Honors Fall Retreat for Incoming Students

Every year, the University Honors Program hosts an overnight retreat for our incoming freshman. The retreat takes place prior to the start of classes at Camp Higher Ground in West Harrison, IN (about 30 minutes from campus).

It's the perfect opportunity to meet other incoming students and current UC students in a comfortable, interactive and fun setting. Students who attend the retreat make connections with one another that last throughout their time at UC (and beyond!).

You'll participate in activities focused on the themes of the University Honors Program - leadership, community engagement, global studies, and research and creative arts. The retreat will be interactive and enjoyable and will include both small and large group sessions.

We are confident that you will gain valuable information to enhance your first year at UC, both academically and socially. We guarantee that you will meet fellow Honors students and have a lot of fun!

Participant Information
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TRANSPORTATION

On the morning of Thursday, September 17, participants should meet on campus in the parking lot of the Alumni Center between 9:00 - 9:15 AM to travel to the retreat. Buses will leave from the Alumni Center parking lot promptly at 9:30 AM. The Alumni Center is located near the Woodside Drive and Campus Green Drive parking garages and the College of Business.  Buses will return to the Alumni Center parking lot between 3:30-4:00 PM on Friday, September 18. 

The Alumni Center parking lot is an easy drop-off and pick-up location if someone will be giving you a ride to and from campus. Please note that we do not reimburse for parking in the garages during the retreat.

If you are living on campus and have settled into your residence hall, simply walk to the parking lot from your residence hall room.   We will have Retreat Team Leaders at the residence halls beginning at 9:00 AM to escort you to the Alumni Center parking lot.

EMERGENCY CONTACT

In the event that someone needs to reach you (for emergencies only please), they may contact Rich Robles at 513-556-6255 or Higher Ground at 812-637-3846.

FLU INFORMATION

In light of the reported cases of the H1N1 flu virus (swine flu) at UC and other area universities, it is important to be proactive and informed.  More information about the H1N1 virus can be found on the UC Public Safety web site (http://www.uc.edu/pubsafety/emergency_services/H1N1.html).  Should you feel the sick prior to coming to campus, it is important for you to take care of yourself.  Please contact us if you are ill and will not be joining us.   While at the retreat, we will have a supply of hand sanitizer available.

EARLY MOVE-IN

This was mentioned in the previous confirmation, but if you are going to be living on campus and need to make arrangements to move into the residence halls prior to the retreat, you should have received your housing assignment by now.  Students will be required to pay an early move-in fee of $25.  If you need to move into the residence halls early, visit https://hfs.uc.edu/early to register.  Payments should be made out to the “University of Cincinnati” and sent to the Housing Office.

When it comes to dining options, go to http://www.uc.edu/food/locations/Eateries.html for more information.  If you have a meal plan, please note that it will not begin until Saturday, September 19, which is when both dining halls (Center Court and Market Pointe) will be open beginning with brunch at 8:00 AM. 

PRE-HONORS RETREAT GATHERING

Since a significant number of students will already be on campus, the Retreat Team Leaders will have an informal gathering with games on Wednesday, September 16, beginning at 7:00 PM, at Sigma Sigma Commons.  This is an opportunity for you to meet your Team Leader before the retreat and the other participants.  We hope to see you at the Sigma Sigma monument (the one that looks like a torch) and we’ll go from there.

WHAT TO BRING

The dress code for the retreat is casual.  Please limit your luggage to one bag per person. Space is limited on the buses.

• Pen
• Pillow
• Sleeping bag
• Towel(s)
• Personal toiletries
• Change of clothes (casual)
• Rain gear (in the event of rain)
• Comfortable shoes
• Bug spray
• Change for pop machine
• Water bottle
• Sweater or light jacket
• Flashlight
• Any medications you are currently taking (including allergy medicine)
• Camera (optional)
• Cards, musical instrument, frisbee, football, etc. (anything you would use in free time)

Please do not bring items of value. UC and Higher Ground are not responsible for anything that may become lost or damaged.

When?
September 17-18, 2009

Where?
Higher Ground Conference & Retreat Center, West Harrison, IN (transportation will be provided from campus)

Who?
You and your new honors classmates, upper-class peer leaders, Honors and other UC staff & faculty

Why?
To get off to a great start academically and socially! 

Cost?
$45 registration fee; submit with registration

Early move-in?
Students with on-campus residence hall assignments can move into their rooms prior to the retreat.  Additional information will be announced at a later date.

Develop a passion for learning.  If you do you will never cease to grow.
- Anthony D’Angelo