’s next, Alex?
– Thank you, Bethany. I loved hearing your story about how wanting to switch your major landed you a cool job TA-ing, and as an undergrad. Really impressive stuff. The relationships between students and faculty at Tulane really do go a long way. Thanks again, Bethany.
Next up, we have Lance, a senior from Mobile, Alabama, majoring in communication and anthropology, and minoring in French. He’s gonna tell us about the thriving art scene at Tulane and in new Orleans. Let’s hear it, Lance.
– Hey, y’all. Back in high school, I was a part of my school’s choir and I spent a good bit of my time singing. Coming to college, I knew I wanted to continue my involvement with music, whether it be through academics or extracurriculars. Here at Tulane, the arts are accessible to all students regardless of their major. Although I didn’t end up majoring in music, I still had the opportunity to stay involved. During my first year, I became a member of Green Envy, one of Tulane’s seven acapella groups. Through Green Envy, I’ve had the opportunity to perform at many Tulane events like festivals and commencement. And I’ve also performed at many local New Orleans events like Pelicans NBA games. You can always find live music on Tulane’s campus and across the city of New Orleans. Some of my favorite music festivals include Voodoo Fest and Jazz Fest. We love our music here and we appreciate the rest of the arts just as much. In fact, Tulane offers dance, theater, and studio art majors taught by industry leaders. If you’re interested in the arts, you’ll have the opportunity to take classes ranging from acting to ballet to glassblowing. I’ll have you know, Tulane is home to the largest glassblowing studio on any college campus in the country. When you come to Tulane, you’ll have every opportunity to get involved with the arts in any way you’d like. I may have spent my time singing and jamming out to some great music, but who knows what you’ll accomplish once you’re here. All right, y’all. That’s all from me. Alex, take it away.
– Whoa, Lance. It is amazing learning how you were able to continue pursuing your passion in music, even though you wanted to major in something else. There really are no limits to what you can do right here at Tulane. Thanks again, Lance.
I am so pumped to introduce you to our next student, because she’s all about pumping up others. Avery is the president of the Mighty Utah Student Section or MUSS as they call it. If you’ve ever been to a PAC 12 sporting event, you know spirit runs high and the MUSS’s dedication is unparalleled. Give us the inside scoop Avery.
– What’s up Alex. So I was raised a huge Utah fan. So attending the University of Utah was a no brainer for me. I wanted to go to the school that I already knew and cheer for the sports teams that I grew up loving. The University of Utah is known for its incredible fan base, especially it’s student fans. The MUSS, it’s student section also known as the Mighty Utah Student Section is considered to be one of the best in the country. The word MUSS comes from our fight song and means a state of chaos or disorder, which is super fitting, considering the role of the MUSS is to disrupt our opponents and create a hostile environment for them. Our traditions are part of what makes the MUSS so amazing. Before every single home game, we have a tailgate where students can come grab some food, hang out with their friends, get to know other people and win prizes like sideline passes and front row tickets. At the game, you can see one of our most famous traditions. The third down jump. Every time the opposing offense is on third down, we raise our threes, get as loud as possible and try to cause a false start. My personal favorite tradition is called the MUSS bus. 150 students travel by bus to one of our away games to help provide a home field advantage that Utah football would get if they were playing in Rice Eccles Stadium. These are just a few of the traditions that connect students to other fans with players and coaches and the rest of the University of Utah and helps establish that sense of community, or we like to call it family, that is so unique to the University of Utah. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to serve on MUSS leadership since 2019. And this year, be the President of the MUSS. A goal of ours is to help instill that passion or love for the University of Utah in its students. Being a part of making that happen has been so much fun. I have a huge passion for the University of Utah and its athletics, and I love passing that on to other students. The connections and relationships I’ve built during my time at the University of Utah have been so valuable to me. My experiences in the MUSS have allowed me to get to know and build relationships with people that I would’ve never gotten the chance to otherwise. It has definitely been one of the best parts of my college experience. How about you come meet us in the MUSS, Alex.
– That’s amazing, Avery. It’s clear the MUSS makes good on the Utah fight songs promise that their yell can be heard ringing through the mountains here. I’m so impressed that you’re able to play such a large role on campus, bringing together thousands of fans while completing your history major and chemistry minor. Thanks for sharing your time with us. That was absolutely excellent.
I wanna introduce you now to Muskan. Not many folks think of liberal arts when they hear research one university. But Muskan is gonna tell us why The U proves them wrong. She’s a sophomore, majoring in math and philosophy with a minor in chemistry and is a scholar through and through. Passing over to you, Muskan.
– Thanks for that introduction, Alex. Hello, hello everyone. I am stoked to be here with you all today. The journey that I’ve been on to get me to this exact point has been beautifully unexpected. I turned down some offers from some Ivy league colleges to attend the phenomenal University of Utah Honors College. I am so grateful that my heart steered me to this institution because this community has nurtured the multitude of unique interests that I carry. I have found myself completely immersed in my math and philosophy studies and my work as an undergraduate researcher and environmental organizer. With support from the University of Utah, I am following through with my commitment to a more just future. My liberal arts education encourages me to think and question critically, listen deeply and open my heart to a life of learning. This university believes in my pursuit to pursue science through the lens of the humanities and policy. With a myriad of curricula available to study, thoughtful discussions to be had within the classroom and a campus that promotes collaboration and interdisciplinary studies, the opportunities to lead, explore and innovate in the humanities, arts and sciences are truly boundless. My favorite interdisciplinary courses so far have been ethics, science and wisdom, science and the changing world, radical quiet, cross-cultural dialogue, mathematical biology and history and philosophy of science. Here, you can truly find a well-rounded education that advocates for reasoning, logic, creativity, accessible communication and empathy. This journey has been one that has brought immense gratification. And that’s something I’ve learned to treasure because of my community here at the University of Utah. Thank you so much for letting me share my story. Now let’s hand it back to Alex. What do you got for us, Alex?
– Those classes sound incredible Muskan. I love how you’ve developed your academic passions, finding your ways to engage with them, both in and out of the classroom. With over 100 majors offered at the University of Utah, it’s no surprise you wanted to pursue more than one. Thanks again, Muskan. That was fantastic.
It’s no surprise that Sydney who’s getting her BFA in graphic design has a passion for the aesthetic. The architecture and interior design of the University of Utah, were major draws for her. And she’s gonna tell us about the value of living with the peers you learn with. Take it away, Sydney.
– Thanks Alex. Hi everyone. I love to meet new people and express myself through art. And some of my hobbies include playing the guitar and singing. You can usually find me in various coffee shops, either studying or drawing. And I love to hike our beautiful mountains. The University of Utah was the only school that I applied to. I saw the many living options on the housing website and I knew this was a place that I would feel welcomed. On campus, we have access to many different resources, including the Student Life Center, the Union, the library, campus dining, and so much more. I love to stay involved on campus. And one of the many things I do is serve as a resident advisor. In my position, I help residents in my hall improve their experience at The U. I enforce policies to keep our community safe, plan activities and connect with residents. There are nine residential buildings on campus, plus two buildings off campus in the heart of Salt Lake City. There are different themed communities in some buildings, so it’s easy to get immersed in your interest. You can also go to one of the many events on campus that helps you build connections with others . Though I’ve only spent one year living on campus, I’ve learned and grown so much. When you live on campus at the University of Utah, you get more than just academics. I’m thankful to be able to collaborate with my fellow residents to build a better world and have fun while earning my degree. That’s all from me, back to you, Alex.
– Well, thank you, Sydney. It’s great that The U offers so much flexibility in its housing and is able to create community connections, even on an urban campus. I’m sure the students you serve as an RA, appreciate your dedication in making them feel safe and cared for. Thank you again for sharing that.
One of The U’s core values is leadership. Giving students the skills and tools to drive positive transformation, locally, regionally and beyond. We’re gonna hear from Ethan, a senior from St. George Utah, who’s taken this mission to heart. He’ll tell us a bit more of what he’s accomplished here at The U. Talk to us, Ethan.
– Hey, what’s up everyone. Surrounded by doers, dreamers and innovators, choosing to attend the University of Utah was somewhat of a no-brainer for me. The entrepreneurial mindset and passion that radiates from our student body and faculty are contagious. While others are trying to think outside of the box, they’re coming up with game-changing ways to utilize the box itself. The University of Utah allows us the opportunity, resources and support to think freely, to live in the world we want, not learn to live in the one that exists. And this isn’t just sweet talk. Resources to enhance the student experience are in abundance here at the University of Utah. For example, one program, Opportunity Scholars is geared towards first-generation college students to enhance community on campus. The program provides retention resources, such as internships, networking events, community building, and so much more. I personally started a student run company with some of my really close friends through the Lassonde Institute. I founded and served as a co-president of a leadership club and a cryptocurrency club here on campus. I worked as an associate for Ivory Innovations, where we work tirelessly every single day to help find solutions to the housing affordability crisis here in America. I even curated a sustainability impact initiative, which resulted in saving over 121,000 gallons of water every single year. None of this would be possible without the desire from faculty and students to continuously foster an environment of go getters. The University of Utah has prepared me in more ways than I could’ve ever imagined. Instead of graduating with just a degree, I’m able to walk away from college with invaluable experiences that not only shaped who I am today, but more importantly shape who I want to be in the future. And with that being said, Alex, back to you.
– Fantastic, Ethan. Thank you for sharing your innovative ways of making an impact. Given the fact that University of Utah is ranked in the top five for clean energy use among colleges and universities in the US, I’m sure your contributions to environmental health are greatly appreciated. Nicely done.
SUU is dedicated to keeping classes small, lowering tuition and fees for students, and making sure T-Birds are the number one priority. And our next student knows firsthand that students aren’t just a number here. Let’s meet up with nursing major Davi. And hear, her personalized experiences with faculty and staff right here at SUU. Davi, it’s all yours.
– Thanks Alex, hey everyone. Before moving to Cedar City, I had absolutely no connection to SUU or even Utah. And while I came in hopes to get into the nursing program, I stayed for so many other reasons. With the number one nursing program in the State of Utah, SUU has provided me with an opportunity to further my education away from home, but not too far away. From the moment that I first stepped on SUU’s campus, I knew there was something special here. As a first-generation student, I didn’t know what to expect coming to college. And if I was to say that I didn’t get a little homesick when I had first started, I’d be lying. SUU connected me with an ACE, which is a peer mentor from day one. They checked in on me, let me know about opportunities to get involved, and my ACE is a friend that I still have to this day. There’s a feeling of personal connection found throughout campus. Another example, on the very first day of my general chemistry class, my professor Elaine Vickers went over the syllabus and class expectations, which was typical. As she dove into the material. I remember her saying, “Chemistry is not just the study of matter. It’s the study of that matters. And I want you to know that you matter to me.” It was cheesy and kind, but it was easily the thing that got me through that semester. While her job was to teach us chemistry, she made it known that no matter what was going on her door was always open and she was there for us. And she’s not the only professor I’ve had who acts this way. I’ve had so many relatable professors, funny, and compassionate too and each have helped me to feel like I’m where I belong at SUU. The faculty and staff have truly shown me they care about my success even beyond the classroom. As a student, it’s easy to keep your thoughts and feelings to yourself or think that no one cares. But at SUU there’s always someone that cares. Always someone with their door open, and always someone ready to listen. I feel better prepared for my career as a healthcare professional because of the supportive staff and opportunities I’ve been given as a student here. At SUU, there is a personalized student-first approach from professors to staff, to other students. SUU is truly dedicated to the students as they help each to succeed in their academic and career endeavors, while also presenting each with opportunities to get involved and have the college experience they’ve always dreamed of. In all my time here, I’ve never felt like just another student. I’m always made to feel like I matter and that I have a voice at SUU. Back to you Alex.
– Thank you so much, Davi. It’s definitely obvious that this is such a caring campus. It’s great to be a T-Bird. We appreciate that, take care Davi.
Okay, everyone. Next, we’re gonna meet Patricia who’s gonna tell us how Tulane has worked in recent years to become more diverse and to better support BIPOC, first generation, and other underrepresented students. Patricia, you’re on.
– Hi, y’all. I’m a senior on the pre-law track from Birmingham, Alabama. I’m so grateful that Tulane pointed me in the direction of my true passion. I grew up in the birthplace of the civil rights movement, but my studies here at Tulane made everything come full circle. This past semester, I took “Preventing Discrimination as a Business”. This determined my drive to become a civil rights attorney. From friends to professors, I’ve learned the importance of diversity on campus. Diversity in thought, in experience, and in culture. Tulane understands in order to make our campus more inclusive for all, we must first create a more equitable experience for our BIPOC, first generation, and other underrepresented students. On the student life side, Tulane supports offices such as Caroline Barber Pierre Center for Intercultural Life, which houses the Office of Gender and Sexual Diversity, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, and the Office of Religious Life. Academically, Tulane has a Center for Academic Equity, supporting students through enrichment opportunities and need-based support. Some CAE programs include the resource lending library, first gen mentorship, and grant funding. Another support system is the Goldman Center for Student Accessibility, which provides testing, housing, and other accommodations. Students always have a place on campus to claim as their own. With our intercultural center stores open at all times, we want our student and to feel comfortable as soon as they step on our campus. From the multicultural leadership retreat at the beginning of the school year, to events throughout the year, we work to create true community on our campus. Being part of a university that is working to become more inclusive and supportive for all, makes me proud to be a Tulanean. And I can’t wait to see what our future holds for us. Back to you, Alex.
– Patricia, it’s incredible hearing the passion you bring to Tulane, and I have no doubt you will make a killer civil rights attorney. And thanks for telling us how Tulane is working to become more inclusive for all students. Cheers, Patricia.
Next up, we have the one and only Mickey Mickle. How great is that name? Mickey is a sophomore from Birmingham, Alabama, majoring in political science with minors in French and Africana studies. She’s gonna tell us about research, internships, and the resources that go along with supporting students through those opportunities. Mickey, the floor’s all yours.
– Thanks for that introduction, Alex, I applied to Tulane as a pre-med student, but the months leading up to my first semester, my career path took a complete 180 and I switched to pre-law. After years of preparing for a STEM-heavy course load, I had no idea how to navigate the world of social sciences and liberal arts. Despite my worries, I met Dr. Mahoney who taught a course on leadership in New Orleans. We developed a close relationship and at the end of the semester, Dr. Mahoney hired me as a research assistant for a project in conjunction with Christopher Clark and Nadia Brown, researching black women in legislative caucuses. Her research was directly in line with my areas of study in political science and Africa studies. I now help her study voting records to find these women’s influence on their fellow Congress members, and how they will impact future legislators. Next semester, we’ll have the opportunity of a lifetime and we’ll interview congresswomen to get direct insight and knowledge for our research. By spring semester, I gained another position with the Newcomb Institute reproductive rights internship. And I submitted my application to be a digital development intern for the podcast, “Black Feminist Rants”. BFR is a reproductive justice podcast that discusses activism and black feminism while centering the experience of black women and femmes navigating social justice spaces and the world. In just one year, I was able to find internships in research positions that allowed me to explore my fields hands-on. These opportunities are widely available here at Tulane and we make it so easy to balance them with your course load. I’m so honored to be a part of such incredible projects. Thanks so much. And back to you, Alex.
– Wait, Mickey. You’re telling me that research isn’t just someone in a lab coat doing science stuff? It’s that and more? Wow, that’s awesome that Tulane encourages and supports students to do research and internships of all kinds no matter what year in school you are. Thanks, Mickey. That was fantastic.
All right, let’s meet Sarah. She’s a senior here from Potomac, Maryland. And she’s gonna tell us all about student organizations here at Tulane, plus some of the clubs and projects she’s part of on campus. Take it away, Sarah.
– Hey everyone. When I was in high school, I was part of student government, I wrote for the school newspaper, and I played soccer. It was important to me to find that same sort of extracurricular well-roundedness and flexibility in college. And I definitely found it at Tulane. Everyone’s a part of a ton of different organizations on campus. So I first got to school, I went to the activities expo, where I signed up to be a DJ for WTL New Orleans, which is our radio station on campus that broadcasts to the entire city. I also got together a bunch of my friends from my freshman year floor to play on an intramural soccer team and we still play on it today. That year, for fall break, I went backpacking with Tulane Outdoor Adventures. I then applied to be a guide for them. So I now plan, budget, and then lead trips throughout the Southeast U.S., for other Tulane students. This past year, a friend and I, along with a couple professors, have been working on a project to bring solar energy to Tulane’s campus, who are sustainability committee of student government. With over 200 student organizations on campus, there’s something for everyone. And if you can’t find something like, you can always start your own club or organization. This past year, I had some friends who started a roller skating club on campus. We also have social and professional Greek organizations, as well as a community service co-ed fraternity. You really can’t walk down McAllister without some club promoting their upcoming events or students campaigning about something they’re passionate about. And it’s always fun to stop and talk to students to see what everyone’s up to on campus. The way you spend your time here outside of your academics is just as important as your study time. Isn’t that right, Alex?
– That’s right, Sarah. Wow, you really can do just about anything at Tulane Sarah, thanks for telling us all about student organizations here and showing us how easy it is to get involved in something you’re passionate about on campus. Thanks, Sarah.