New students and returning student leaders from underrepresented groups kicked off the “back to in-person” term with a weekend of community building at Camp Harlow, located at the northern edge of Eugene. The New Student Fall Retreat, or NSFR, helps students to connect with their peers, strengthen relationships, and explore opportunities offered at the University of Oregon.

This year, the three-day retreat included team-building exercises, a faculty panel and an information fair tabled by various university departments and offices. Staff members from the Center for Multicultural Academic Excellence (CMAE), Multicultural Center (MCC), and Accessible Education Center (AEC) also attended to offer advice, information on diverse campus resources and more.

The retreat began the Friday of the first week of classes when students boarded a bus to Camp Harlow. They got acquainted with their small groups, or squads, and the student leaders. Multicultural academic counselors from CMAE facilitated evening activities and a retreat introduction.

Norma Trefren and Sugam Singh, CMAE academic counselors, helped the student leaders plan the retreat and ensure it went smoothly. Both counselors were instrumental in supporting the students, faculty and staff present at the retreat."

“Although it has changed over the years, the one thing that remains constant is what the New Student Fall Retreat stands for,” Singh said. “A lot of students come in from different cultural backgrounds and they’re trying to find themselves. The weekend is a chance for them to not only find other students who identify with similar backgrounds, but a chance to reflect on where they are coming from, what their values are and what cultural histories they would like to explore.”

On Saturday morning, the students worked together to navigate a low ropes course and then participated in active squad competitions. From the earliest part of the day to late into the evening, students, faculty and staff were engaged in discussions and conversations, getting to know one another and talking about what student success looks like at the UO.

Saturday’s programming culminated in contemplative activities and a campfire that brought everyone together. During these intimate moments, students connected over shared personal experiences and found a collective sense of belonging within the group.

For many attendees, the campfire was one of the most memorable moments of the retreat. Following an evening of meaningful conversations, participants and their student leaders were excited to come together and express how they felt about the experience.

“We have these cool color packets that represent different feelings,” said Jaya Das, one of the student leaders. “When we’re having the discussion, we put our feelings into the fire and they burst into colorful flames.”

Team building activities resumed Sunday morning before the retreat attendees returned to campus in the afternoon.

Zuri Brown, a junior majoring in psychology, developed strong connections with her peers over the course of the retreat.

“After attending the New Student Fall Retreat, I felt a strong sense of community that I had not experienced on campus,” Brown said. “During the retreat, I met amazing people that I am lucky to call my friends. I would recommend this retreat to anyone interested.”

A 30-year legacy

As the longest-running program on campus, the New Student Fall Retreat predates other projects with similar goals such as the First-Year Interest Groups and Academic Residential Communities. Community-building opportunities like the retreat are important because they help students feel connected to the campus and university community early in their collegiate journey.

Rosa Chavez, associate director for CMAE, attended the retreat as an undergraduate in 1991. After earning her bachelor and law degrees from the University of Oregon, Chavez has come back full circle to help new students feel supported as they navigate the retreat and their time at the University of Oregon.

"The retreat was one of the most memorable events of my four years of college, and it's been 30 years," Chavez said. "I'm glad that I was able to go to the retreat as a student and come back to see the legacy this program has created."

For many students, engaging in conversations about personal challenges helps them feel supported and empowered as they navigate through obstacles common to the college experience. Concerns about financial barriers and feelings of imposter syndrome often lead students to believe that success is out of their reach.

"Almost every student has these doubts, but a lot of times underrepresented students feel like they're on their own in figuring this out," Chavez said. "These conversations are difficult, but students really find out that they're not alone here and that they have each other to connect with as a support system."