Steppin’ Out aims to provide incoming first-year students and transfer students with an exciting introduction to Willamette University, Oregon, and Oregon’s many beautiful natural areas. No experience with the outdoors is required and all are encouraged to join.
Transitioning to university can be an exciting, but also anxious time for students. To help, Steppin’ Out programs are designed to nurture friendships with classmates, are facilitated by upper-class mentors, and supported by partner faculty and staff to build a strong, supportive community through shared experience and challenge in the outdoors.
This solid social foundation – group support systems that encourage belonging, trust, and connection to peers helps students throughout their collegiate careers. Some research even suggests that students in similar orientation programs achieve increased GPAs, completed their degrees, and successfully persisted at their schools at higher rates than peers who did not participate in these programs. But mostly, the lessons learned in these adventures transfer to students’ broader lives, instilling grit and confidence in the face of challenge and uncertainty. The confidence achieved supports each student’s successful transition from high school or former university to their new home as a Bearcat at Willamette University.
No prior outdoor experience is needed to participate in the program: ALL are welcome! Participating in this program is one of the first best decisions of your successful collegiate career. Plus, it is a whole lot of fun! Don't miss out!
- Dates: Saturday, August 31 - Monday, September 2
- Cost: TBD
If you are interested, please fill out this form for more information
