Summit alumna Emma Groman enjoys a moment of reflection along the Appalachian Trail during Summit 2016.

Learn to lead, hike, camp

Article by Casey Impagliazzo Photos courtesy of Ron Phillips, Emma Groman and New Student Orientation May 02, 2018

Extended orientation applications now open to new students

The process of becoming a Blue Hen takes many forms. For a few hundred incoming first year and transfer students this fall, their journey through the University of Delaware will begin in late summer at extended orientation programs that have been described as exhilarating, unforgettable, and life-changing, to name a few.

From the Student Life departments that offer them, as well as students whose trajectories have been forever changed by their participation, this is a behind-the-scenes glance at UD Extended Orientation. These first-summer experiences called QUEST, Summit, and Summit By The Sea complement students’ required New Student Orientation day, and are designed to give new UD students a head start in their development.

Applications are open for all three programs as of May 1.

What is QUEST, and who should apply?

QUEST (Question, Understand, Explore, Serve and Transform) is a year long leadership and transition program offered by the University Student Centers for new first year students. The QUEST journey begins with a five-day summer experience in late August. Participants can move into their residence hall early, if applicable, and will engage in a mixture of on- and off-campus activities including teambuilding, self-assessment, leadership workshops, goal setting, guest speakers, community service, social activities, and outdoor adventure.

“We look for a diverse group of incoming first year students with a wide range of leadership experiences,” says Susan Luchey, associate director of University Student Centers and QUEST program facilitator. “Outstanding QUEST applicants could have a wide range of past leadership roles, or none; what makes them stand apart from the competition is their determination to engage in a new and impactful journey as they transition to UD.”

The application for QUEST is submitted online and includes a few short-answer essay questions about the applicants’ views on leadership. QUEST applications are reviewed by a group of professional staff and senior peer mentors who co-facilitate the program. Many students who are selected as mentors are past program participants who have gone on to enroll in the department’s larger Blue Hen Leadership Program, which offers certification in multiple levels of student leadership development.

Ron Phillips has gone on from QUEST to several roles within the University Student Centers’ Blue Hen Leadership Program.

Senior Ron Phillips is one such student, who has experienced QUEST as a participant and a peer mentor as well as progressed to Tier 4 of BHLP.

“QUEST helped me get accustomed to the college environment, while teaching me how to reach out to others and learn their stories,” he said. Phillips is a neuroscience and biological science double major with a minor in Biochemistry, and is presently applying for medical school. “Practicing empathy and relationship building through this program has helped me network efficiently, stand out as an applicant, and problem-solve in various internships in medical and research fields.”

This year’s QUEST program will be held Aug. 21-25. Interested new first year students can apply online through July 11 at sites.udel.edu/nso/extended/#quest and participants can expect to hear an admission decision by July 20. The cost to participate in QUEST is $475.00.

What are Summit and Summit by the Sea, and who should apply?

The office of New Student Orientation offers two extended orientation opportunities: Summit, for new first year students, and Summit by the Sea, for new transfer students. Both programs welcome students with and without past experience in outdoor adventure, and both are co-facilitated by student leaders with a mixture of on- and off-campus activities.

“We are looking for students who stand to benefit from the environment Summit creates,” said Christian Williams, NSO program coordinator for extended orientation and transition programs. “These programs foster opportunity for self-discovery, learning about and alongside each other, and talking openly about what they expect from their college experience. Participants need no prior backpacking experience, as long as they are willing to fully engage in the journey. The Summit leader staff will help them learn the rest!”

Summit is a seven-day on- and off-campus program for new first year students that includes five days hiking the Appalachian Trail. Most outdoor gear will be available to rent through the office, though participants will need hiking boots and trail-appropriate clothing and be physically able to walk 8-10 miles per day.

The application for Summit is available online through July 11, and includes a few short-answer essay questions about the applicant's’ interest in and expectations for the experience. Summit applications are reviewed by a group of professional staff and student coordinators who co-facilitate the program.

Four Summit trips will be held this summer: Aug. 5-11, 7-13, 15-21, and 17-23. Interested new first year students can apply online through July 11 at sites.udel.edu/nso/extended/#summit and participants can expect to hear an admission decision during the week of July 16. The cost to participate in Summit is $300.

As an incoming first year student, Emma Groman was very unsure whether she would be able to find community that aligned with her interests and values.

“Coming out of high school and into this new phase in my life, I had a lot of reflecting to do on who I wanted to be as a person and what I could make of my college experience to help facilitate this growth and development,” she said. “Summit was the perfect way for me to start discovering my sense of self. On the trail, I was able to get vulnerable with myself and those around me; taking the time to just get out into the woods, be free of distraction and surround yourself with open, like-minded people is so valuable.”

Now a rising junior psychology and sociology double major, Groman hopes to further explore environmentally based “eco-therapy” practices in mental health treatment.

NSO’s other program, Summit by the Sea, is specifically designed for new transfer students. This four day on- and off-campus program includes three days camping at Lewes Beach, Delaware with other new transfers. Outdoor gear for this trip will either be provided or available to rent, and participants will receive a packing list in advance of the trip so that they can determine their needs.

“We love applications that show both investment in the process and a bit of students’ personalities,” Williams said. “We strive for diversity of thought in all groups, and also look to help out-of-state students make their arrival to campus as seamless as possible. All of this is accomplished while students make meaningful connections with peers, and enjoy beach camping and sea kayaking in one of Delaware’s most beautiful state parks.”

Summit by the Sea will be held will be held July 12-15. Interested new transfer students can apply online through July 1 at sites.udel.edu/nso/extended/#sea and can expect to answer a few short-answer essay questions about their interest in the program, their feelings and apprehensions about their transfer to UD, and more. Accepted participants will be notified by July 3. The cost to participate in Summit by the Sea is $150.