Engagement Menu

A central goal of the first-year experience course is to help you learn about the various services and opportunities available at Miami. There is no shortage of experiences available throughout the academic year.

As part of your first-year experience course, you should identify and engage with one activity listed in each of the following categories and submit a reflection (minimum 250 words) for each one based on your experience. Some experiences are offered one time only while others are offered multiple times; some experiences are in-person while others are offered virtually.

Deadlines for the reflections are staggered throughout the semester and you can choose the experiences that work best for you.

Community and Belonging Options

In-person Engagement Opportunities

CSDI Fall Kickoff

Tuesday, Aug. 29, Noon-3 p.m.
Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion Armstrong Student Center 2030

Stop by the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion to meet their staff. You can learn more about upcoming programs, enjoy some light refreshments, build community, and play games!

Sunil Amrith: Why Migration Matters for Environmental Justice

Tuesday, Sept. 12, 5 p.m.
Armstrong Pavilion C

At a time when talk of “climate migration” and “climate refugees” reverberates through media and policy discussions, this lecture will ask who can, and who can’t move in response to escalating climate risk. Drawing on two decades of research in South and Southeast Asia, the lecture will argue that the search for environmental justice demands that we contend with histories of migration and with the legacies of border-making.

Presented by the John W. Altman Program in the Humanities.

Disability Exploration Film Series: Invitation to Dance

Wednesday, September 20, 5-7 p.m.
Shideler Hall 152

Invitation to Dance is an eye-opening insider's account of disability in 21st century America. Simi Linton's story forms the narrative backbone of the documentary. The film traces both her personal growth as a disabled woman, and the larger historically significant developments around her over the past 40 years. Simi serves as navigator and tour guide to a world largely unknown, generally isolated, and commonly dismissed.

Bisexual Awareness Week: VampBire Social

Thursday, September 21, 6-8 p.m.
Heritage Room in the Shriver Center

Join the CSDI in celebrating Bisexuality Awareness Week with our VamBires Social! Whether you're a blood-sucker or you sparkle in the sun, come celebrate Bisexuality Awareness and the ultimate Bi-cons- vampires! Come dressed in your finest gothic or vampire-inspired lewks! 

Screening of “Training for Freedom” documentary (choose one date from below)

Tuesday, Oct. 3, 5:30-7 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 9, 5:30-7 p.m
Wednesday, Oct. 11, 5:30-7 p.m
Leonard Theater, Peabody Hall, Western Campus

Learn about the Freedom Summer of 1964 when two one week training sessions aimed to train volunteers to register Black voters in the South took place on the campus of then-Western College for Women, which is now part of the Miami University campus. Post-screening, join a facilitated discussion on how voting rights, freedom, race and racism, and other topics discussed in the film shape our society and efforts today.

Disability Exploration Film Series: Code of the Freaks

Thursday October 5, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Shideler Hall 152

CODE OF FREAKS presents a radical reframing of the use of disabled characters in film. Using hundreds of clips spanning over 100 years of moviemaking, and a cast of disabled artists, scholars and activists, it’s a scorching critique of some of Hollywood’s most beloved characters. This revelatory documentary investigates the power of movie imagery to shape the beliefs and behaviors of the general public toward disabled people, and of disabled people toward themselves. Drawing its title from a line from Tod Browning’s notorious 1932 film, Freaks, Code of the Freaks debunks well-worn tropes – the miracle cure, the blind guy driving a car, the magical little people, the face-feelers, the sexless, the better off dead – and brings an entirely fresh perspective. It dares to imagine a cinematic landscape that centers the voices of disabled people.

Winona LaDuke: The Next Energy Economy: Grassroot Strategies and the Future of Environmental Justice

Tuesday, Oct. 24, 7 p.m. 
Armstrong Wilks Theater

Winona LaDuke, a Native American activist, economist, and author, has devoted her life to advocating for Indigenous control of their homelands, natural resources, and cultural practices. She combines economic and environmental approaches in her efforts to create a thriving and sustainable community for her own White Earth reservation and Indigenous populations across the country.

Presented by the John W. Altman Program in the Humanities

Ace Week: “Ace Hardware” Social!

Tuesday, October 24, 6-7:30 p.m.
 C-Suite (Armstrong Student Center 3032)

Ace Week, formerly known as Asexual Awareness Week, is a fun-filled series of programming dedicated to the celebration of Ace-spectrum students and their identities. Join us for our Ace Hardware Social! Whether you want to build a birdhouse, or build some new connections, all ace-spec and allied students are welcome. Grab your toolbelt and get ready for a fun (and constructive) event!

SDAC Coffee and Conversations Event

Tuesday, Oct. 24, 4:30-6 p.m.
Hybrid Event - Shriver 310 and Zoom; Please RSVP (Zoom link will be provided after RSVP)

Panel-style event designed to allow students with disabilities to share their Miami experience with campus members. This event strives to establish open lines of communication between students and Miami by encouraging folks to ask questions and learn more about the student experience of disability at Miami.

Trans Awareness Week: Camp Social

Thursday, November 16, 6-8 p.m.
 C-Suite (Armstrong Student Center 3032)

Trans Awareness Week, observed each year between November 13-19, raises visibility about transgender people and addresses issues members of the community face. Join us this year at our inclusive camp themed social where we will do arts and crafts, earn badges, and so much s’more!

Trans Day of Remembrance Vigil (TDOR)

Monday, November 20, 6-8 p.m.
Outdoor and Indoor Seal

Join us in our annual observance of TDOR to honor the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost this year to acts of anti-transgender violence. All LGBTQIA+ community members and affirming allies are welcome to attend.

Virtual Engagement Opportunities

Listen to Myaamia Center Podcast

The Myaamia Center podcast covers the history of the relationship between the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and Miami University, as well as how it has impacted revitalization for the Myaamia Community.

Listen to the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion's Let's Talk! Podcast

The Let's Talk! podcast is hosted by the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI) at Miami University. The purpose of the Let's Talk! podcast is to give diverse student voices a platform to discuss any topic of their choosing. Example topics vary from race, identity, or culture to conversations around dating, navigating a predominantly white institution, or any hot topic of your choosing. Each episode will be student-driven and will feature a CSDI staff member as a co-host. Resources will be shared at the conclusion of each episode.

If you would like to be featured on the Let’s Talk! podcast, sign up now!

Read the Myaamia Community Blog series on Myaamia Removal

2021 was the 175th anniversary of the removal of Myaamia people from their homelands. This year-long series provides a Myaamia perspective on this history.

Complete the Campus Accessibility Scavenger Hunt

This passive program can be completed throughout the semester. The scavenger hunt explores campus access, authentic disability experiences, and educational opportunities for further growth. Participants who provide proof of completing all nine tiles can stop by the Miller Center and receive a prize.

Watch Defiant Lives and Visit the Miller Center

The Miller Center will be streaming Defiant Lives on our TV in the Disability Cultural Center, 304 Shriver Center, or via the libguides Disability Studies video archive during Disability Identity and Culture Month (October). The film reveals how these activists fought to live outside of institutions, challenged the stigmas and negative image of disability portrayed by the media, demanded access to public transportation, and battled to reframe disability rights as a social responsibility relevant to us all.

Complete the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Module

Explore topics around how to make our campus community inclusive and welcoming by looking at bias, power, privilege and oppression in this online module. It will take about 45 minutes to complete and provide perspectives and thoughts about how to contribute to our campus community.

Career Development Options

In-person Engagement Opportunities

Career Fair: First Year Friendly Table

Wednesday, Sept. 27, 1-5 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 28, 1-5 p.m. 
Millett Hall

The Center for Career Exploration and Success invites all first-year students to participate in a "behind the scenes" experience of either the Fall Career and Internship Fairs: Day 1: All Majors or Day 2: Stem Career Fair (choose one). There will be a special table for you to check in and a Career Center staff member will provide you with information about how to navigate a career fair. You can get a look at what to expect so you will be more prepared to attend the fairs in the future. Professional attire is not required to participate unless you want to speak to employers. You are welcome to attend either date between 1-5 p.m. No registration necessary!

D.I.N.E.

Thursday, Sept. 28, 6-8 p.m.
Armstrong Student Center Pavilion

The Diversity & Inclusion Networking Event (DINE) is designed to provide an opportunity for students to build relationships with employers who are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. The structure of this event allows for students to gain insight about industries of interests and practices of diversity and inclusion within professional environments. Registration is recommended for this event.

What’s Poppin’?

Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2-4 p.m.
Center for Career Exploration and Success Lobby (0045 Armstrong Student Center)

Stop in and enjoy some popcorn with the career advising staff and learn more about how the Career Center works with first year students! The first 50 students to drop by will also get a special gift! We can't wait to meet you! Learn more/register. Registration is not required.

What Can I Do With This Major?

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 4-5 p.m.
Kreger 222

Do you have concerns about what you will be able to do with your major or the major you would like to declare? Learn about the typical career paths for students with various majors and the types of employers that hire graduates with those majors, as well as strategies to make you a more marketable candidate.

Virtual Engagement Opportunities

View Candid Career videos

The Candid Career videos provide honest career information and career planning help. These are real people speaking from the heart about their career experiences.

Create a Handshake Profile

Complete these steps to strengthen your Handshake profile and become familiar with using this resource.

  1. In addition to uploading your resume to Handshake, fill in the information about your experiences and extracurricular activities or use your resume to populate information for your profile.
  2. Click the button in the top right corner with your initials, then click “career interests.” Complete each section of this page and remember to “save” at the bottom.
  3. Click on “Jobs” in the upper left corner and use the search function to find two internships of interest, either for now or in the future.

Complete FOCUS 2

Focus 2 is a self-assessment tool that will allow you to learn about yourself and what majors or careers might be a good fit for you. This assessment is offered free of charge. New users can access and create an account for Focus 2 from MiamiOH.edu/career (then Explore, Career Assessments, and Focus 2) and use the access code 'redhawks.’ Completion of Focus 2 will take 45 minutes to one hour.

Challenge Cards

The Challenge Cards are an innovative career development tool that career advisors use to prepare you for the future of work. This approach helps you see the bigger picture: the challenges, problems and opportunities that exist in society and the world of work. While jobs and careers are likely to change, the challenges we are trying to solve will remain. Log in to this electronic card sort with your Miami unique ID and password. You will receive a profile of your top three challenges to review and reflect on your future. The card sort activity takes 4-6 minutes and you will receive your results immediately.

Health and Wellness

In-person Engagement Opportunities

M.O.V.E. Outdoor Boot Camp with the Crawfords

Saturday, Sept. 9, 10-10:45 a.m., Lewis Place - backyard (310 E. High Street)
Saturday, Oct. 7, 10-10:45 a.m, Dauch Indoor Sports Center (DISC, next to Yager)
Saturday, Nov. 4, 10-10:45 a.m., Lewis Place - backyard (310 E. High Street)

M.O.V.E. stands for Miami and Oxford Value Exercise. This is a unique and fun opportunity to participate in a 45 minute cardio workout led by Rec Group Fitness Instructors with the Crawfords in their backyard (weather permitting). Besides spending time with President and Dr. Crawford, you will also have the opportunity to receive some free “Crawford-Collection” swag (t-shirts, hats, etc.).

Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk

Sunday, October 1, 2 p.m. (Registration begins at 1 p.m.)
Uptown (Memorial Park)

The Suicide Prevention Team and the Student Counseling Service (SCS) are sponsoring a series of events during Suicide Prevention Week culminating with the Out of the Darkness/5K Oxford-Miami University Walk. Form a team or come alone- all are welcome. The Out of the Darkness Community Walk is a journey of remembrance, hope, and support. It unites our communities and provides an opportunity to acknowledge the ways in which suicide and mental health conditions have affected our lives and the lives of those we love and care about. For more information, contact Jennifer Young, Ph.D., Student Counseling Service and Chair, Suicide Prevention Team. Check out the SCS website for additional information.

Dog Therapy

Throughout the semester on Mondays, 2-3 p.m. and Thursdays, 3-4 p.m.
Student Counseling Service in the Clinical Health Science and Wellness Facility (registration not required)

We believe that having an opportunity to interact with our amazing therapy dogs provides a calm, centering experience in a stressful week or semester. Meeting with a therapy dog offers a chance for hugs, pets, perhaps a doggy kiss, and lots of non-verbal sharing. Students may interact minimally or may find themselves on the floor for a gentle romp. Our dog handler will help with those who may be “dog-shy” and of course, will always be there to assure that all interaction is safe for everyone involved.

Mental Health Promotion Workshops (in-person and virtual options)

Weekly; times vary throughout the semester

The Office of Student Wellness offers weekly workshops on various mental health and wellness-related topics. Some workshops are virtual; others are in-person or hybrid.

All at Miami are welcome; please register to attend at the link provided. 

Virtual Engagement Opportunities

Check Out a Wellness Kit from King Library

Check out one of the six available Health and Wellness Kits from King Library. The kits contain technology to help you find focus, renew energy or experience calm. The Focus Kits feature a Muse headband and sensory gel maze, the Energy Kits include a Happy Light and bubble fidget popper, and the Calm Kits contain a sound therapy machine and a weighted blanket or wrap. Kits can be checked out for up to seven days and are available for checkout from the King Library first floor Circulation desk anytime the library is open (hours). Interested Miamians can check which kits are available ahead of time using the Libraries’ online catalog.

Try the Togetherall Platform

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your workload, struggling socially, or just not feeling like yourself, Togetherall may be able to help. Togetherall is a safe, online community to share feelings anonymously and get support to improve mental health and wellbeing. The platform is free to Miami students, anonymous, and monitored by mental health professionals. Register for Togetherall.

Use Miami’s Wellness Navigator tool

It’s important to take care of your physical, mental, and emotional health as you navigate university life. Miami University offers a variety of resources to support your well-being. The Wellness Navigator tool will help you select which resources best fit your needs.

Complete a topic area in EdLogics

Spin the virtual wheel. Play games. Earn badges and unlock achievements. Enter to win actual prizes while learning about health and wellness-related topics through EdLogics. EdLogics aims to improve health literacy and provide information about common health topics. The platform is a gamified program to educate in fun and engaging ways.

Engage with the Financial Wellness Center

Designed to be similar to other Student Wellness platforms, this series of educational playlists helps students build their own financial knowledge and be prepared for the future. Topics range from basic competencies such as budgeting, banking, taxes, and credit cards to more detailed topics such as understanding and managing personal credit, making sound financial decisions in the career world, and saving for the long term.

Attend a wellness virtual workshop

A wellness virtual workshop is a 20-30 minute live webinar focused on a specific wellness-related topic presented by a Student Wellness staff member.

Campus Involvement Options

In-person Engagement Opportunities

Attend a Miami University athletic event

Students can access athletic events for free with your ID card. Find a game, a match, a competition and cheer on our RedHawks!

Attend a creative arts production, concert, or visit an exhibit

The Miami University Calendar features events that are available to our community. You can search the calendar and find a production, concert, lecture, or exhibit.

Go to a Late Night Miami Program

Miami Activities and Programming (MAP) hosts events for students every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. There is something for everyone and lots of things to do. 

Attend a FOCUS event on Environmental Justice

Miami selects a topic each year as a focus for conversations, lectures, initiatives, and events. This year the focus is on Environmental Justice. Check out the focus website to find more information and events to attend. 

Attend a student organization meeting

Get involved on campus through one of Miami’s many student organizations. All sorts of options exist from groups that are focused on an academic topic, a hobby or interest, a passion area, etc. Check out the HUB and attend a student org meeting that works for you.