Office of Student Life

About

The Second-year Transformational Experience Program (STEP)

The Second-year Transformational Experience Program (STEP) represents a unique opportunity for second-year students to explore their academic, personal and professional goals under the guidance of a Faculty Mentor. Through engagement in small-group cohort meetings and other specialized programming, students will develop skills in financial literacy, career exploration and wellness. The program culminates in the pursuit of a STEP Signature Project in one of the following categories: Creative and Artistic Endeavor, Education Abroad, Internship, Leadership, Service-Learning or Undergraduate Research, for which eligible transformational experiences may receive up to $2,000 in STEP funding. Afterwards, students present their projects at the STEP Expo, a showcase of experiential learning. Over the lifespan of the program, STEP has enhanced student retention and has propelled students' development as individuals, scholars and aspiring professionals.

Features of STEP

Chinese tea ceremony

Cohort Meetings

During the autumn semester, students meet weekly with a Faculty Mentor in residence halls to focus on personal development, career exploration, personal reflection, wellness and community building.
Shelley Graf Drum Major

Professional Development Co-Curriculars (PDCs)

A cornerstone of STEP is connecting second-year students with meaningful co-curricular experiences on campus that support their development, encourage skill development, and provide opportunities for personal reflection.
Financial wellness coach meeting

Financial Wellness

This component of STEP will help students not only with utilizing their STEP Fellowship, but also in life.
Total Photography Process - Oregon and Washington

STEP Signature Project

Based in research on high impact practices, students will have the opportunity to work closely in the spring semester with their Faculty Mentor to create a written proposal for their STEP Signature Project.
STEP Expo Presenter 2

STEP Expo

At the STEP Expo, students will have the opportunity to interact with past STEP participants about their STEP Signature Projects.
Faculty Mentor working with students

Faculty Mentor

Faculty members who guide them through an exploration of education-enhancing experiences, interact with students and provide advice and mentoring that will help students in their transition from student to globally-minded professional.