Big Sky Times

As a first-year student, what is your biggest fear about moving off to college?

Whether you’re worried about falling behind on coursework, adjusting to a new schedule, making new friends, or connecting with your professors, we’re here to help ease your worries.

While there may be a lot to worry about when transitioning from high school to college, The University of Providence and the Vander Werff Nursing program are dedicated to making your experience on our campus the best it can be. We’re excited to offer academic and recreational services to all our students.

Continue reading to learn about a few of the campus services we offer. 

We’ll help you transition into your first year at UP.

We know how important it is to have a strong start as a first-year student. That is why we offer various first-year student services designed to help you transition from high school to college.

Corps of Discovery

Our Corps of Discovery is a course designed to help acclimate and prepare incoming first-year students like you to meet the academic requirements and social adjustments presented during your first year of college. In addition to helping you adjust to college life, and counting as credit hours toward your degree, Corps of Discovery offers a great way to connect with students and professors, meet new friends, and explore Montana with exciting student trips. You can learn more about Corps of Discovery on our student life page.

 Student Government

Joining the freshman forum is an excellent way for an incoming student to take an active role in the campus community. The freshman forum is designed to give first-year students a voice regarding student decisions, campus activities, and more.

Our small campus and class sizes mean more personal connections.

Since our founding, we have prided ourselves on providing personalized education. Not only is our administration working to make your college experience more personal with smaller class sizes, a low student-to-faculty ratio, and a dynamic lineup of academic services – but so is our faculty. Whether you’re majoring in business, paralegal, biology, or nursing, you can count on our faculty to help guide you through your courses, make sure you’re on track, and make your college experience unforgettable.

We offer numerous academic success services.

Whether you have a documented learning disability, are seeking help for a class you’re struggling in, or just looking to stay on top of your classwork, we offer various academic and student support services specifically tailored to fit your needs and trajectories. From tutoring sessions after class to enhanced services for students with learning disabilities, we’re here to help you succeed.

Personal Academic Success Counselors

In addition to an assigned faculty advisor in your major, you will work with a dedicated academic success counselor. Academic success counselors are here to help you throughout your educational journey. Our knowledgeable counselors are here to help you register for courses, ensure you are on track with prerequisite and core courses, advise on available academic resources and opportunities, and help with any educational issues or questions. Since academic success counselors are assigned within your listed major, you can walk into every session knowing your counselor is knowledgeable in the needs of students who have gone through the program.

On-Site & Remote tutoring Services

Everyone can benefit from tutoring – even if you are an academically strong student. Whether it’s getting help with a specific lesson, test preparation, or a weekly service to help you through a class you’re struggling with, we are proud to offer tutoring services to those who need them. Our tutoring services are available in-person and online through a third-party tutoring client. Tutoring services are free to use and specific to your major or study.

Housed in the university library, tutoring is available from both fellow students and faculty. Since tutoring services are offered by subject or major, your tutor will know your specific needs. In addition to our in-person tutoring opportunities, you can take advantage of free online tutoring services through Tutor Me, a third-party client free of charge to students seeking help with coursework. Explore our Library Services page to learn more about tutoring.

TRIO Student Support Services

Like many universities, we proudly offer TRIO services on our campus. TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) provides eligible students additional academic and campus life support as part of a federally funded grant program. TRIO SSS focuses on supporting students from various backgrounds, including first-generation college students, those with documented disabilities, and income-eligible students. If you are eligible, you are encouraged to apply to TRIO Student Support Services and take advantage of these services. You can visit the Academic Support page to learn more about TRIO SSS.

You’ll enjoy your time off with exciting student activities.

In addition to our robust offering of academic support services, we also offer a variety of campus life and recreational activities, organizations, and opportunities for those looking to take advantage of what our campus, Great Falls, and the state of Montana offers. With everything from clubs to athletics, off-campus activities, and service trips – there’s no shortage of things to do when you enroll at UP.

On-Campus Opportunities

We offer a variety of on-campus opportunities for students to get involved. We offer everything from campus ministry to service projects, clubs, organizations, and special-themed activities. With new and exciting opportunities constantly popping up, you are sure to find your niche.

Clubs & Organizations

Our clubs and organizations are a great way to get involved with the campus community and expand your social circle outside the classroom. UP offers a variety of social clubs, such as chess clubs, campus ministry, and peer mentors. If you are looking for something else, our competitive and academic clubs focus on athletics, accounting, forensic science, law, and justice. Visit our Clubs & Organizations page to learn more.

Don’t see a club or organization you like? Just start a new one. All it takes is an application and some support from your fellow students and a faculty advisor to launch.

Athletic Opportunities

Did you play a sport in high school, for your local community center, or just for fun? Our athletic programs are a great way to get out and stay active, make new friends, and build a strong community.

As a member of the NAIA division of college sports, we offer 15 men’s and women’s sports opportunities – including golf, wrestling, basketball, baseball, and more. In addition, we’re the proud home of over 250 student-athletes and are the recipients of a combined 21 men’s and women’s team conference championships. Visit our athletics page to learn more about athletic opportunities, playing eligibility, and how to become a student-athlete.

Off-Campus Opportunities

In addition to our exciting offering of on-campus activities, we also take advantage of the many off-campus opportunities – allowing you to explore Great Falls and the many local restaurants, businesses, and community staples that make up the city of Great Falls.

In addition to shuttle service to and from downtown to campus, students can explore exclusive opportunities such as concerts, activities, and more in the city. Suppose you’re looking to expand outside of Great Falls. In that case, outdoor recreation activities like skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and more are available. Visit our Corps of Discovery page to learn more.

The University of Providence is proud to offer robust academic and recreational services for all our students. Whether you take advantage of these great benefits or not, remember that they will be available to you as you make your way through our nursing program.

Have you applied yet? Our new Vander Werff nursing program is now accepting applications. Visit our Traditional BSN webpage to learn more about our program, application process, and deadlines.

 Original source can be found here.