Incoming students were welcomed to Davis College with a kick-off event called “Camp Grow” where they got to meet college leaders, upperclassmen, and other new incoming Davis College students. | Photos: Kadyn Collins
A successful start to college depends on more than academic preparation. At Texas Tech’s Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Camp Grow is helping incoming students begin their college careers with an understanding of the resources, relationships and sense of community that can help them succeed.
'This culture of care is something I would love to see passed along with each generation of students attending Texas Tech and Davis College and carried with them into the workforce upon graduation.'
Davis College hosted its second session of Camp Grow on Aug. 22 at the Texas Tech Student Recreation Center, bringing together incoming first-year students for a half-day program focused on community, reflection and preparation for college life.
The event drew 250 first-year students and 35 student counselors, who led small-group discussions and activities intended to help new students find their footing in Davis College.
“My hope through this event is to show new students that our college has a genuine culture of support and care, not just with its faculty and staff, but also with its students,” said Maeley Stroupe, associate director for student success in Davis College.
“This culture of care is something I would love to see passed along with each generation of students attending Texas Tech and Davis College and carried with them into the workforce upon graduation,” she said.
Camp Grow was supported by 35 camp counselors, select upperclassmen who have a heart for mentoring new students to the college. | Photos: Kadyn Collins
Robert Cox, associate dean for academic and student programs, said Camp Grow reflects the college’s broader approach to student success; one that considers students’ academic, social and emotional well-being.
“Through this holistic approach to student success, we strive to inspire, challenge, and support this new class in hopes of creating a foundation of commitment to themselves and our Davis College mission,” Cox said. “The goal is to create a mindset shift where students felt fully prepared and confident for their first year academically, socially and emotionally.”
Following a welcome from Stroupe and Davis College Dean Clint Krehbiel, students were divided into small discussion groups led by student counselors. The conversations addressed some of the challenges that accompany the transition to college, whether students were beginning higher education for the first time or transferring from another institution.
The team challenge during Camp Grow offered campers a chance to collaborate and interact with Texas Tech student athletes. Teams were assigned a Texas Tech icon to transform their athlete into for a fun reveal. After athletes walked the fashion runway, they were asked to share their biggest piece of advice for incoming freshman. | Photos: Kadyn Collins
Students discussed ways to stay grounded during their transition, become more involved in Davis College and take ownership of their college experience. Counselors also walked students through questions they might encounter during their college careers.
The discussions extended beyond the classroom. Students explored opportunities at Texas Tech that can help prepare them for careers and considered ways to make the most of their time at the university.
They also discussed the importance of maintaining personal wellness throughout the academic year, including developing support systems and building relationships within the Davis College community.
For Stroupe, that sense of community is one of the qualities that distinguishes the Davis College experience. The goal, she said, is for students to carry that culture of support with them beyond their years at Texas Tech and eventually into their professional lives.
Camp Grow was supported by the Davis College Student Success Center, with staff members including Madeline Braman, advisor in the Department of Natural Resources Management, helping guide the day’s activities.
CONTACT: Robert Cox, Associate Dean for Academic & Student Programs, Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or Robert.Cox@ttu.edu
0902NM26