Application & Experience Timeline

No prior experience with D&D is required to participate! Although applications are open to everyone within UHP, we particularly encourage first and second-year students to apply, as many of the themes connect to individuals transitioning into a University environment, as well as making sense of what they want from their time as a student.

• The Fall 2025 application will open on August 1 and close on August 10.
• Applicants will be notified of their status within 1-2 days of the application close date. 
  
• An initial Zoom Orientation will occur the week before the semester begins
  
• If you are interested in applying in the future, please look out for announcements in the Honors Newsletter!

Before the semester begins

• Upon acceptance to the program, begin research and consideration of character goal
• Design character miniature on Hero Forge website and save .stl file. 
• Meet virtually (1hr) to set mutual expectations, review safety tools, and begin character building
• 1on1 follow-ups to further support character creation and goals

Weeks 1 - 15 of semester

• Sessions 1-15 of the story (3hrs each)
• Each session begins with a discussion of related themes 
• Self-guided research and refections of both personal goal and character development (1hr)

Monthly thematic discussions

• Group is joined by UHP Coordinator for deeper thematic discussion at the beginning of the session

Weeks 14-15 of semester

• Synthesizing the experience and presentaton prep (2hrs)

Finals Week

• Presentations: sharing your experience with the group (2.5hrs)

Players will assume the role of first-year students admitted to this competitive institution. The internal and external pressures they face will force them to grapple with their own mental and emotional well-being like never before. And as they adjust to life on campus, a looming threat gathers in the shadows. Will they be able to navigate their academic and personal responsibilities, all while untangling a sinister mystery?

The application is competitive. Please make sure you thoughtfully respond to the short answer questions. We estimate it will take 15 minutes or less to complete.