UA Vanguard

A First Year Student Engagement Experience

Student Involvement is proud to introduce UA Vanguard! Through the Vanguard semesterly cohort, first year students explore landscape of campus engagement. Vanguard students will connect with peer mentors, Vanguard Visionaries, who are experts on student involvement! Throughout the program, you will engage with the UA community, peer support, shared learning, creativity building, leadership skills, and campus. Ultimately, we want to empower you to become UA legends here at the Capstone!

Explore

With over 600 student organizations to explore, campus can feel overwhelming. The UA Vanguard will give students tools to network and opportunities to navigate campus. Participants will take part in co-curricular training focused on campus culture and student involvement. During these trainings, students will be able to directly glean from student organization officers, student council members and university departments.

Engage

Learn by doing. As students explore, they will also engage. Join organizations, create new ones and discover how you can best contribute on campus. With the support of fellow peers in the UA Vanguard and third- and fourth-year mentors, participants will have a team of support each step of the way.

Empower

Lead from the front. Equipped with their new skills and knowledge, UA Vanguard leaders will emerge with new skills and knowledge to empower students and serve as leaders across campus. Participants will build community and set a foundation to maximize the undergraduate experience. Through engaging with student organizations, students will be able to focus on passions and develop personal leadership styles.

What is a Vanguard Visionary?

Requirements and Responsibilities

• Attend all required trainings, events, and UA Vanguard sessions
• Facilitate activities and dialogue between UA Vanguard participants
• Serve as a resource for UA Vanguard participants regarding UA Vanguard activities, campus information, and academic and social transition issues
• Assist with hosting faculty and staff members during UA Vanguard
• Maintain active communication with Student Involvement staff throughout the UA Vanguard Program
• Write a 1-page reflection about the program. This can include your experience being a mentor, leading activities, group progress, and concerns.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at The University of Alabama from August 2025 – May 2026
• Must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Must be in good standing with the University (academics and conduct)
• Must demonstrate a commitment to new students and their success
• Must display a positive attitude and good work ethic
• Must display school spirit, maintain institutional knowledge, and serve as a positive representative of Student Involvement and The University of Alabama

Participant Requirements

Any students enrolled at the University of Alabama within their first two semesters, whether conditionally or unconditionally accepted, may apply to UA Vanguard. All participants must agree to commit to the organization’s guidelines and curriculum including attending the semesterly cohort experience. Any members who fail to complete the curriculum requirements will not receive final recognition for having been a part of the program experience. UA Vanguard will have biweekly meeting sessions that offer opportunities to connect, find on campus resources, and build your UA community! We’ll also have additional events for students to engage with campus and find their place at UA!

Apply

Interested in serving as a Vanguard Visionary to support first-year students? Please click the box below to apply.

Visit The SOURCE for more ways to get involved!