Connections

A simple and enjoyable way to meet people outside your student's initial social circle is to become involved in one or more of UMD’s 200+ active student clubs and organizations.

At UMD, Bulldog Connect is the easiest way to learn about student groups. Students can use Bulldog Connect to find those that share their interests and passions. Use a key term in the search bar, or use the CATEGORIES dropdown to sort by:

If you of your student can’t find a club that suits their needs, they can create their own - contact Student ActivitiesLinks to an external site. in Kirby Student Center to find out more. Most groups list their meeting time and location, and many also share contacts - if a group sounds interesting to your student, encourage them to drop a note to their leaders. Many organizations also use Facebook and Instagram.

Maybe your student is interested in a variety of groups - attend those groups' first meetings of the year, then tell you student to narrow their commitment to the 3-5 that best meet their needs, interests, and passions. In a student's first year of involvement, they can look for opportunities to lend a hand, like helping with projects or serving on a planning group - gain a better understanding of the organization, the individual members, and the group’s vision, mission, and goals. In a student's sophomore and junior years, they may consider chairing a project group or running for an elected leadership position within the organization - give back to the group and campus what they’ve gained through involvement.

Students can also check out a variety of groups at one time - attend the Student Activities Fair in early September.

Here’s a tip that some students fail to consider until late in their career. They'll have a variety of contact with University faculty and staff throughout their career as a Bulldog. In and out of class, students should take time to get to know them on a professional and personal basis. They are interested in their students and have their best interests in mind! The better they understand a student's goals and dreams, the better they'll be able to guide them to opportunities and resources.

Demonstrate academic professionalism. Come prepared to the classroom - student should complete assigned readings and homework, and bring thoughts and questions. Arrive early. If seating is unassigned, encourage your student to find a location that allows them to take in as much information as possible. Students should be alert, and give their full attention. We recommend students participate actively when opportunities are presented. Asking questions can never hurt! Our professors and instructors have much to offer and are at their best when students display intellectual curiosity, energy, and investment.

If your student experiences difficulty understanding material, nudge them to re-read assigned chapters and review their notes. Engaging with classmates and the teaching assistant can also help. If their assistance doesn't help, students can speak with the professor as early as possible - utilize time before class, time after class, and office hours. We recommend students explain the material they do understand, and identify the content that is confusing - it can be helpful to bring homework that a student has attempted and textbook pages with highlighted sections that are unclear.

Faculty and staff advise the clubs and organizations students will be a part of. This less formal setting is an excellent opportunity for students and faculty/staff to get to know each other both professionally and on a more personal basis. Many are professional members of organizations whose student chapters operate at UMD. If a group volunteers in the community or travels for conferences and competitions, students and these faculty/staff will spend a lot of time together in preparation and have the opportunity to interact while on the road and over meals. As they come to know each other both personally and professionally, a new and different level of respect and understanding will develop. 

Faculty and staff were undergraduates at one time (and continue to learn). Their undergraduate experiences will share similarities and differences from your student's - nonetheless, they understand college life and have insight into the operations and complexities of our campus. If your student is struggling with something of a more personal nature, they will help or will guide your student to someone with greater expertise in the area of concern.

If your student is fortunate and have a zeal for research, a UROPLinks to an external site. might be part of their University experience. UROP affords undergraduates the unique educational experience of collaborating with a faculty mentor on the design and implementation of a project. It adds a new dimension to the undergraduate experience and encourages students to conduct research and pursue academic interests outside of their regular courses by engaging them in work on special projects. On approval, students receive $750 in financial aid to support their research.

In preparation for internships, graduate school, professional examinations, and/or post-graduation employment, students can utilize the career experience and professional connections of faculty and staff. Many maintain networks with colleagues in their profession and within academia - in getting to know your student over four or so years, they may be able to open doors for your student that lead to opportunities for graduate school or employment. They might be one of the earliest supports in your student's professional career.

Are you wondering what there is to do on campus when your student is done studying and ready to kick back? These resources offer a broad overview of activities and events at UMD:

• UMD Events CalendarLinks to an external site.
• Bulldog Connect (Events)
• Kirby Program Board (additional info on Facebook)
• UMD Athletics (Links to an external site.)

The location of our campus couldn’t be much better. Duluth happens to be part of an amazing city teeming with opportunities for the arts, food, activities, and entertainment. Outside Magazine named Duluth the "Best Town 2014 (Links to an external site.)". Are you ready to explore? Check out these links:

• Visit Duluth (Links to an external site.) - This is the city’s convention and visitors’ bureau and features tabs for attractions, lodging, dining, things to do, and places to explore. It’s a quick way to find out what’s available and happening in the area.
• Perfect Duluth Day (Links to an external site.) - “Perfect Duluth Day is the original culture website of the Arrowhead region. Combining magazine-style journalism with the crowdsourcing abilities of modern social media, PDD stands alone as Duluth’s Duluth-iest website.”
• Duluth Reader (Links to an external site.) - “The northland’s alternative source for news, arts, & entertainment”

And if your student enjoys the outdoors, there’s even more!

• Duluth Parks & Recreation(Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.)
• The Duluth Traverse (Links to an external site.)
• Superior Hiking Trail (Links to an external site.) (additional info at North Country Trail (Links to an external site.))
• Duluth Climbers Coalition (Links to an external site.)
• Minnesota State Parks (Links to an external site.)
• Wisconsin State Parks (Links to an external site.)
• Explore Minnesota (Links to an external site.)
• Discover Wisconsin

The University employees over 1,000 students in a variety of roles. Data indicates that the average student is able to engage in up to 15 hours of co-curricular involvement and maintain their academic performance. Students who work on campus not only earn income and offset college costs but also develop teamwork and time management skills, expand their social networks, learn about campus, and gain employment references. They take pride in having an active role in supporting others and helping maintain the University community.  Some positions can even offer experience in your field of study.

Before diving in, talk with your student to consider:

• What type of experience are they looking for?
• What do they want out of employment?
  • Spending money or funds to pay down loans?
• Work experience?
• The chance to meet people?
• An employment reference?
• Experience in their department and/or field?

To review current opportunities and apply for a position, visit the UMN Office of Human Resources siteLinks to an external site. - click Students, then select Duluth. Check the postings regularly, as they change from day to day. Campus employers are considerate of a student's class schedule. If a position is listed as Work Study Only, only students that were awarded work-study as part of their financial aid offer can apply - if work-study is not mentioned in the position listing, any UMD student can apply. Maybe your student is interested in a UMD job with an “off campus” feel - Glensheen, the Natural Resources Research Institute, or the University Farm might be right for them!

UMD students are active, and the Recreational Sports Outdoor ProgramLinks to an external site. (RSOP) is a cornerstone of student life at the University. RSOP promotes “Healthy, active lifestyles and a connection to the natural world” through a wide variety of programming utilizing on-campus facilities and the outdoor playground of the Lake Superior region.

During established hours, full-time UMD students have free access to facilitiesLinks to an external site. including the jogging track, gymnasium, tennis courts, weight room, cardio room, pool, and field house.  Fees for coordinated programs are reduced for students.  Visit these links to learn more:

• Aquatics
• Climbing
• Fitness & Wellness
• Intramural Sports
• Paddle, Surf, Kite
• Outdoor Activities & Trips
• Rental Center
• Sports Clubs

Many students enjoy making connections and giving back to the community through volunteering. Some enjoy being part of a group or club - SERVE (login and click on About beside their name at the top), RSOP, many Greek organizations, and others contribute regularly either on campus or in the greater Duluth community.  Others prefer to volunteer on a more individual basis and use www.volunteermatch.org (Links to an external site.), www.linkedin.com (Links to an external site.), and the Duluth Parks website (Links to an external site.) to identify opportunities.

With a quick Google search, you'll find that Animal Allies (Links to an external site.), Mentor Duluth (Links to an external site.), YMCA (Links to an external site.), Second Harvest (Links to an external site.), Duluth Public Library (Links to an external site.), Habitat For Humanity (Links to an external site.), CHUM, Damiano Center (Links to an external site.), St. Luke’s (Links to an external site.), Life House (Links to an external site.), Duluth Public Schools, Lake Superior Zoo (Links to an external site.), and many others need and value responsible, committed volunteers. Perhaps your student could get involved here beyond campus!