Campus Visits and Workshops Make College Real
Red Riot is a favorite college event with our schools. It offers GEAR UP students the chance to meet and mingle with college students and even stay in dorms while school is in session. Campus visits can be rewarding and fun and give our students a chance to learn about campus life and see it as an option after high school.
GEAR UP students had the chance to meet and learn from college students at SUU.
Red Riot activities included information on the university and financial aid.
Students stayed with a host to see campus life and do things that college students do.
Red Riot is a 2-day overnight event at the Southern Utah University (SUU) campus in Cedar City, UT. Over Jan. 20-21, 11th grade students from Hunter High School in the Granite School District attended their first Red Riot. Activities included information on the university and financial aid, along with campus clubs and living arrangements.
The visit began with a welcome fair where students met with representatives from SUU. People from the financial aid office, colleges, clubs, and other student organizations were present. Students mingled with current SUU students, asking questions to learn what the school has to offer. They also had a photo- op with the T-Bird mascot.
“SUU Red Riot was a good experience to help understand more about college, " said Sicora Henline, 11th grade student at Hunter High School. “I was surprised how close the student dorms were to campus and seeing the student center was very helpful. The dinner was also really good.”
Student workshops included a question-and-answer session focused on financial aid, housing, admissions, food plans and more. Next, students were paired with a college student/host. This person would be their guide to stay with for the rest of their visit. Hosts took high school students around campus, and later to the “Flippin’ Birds” gymnastics meet.
“I had a great time watching the gymnastics meet and it was really cool, " said Carinah Esparza, Hunter High School student. “I don’t really like dancing, but it was ok because they had other options like video games, board games and a crafts room. My hosts were nice, and I got to room with people I knew.”
Students went to dinner with their hosts. All activities were focused on helping involve students in campus life, giving them a feel for SUU by seeing the campus, student life and academics. The goal of this overnight event was to help students figure out whether SUU is for them.
“It was so much fun! I’d do it again in a heartbeat,” said one student. Ashley Johnson and Melissa Adams, GEAR UP site coordinators said that the students had an amazing time. Each of them was able to take away valuable things that will further help them in their post-graduation decisions.
If Red Riot sounds interesting, there are more visits scheduled in Feb and Mar. Many universities across the state have similar events for high school students. GEAR UP students have College Bus Tours and SnowBlast Overnight available to them in the coming months.