Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get involved at UA?

• Visit the Student Involvement website. Choose from over 250 student organizations including service organizations, sports and recreation clubs, religious organizations, political organizations and more!
• If you don’t find an organization that matches your interests, start your own! Visit the Office of Campus Activities in 231 Ferguson or visit the Student Involvement website and complete the online process to start your own!
• Attend CCSO’s Fall and Spring ‘Get on Board Day’ events designed to help you become acquainted with the many student organizations on campus.  *Fall 2007 Get on Board Day is scheduled for August 29, 2007.

What kinds of leadership courses can I take at UA? 

Here are a few of the most popular leadership courses:

HES 275: Leadership Through Service

MGT 320: Leadership

HES 485: Self-Managed Mentoring

HES 450: Volunteerism and Civic Responsibility

HES 250: Career Development and Planning

NEW 270: Leadership and Social Justice Activism

CIP 200: Introduction to Global Studies

My organization needs some help getting organized or planning and publicizing events. Where can I go for help?

• Consult with the LEAD (Leadership Education and Development) team—student leaders trained to equip your organization with the tools and skills you need to be effective. To schedule a LEAD team consultation or program, click here. Examples of topics include time management, stress management, leadership styles, conflict resolution, and more!
• Attend a Transition workshop presented by CCSO. Transition workshops are designed to help make your role as an organization leader easier. Come find out how to reserve space for events on campus, how to secure funds for your organization, and much more!
• Visit the Sylvester Jones Resource Center, Room 336 in the Ferguson Center. Here you can find a wealth of leadership materials from the experts—including books, pamphlets, and handouts.

What are some tips for filling out my Freshman Forum application?

• Type your application. You can type right into the application form online and then print it off to submit. Have someone look over it before you submit it to make sure you haven’t overlooked any grammatical or spelling errors.
• Be yourself. Try not to say what you think reviewers want to hear; speak from the heart and be original.
• Do your homework. Find out as much as you can about any organization before you apply to be part of it. Show the reviewers and interviewers why you’re interested in becoming a member.

What should I wear if I’m asked to interview for Freshman Forum?

• Business casual attire is appropriate for this interview.  Business casual includes khakis or comparable pants and a collared shirt for men, and skirt or slacks and blouse for women.

What is the format for Freshman Forum interviews? How can I prepare?

• Because of the large volume of candidates, Freshman Forum interviews are conducted in groups. Each group interview will involve 6-8 candidates and will last approximately 25 minutes.
• The group interview consists of an activity that will be thought-provoking, allowing each candidate to communicate his/her thoughts on an assortment of topics. Remember that in a group setting, your ability to listen effectively is just as important as your ability to speak your mind.

How can I be involved in leadership development beyond my freshman year? There are dozens of opportunities to continue to develop your leadership skills beyond your first year at the Capstone.

• Get involved with a Student Government Association committee or join a student organization.
• Volunteer! Visit the Community Service Center to find out about community service opportunities in the Tuscaloosa area.
• Share your skills! Mentor incoming students and help link other student leaders with resources as part of a CCSO team or as a Peer Educator with the Student Health Center or the Women’s Resource Center.
• Be a leader in your residential community! Apply to be a Resident Assistant or get involved with your Hall Council.
• Share your love of the University of Alabama! Get involved with the Student Alumni Association, the Avanti team, Capstone Men and Women, or serve as an Ambassador for your College (see your Dean’s office for details.)