Objectives: Through attendance at a variety of activities encouraged by the Aggie Passport program and its incentives, first-year students will:
- develop an increased awareness of campus events
- broaden their engagement in the university experience
- become more involved in the university community
Has your department developed an exciting, informative event for Utah State students and you want to be sure students attend the event? An excellent way to build attendance and have students discover more about the outstanding campus events offered to students is to list your event as an "Aggie Passport Opportunity."
To encourage students to take advantage of the many cultural and social campus opportunities, the Retention and First-Year Experience office is pleased to sponsor the voluntary Aggie Passport Experience program. This program supports departmental programs and provides an incentive for students to learn more about the wealth of campus opportunities.
Last fall, first-year students were introduced to the Aggie Experience Passports during the Connections course, in all English 1010 courses and at "Day on the Quad." Passport events were featured from four categories: academic, cultural, community and social. Attending the selected events and getting their passport stamped allowed students to earn exciting prizes as they experienced an array of university- and community- sponsored events. Returning students were also encouraged to participate. At the end of the semester 1075 passports were stamped at 31 events. Sixty-seven students completed the Passports and qualified for the prizes which included a dinner at the home of President and Mrs. Albrecht.
Research indicates that there is a positive correlation between student success and attending and participating in campus events. President and Mrs. Albrecht have strongly endorsed the Aggie Passport Experience project saying, "We encourage all of our students to participate in the Aggie Experience program. The opportunities available will enhance every aspect of their life and provide memories that will last a lifetime." Noelle Call, Director of Retention and First-Year Experience states that "Outside lectures, performances, and diversity events, all extend a students' learning beyond the classroom, enrich their academic experience and knowledge base, and involve the student in becoming an active member of the university community."
For additional information, call the Retention and First-Year Experience Office - 797-1132.