Dear Student,
As we head into the final stretch of the semester, this is your moment to take a breath, look back at how far you’ve come, and set your sights on what’s ahead. April is a month of transition: finals are on the horizon, summer plans are taking shape, and the excitement of finishing up your first year is starting to feel real!
Over the next few weeks, focus on finishing strong. Lean into your study routines, reach out for support when you need it, and celebrate the progress you’ve made since August. At the same time, let yourself look forward: internships, summer classes, jobs, travel, rest, and the chance to reset before your sophomore year begins. April is a great time to do the following:
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UA First is cheering you on this month, and we are here to support you. Schedule a Compass Talk with our staff, meet with a student Navigator, use our Ask UA First page to get your questions answered, and check out all the exciting events and opportunities coming up this month!
You’re almost there. Keep going with purpose and pride!
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Featured Opportunities in April |
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| UA First Friday: Cookout on the Quad |
Friday, April 17
12:00-2:00 p.m.
The Quad
Join us on the Quad for UA First Friday, a cookout-style luncheon filled with food, games, and activities. Come relax, connect with friends, and end the semester on the quad!
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| April Job and Internship Fair |
Tuesday, April 7
12:00-4:00 p.m.
UA Student Center Ballroom
The April Job and Internship Fair is designed for students who are actively seeking summer internships and full-time roles. If you are still finalizing summer plans, this is your opportunity to connect with employers who are actively recruiting across all industries.
Dress code: Minimum business casual required, professional preferred. You may visit the Crimson Career Closet for professional attire!
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First-Gen+ Workshop: Making the Most of Your Summer |
Wednesday, April 15
4:00-5:00 p.m.
Gorgas Library Camellia Room
Make the most of your summer by exploring practical tips and ideas to support your personal, academic, and career goals.
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Leadership Opportunities for Fall 2026 |
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Interested in mentoring and leadership opportunities starting in the fall? Check out these opportunities with the UA First office and the Office of the President!
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Apply to be a New View Mentor |
New View Mentors are sophomores, juniors, and seniors (classification as of Fall 2026) who have a desire to support out-of-state freshman students in their transition to UA. This mentor role will require mentors to be at New View programming each Monday afternoon from 3:45-5:00 PM in the Fall 2026 semester.
Apply to be a New View Mentor today by visiting our website at uafirst.ua.edu and completing the application form.
Have questions about the New View Mentor experience? Contact Elizabeth Webber, Program Coordinator, at ecwebber1@ua.edu.
Deadline to Apply: Sunday, April 5, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Interviews: April 8-10, 2026
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| Apply to a First-Year Navigator |
Have a passion for first-year students and the first-year experience? Do you enjoy mentorship? Be a navigator of the first-year experience by serving as an ambassador for UA First!
Navigators will conduct outreach calls to first-year students, represent UA First at various marketing functions and events, speak to classes, participate in leadership development trainings, host weekly walk-in hours for first-year students, and support the office with communication efforts and monthly programs. Use your college experience to help navigate incoming students through their first year!
If you have questions, please contact Karley Fernandez Conley at kfconley@ua.edu.
Deadline to Apply: Sunday, April 5, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
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| President's Cabinet Scholars Program |
The President’s Cabinet Scholars Program is a new initiative at The University of Alabama, designed to prepare students for success in their careers, communities, and civic life.
Students selected for this program will have the unique opportunity to grow as a leader through engaging workshops and mentorship. Participants will gain real-world insight, expand their networks, and develop leadership skills that will set them apart after graduation.
Students will be selected through a competitive application and interview process. Interviews will be held the week of April 13, and the inaugural cohort will be announced the week of April 20.
For more information, please visit https://president.ua.edu/presidents-cabinet-scholars/
Deadline to Apply: Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at noon
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As your first year comes to a close, it is time to reflect on everything you have experienced and start planning for what is next. I know that it can sound a little overwhelming, but don't worry! If you take it one step at a time, it becomes a lot more manageable. This month, we are sharing tips to help you prepare for sophomore year so you can keep growing, learning, and becoming the best version of yourself.
Planning ahead can make a huge difference going into your second year of college. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:
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Reflect on Your First Year: Take time to think about what went well and what did not. Knowing what you enjoyed and what you did not enjoy can help you make better choices moving forward.
- Meet with Your Academic Advisor: Set up a meeting to plan your class schedule. If you have not already, ask about creating a four-year graduation plan. It is never too early to map things out!
- Get Involved on a Deeper Level: Sophomore year is a great time to take on leadership roles or join organizations that align with your goals or passions. Do not be afraid to step up!
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Explore Your Major and Career Options: Start looking into internships, job shadowing, or research opportunities related to your major. Now is a good time to see if your current path still fits your interests.
- Set Personal Goals and Find Your “Why": Whether it is improving your GPA, building friendships, or preparing for a future career, having a purpose makes it easier to stay motivated when things get tough.
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You have made it through your first year, now it's time to build on that momentum!
- Ellanora Slusser, First Year Navigator
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Navigate your first year at UA with the support of peer mentors who utilize their experiences to answer questions, share advice, and support your success. Navigators are available for walk-in meetings and scheduled appointments Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Connect with a navigator by scheduling an appointment, calling 205-348-2503, or emailing fyenavigators@ua.edu.
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What are your plans for this summer? |
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Submit your answer to the question above via email at fye@ua.edu to receive a prize! Include in the subject line "FYE Newsletter response."
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Got questions about your freshman year at? Ask UA First!
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Follow UA First on Instagram @fyeatua |
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