WHAT IS EXPEDITION?
Expedition serves as an all-encompassing kick-off to the UVa-Wise experience for all new first-year students.  Named for Mr. Jefferson's vision of exploration of the western U.S. by Lewis and Clark, it is a three-day extended orientation program that helps new students make their transition into the campus community as seamless as possible. 

While summer orientation sessions provided students and families an opportunity to learn more about UVa-Wise, get questions answered and take care of business, Expedition is focused solely on the new students.  Expedition incorporates a multitude of educational, social, community service, and leadership opportunities geared toward student success.

The Expedition logo, a directional compass, is symbolic of the different directions, opportunities and challenges that College life brings. UVa-Wise abounds with opportunities for academic exploration and the development of leadership and personal skills.


WHO ATTENDS EXPEDITION?
All new UVa-Wise students (residential and commuter), including freshmen as well as transfer students who have completed less than 30 transferrable hours, are expected to participate in Expedition.  Please do not plan weekend trips, vacations, work hours, etc. during this three-day period.

Students attending ALL Expedition sessions will also receive one cultural activity credit toward their graduation requirement.

 
WHEN IS EXPEDITION? 
Expedition 2012 begins on the afternoon of Friday, August 17.  That afternoon signals the departure of family members from campus, but more importantly, signals the start of Expedition and the UVa-Wise educational journey for each new student! Expedition activities fill each day and evening through the journey’s official conclusion with a final session on Sunday, August 19.  All meals are provided for students during their Expedition journey.

WHO ARE THE ELs?
ELs, or Expedition Leaders, are upperclass students that will guide new students through their Expedition journey.  As team leaders, ELs will be active participants in all Expedition activities. 

The selection process for Expedition Leaders and an Expedition Assistant is held each spring semester for currently enrolled students (see application at top of page).  EL training includes both spring and fall sessions, and all ELs receive meals during training and throughout Expedition, an Expedition slingpack, Expedition manual, and a $150 stipend. 

The 2011 ELs were:  Laura Barnett, Randi Beverly, Hayley Bowman, Lindse Brewer, Tiffany Carter, Kimberly Crockett, Christian Dimick, Paru Gopalan, Brad Graboyes, Shaqueta Green, Alex Hickson, Brittanie Jones, Rachel Kessler, Sharita McCain, Ellie McDonnell, Christian Meade, Brittany Milgrim, Megan Musick, Ashley Pannell, Durrell Pannell, Joanna Peck, Rachel Person, Samantha Robinson, Laura Stamper, Mike VanDerwerker, and Ashlee Washburn.

QUESTIONS?
Please contact Stephanie Shell (stephanie.shell@uvawise.edu or 276-328-0216) or Jewell Worley (jewell.worley@uvawise.edu or 276-376-0214) if you have any questions.