Colorado Mesa University Student Life began a program this semester called the “Freshman 15,” in which incoming students attend a minimum of 15 campus events for a chance to win a number of prizes, including housing costs for a semester or partial tuition. The events began earlier this semester and will continue until late November.
“Freshman 15 is an event we created to improve campus engagement for incoming freshmen,” said Julie Stump, manager of Student Life operations.
Studies at larger universities show that new students who participate in at least fifteen campus events during their first semester are significantly more likely to continue being involved at the university, stay until graduation and receive higher grades.
“We want them to be a part of the student body, be a part of the herd, and really get a lot out of it, creating memories and moments that they can look back on,” Stump said.
The program showcases three different areas: university engagement, academics and self-development. Students must attend a minimum of three events from each category, and the other six can be distributed however they choose.
University organization leaders, Associated Student Government senators and other campus staff will be present at the entrance of every event for at least the first half hour, where freshman can swipe their MAVcards. After attending fifteen events, students will be entered into a raffle where they have the chance to win one of the large prizes. However, the primary purpose of the events is to enrich students’ college experiences.
“We hope that they’re not just doing it because they want the prize. We want them to be intrinsically motivated to be involved on campus, but when you add some prizes, that creates a little more excitement,” Stump said.
Josh Stover, student director of the Club Advisory Board at CMU, emphasizes the importance of being active on campus.
“We have so many different resources, and I think this is a great thing we’re doing: highlighting all the stuff that we have. It’s not just our office at Student Life; there are so many other people that are reaching out, trying to make sure students feel welcome,” Stover said.
The next event in the university engagement category is Mavs on Main, which takes places from 8 to 11 p.m. on Sept. 22 in downtown Grand Junction. The September workshop in the academics category will be held Sept. 27 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Maverick Center. The self-development category continues with “Fueling Your Body” on Sept. 21 from 6 to 7 p.m. in the University Center. All students are encouraged to attend these events.
