Why should I encourage my student to get involved in cocurricular activities?
It’s important for students to have a well-rounded college experience. Campus engagement provides an opportunity to develop valuable skills, cultivate deeper relationships with others, and complement what students learn in the classroom. Student involvement leads to higher GPA and stronger campus connection as well as increasing the likelihood of students staying in school and graduating in four years.
Should my student wait to get involved until he or she has settled in?
We encourage students to engage with their classmates early. Students who connect to campus early on report higher satisfaction and success rates. You can help students balance activities and avoid getting over programmed by encouraging them to focus on one or two activities that really interest them.
How can my student get involved on campus?
The first week of fall term, we sponsor welcome week activities, including a student engagement fair that familiarizes them with the variety of clubs and organizations offered at Transylvania as well as the many all-campus events designed to introduce them to upperclass students. Click here for more information about opportunities available to your student.
What opportunities are there for involvement in faith-based organizations?
The Dean of Students Office works to integrate spiritual and intellectual pursuits on campus, while also offering students personal guidance and counseling. Transylvania is committed to cultivating a campus environment of mutual respect and impassioned conviction and developing leaders who will succeed in a diverse and connected world. The Office of Religious Life supports and advises student-led religious organizations and provides information to students seeking a religious community in the Lexington area. It also provides opportunities for community service and spiritual exploration as well as earnest reflection on issues such as ethics and social and
ecological justice. For more information contact the Dean of Students Office at mcovert@transy.edu or call 859-233-8215.
My student has been very involved with community service and leadership throughout high school. Does Transylvania offer any programs where students can continue this service?
The Office of Campus and Community Engagement works with individuals and groups interested in community engagement opportunities in Lexington and beyond. Students can choose to join a Student Volunteer Team and volunteer on a weekly basis at one of our non-profit partners, engage with peers and the community during our monthly Saturday-in-Service projects, join one of our educational outreach programs or commit to a week-long Alternative Break experience. All efforts seek to work with our community in a mutually-beneficial manner and provide our students with opportunities to more deeply interrogate social injustice, develop skills in working with a
diverse community and find ways to work together toward a more just future. For more information, call 859-233-8182.
Are there any off-campus activities in which students can participate?
Opportunities to become involved in the Lexington community are plentiful. Within walking distance of campus are the Lexington Opera House, Kentucky Theatre (movies), art galleries, historical sites, a large public library, banks, churches, retail establishments, restaurants, hotels and parks. Call the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau at 859-233-7299 or 800-845-3959 or visit http://www.visitlex.com/ for more information.