WHAT IS EXPEDITION?
Expedition serves as an all-encompassing kick-off to the UVa-Wise experience for all new 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 their 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 all Expedition sessions and activities. Note: The only session available for parents and families is the optional pre-Expedition Family Split Party.

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


WHEN IS EXPEDITION?
Expedition 2009 begins on the afternoon of Friday, August 14. Any new stduents who will be living on campus during the fall will move into their assigned residence halls from 9 am until noon on the 14th.  Also on the 14th is the afternoon Family Split Party which signals the departure of family members from campus, but more importantly, it 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 team meeting on Sunday, August 16.

NOTE - 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 EL selection process is held each spring semester.

QUESTIONS?
Please contact Jewell Worley (ljw4k@uvawise.edu or 276-376-1004) or Stephanie Shell (sgp8f@uvawise.edu or 276-328-0216) if you have any questions.