Are you starting spring semester looking to make connections with new people at UA? Start with Ignite UA where you will meet other students through weekly small group meetings focused on a common interest!
Ignite UA is a community-building program specifically designed for freshman students as they continue to transition to life at The University of Alabama. Ignite UA empowers you to maximize your UA experience through igniting your passions while building community on campus. No previous experience or involvement is required! We’d love to have you join us as we work collaboratively to ignite the crimson flame that will blaze a path for you and the success you will experience at The Capstone.
Program Dates
Ignite UA meets as small group at a variety of days and times. You will select your group based on your interests and availability. Groups meet weekly from the week of February 5 through April 10, 2023.
Sign Up for Ignite UA
To join a Small Group, email us at fye@ua.edu with the group you are interested in joining!
Small Groups are available for a variety of topics. Small Group spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. View the descriptions below then use the Application Link to sign up before it’s too late!
- Stress Relivers and Community Builders
- Meets on Sundays from 2 – 4 PM
As we progress through the semester, finding a balance between schoolwork and other activities might seem like a difficult task. However, at Stress Relievers, our main focus is to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive place for students to socialize and destress. Happening every Sunday at 2- 5 PM, there will be movies, board games, ice breakers, group activities, and more! Students of any major can come relax and develop or strengthen their relationships with peers. Additionally, you can come to do schoolwork while making new connections with students in the small group!
- Creativity Group
- Meets on Mondays from 2 – 4 PM
If you enjoy the creative side of things, join the Ignite UA creative group. We will be exploring different modes of creativity in media, art, and film. In addition to making arts and crafts, this is a great opportunity to develop your own creative styles and opinions while meeting new people.
- Community Service, Cookies, and Connections
- Meets on Mondays from 8 – 9 PM
Want to obtain community service hours while making connections with other night owls? Join us at 8 PM Monday nights to enjoy a late-night snack together. While mingling, we will write encouraging letters to kids in local hospitals.
- Service Crafts and Events
- Meets on Tuesdays from 12 – 2 PM
If you are looking to find a group dedicated to finding a sense of servitude for not only the Tuscaloosa community but be able to carry it forward back to your hometowns and different areas in need, this group is the place for you! We will be helping various organizations in Tuscaloosa such as the Food Bank, Animal Shelter, Tuscaloosa Emergency Services, and so much more! You will be able to accumulate up to 16 service hours over the course of the semester.
- Campus Life
- Meets on Tuesdays from 3 – 4 PM (or according to campus event of the week)
Campus Life group allows you to get to know campus outside the lecture halls, professors, libraries, and assignments. During the semester, we will go to basketball games, gymnastics meets, the Student Center, etc. to see all that campus offers outside our normal day-to-day class schedules.
- 90s Movie Watch Club
- Meets on Thursdays from 3 – 5 PM
Come watch 90s movies and enjoy some snacks while meeting new people!
- Dungeons and Dragons
- Meets on Thursdays from 4 – 6 PM
This group is for anyone interested in playing Dungeons and Dragons! This group is perfect for those wanting to get involved in the world of D&D. We will learn to create characters and have four great adventures that will provide a crash course in D&D gameplay. Members will understand the basics of D&D and gain friends to play the game with during their time at the University.
Ignite UA Leaders
Ignite UA Leaders will serve as a small group leader to freshman participants. Ignite UA Leaders will create a weekly meeting schedule for members of the small group to connect through a common interest. Ignite UA Leaders serve as peer leaders and are looked to as the key individuals creating a positive role model relationship with the Ignite UA participants.
Requirements/Expectations:
- Have an interest in or a basic knowledge of helping freshman students in their transition, sharing UA campus resources, and planning programs/events
- Minimum of a 2.5 GPA and good academic/conduct standing with UA
- Must be a full-time student at The University of Alabama who has completed at least 2 semesters by spring 2023
- Must commit to attending every Ignite UA Session and Leadership Team Meeting
