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 2013 will be held the weekend prior to classes begin, August 16-18.  Expedition signals the start of the UVa-Wise educational journey for each new student! Expedition activities fill each day and evening through the journey’s official conclusion on Sunday.  All meals are provided for students during their Expedition journey.  Additional details will be provided in mid-April. 

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 is held each spring semester for currently enrolled students (see application at top of page beginning Feb. 13).  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 2012 ELs were:  Jackson Austin, Laura Barnett, Phillip Blevins, Lindse Brewer, Robert 'Bo' Endean, Dustin Ferrell, Kristin Foley, Shaqueta Green, Alexzandrea Hickson, Shannon Howell, Brittanie Jones, Erin Kellam, Megan Kilgore, Kevin 'Nate' Large, Abigail Mason, Christian Meade, Rachel Person, Samuel 'Blake' Roberts, Samantha Smith, Emma Spangler, Lauren Sparks, and Laura Stamper.  The 2012 Expedition Assistant (EA) is Cassie Clack.

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.