These are the various educational and entertaining programming opportunities for University community members. The programs highlight the aspects of the unique qualities and perspectives that make up our multifaceted campus community.

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Signature Events

Community Retreat

The Community Retreat is a unique opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to come together for personal growth and meaningful connection. Through interactive workshops, group discussions and reflective activities, participants explore ways to build stronger relationships and positively impact their communities. The retreat fosters an environment where attendees can share experiences, learn from one another and gain skills to support a more connected and supportive campus environment.

As a result of participating, attendees will be able to:

• Reflect on their personal identities and experiences.
• Develop greater self-awareness and understanding of different perspectives and community issues.
• Engage in meaningful dialogue to build stronger relationships.
• Understand their role and strengthen skills for encouraging positive community involvement.
• Form partnerships that support ongoing collaboration and growth.

Exploring Pathways In Careers (EPIC) Trips

EPIC Trips take students on off-campus adventures to explore diverse career paths at a variety of companies and organizations. These immersive experiences provide unique opportunities to connect with professionals, learn about different industries and gain insights into non-linear career journeys. Whether visiting startups, established corporations, non-profits, or community organizations, students will discover how skills and passions can shape unexpected and fulfilling career trajectories. EPIC Trips are designed to inspire students to think beyond traditional paths and embrace the many ways their talents can make an impact.  

Gateways Pre-Orientation

The Gateways Pre-Orientation Program at the University of Tampa is designed to help incoming first-generation first-year and transfer students build meaningful connections, develop key personal and professional skills, and gain a strong foundation for success in college and beyond. Through immersive, hands-on experiences, students engage in interactive learning, explore career pathways and build a sense of belonging within the UTampa community.  

This cohort-based program will utilize a variety of Spartan Ready competencies in creative and innovative ways to support students' personal growth and transition to UTampa on one of three unique tracks.

Life After UTampa

Life After UTampa is a professional and personal development series designed to help upper-class students confidently navigate the transition from college to life after graduation. Through interactive workshops and collaborations with campus and community partners, students explore topics that prepare them for success beyond UTampa, including career readiness, financial wellness, graduate school, networking, digital professionalism and independent living. Each session provides practical strategies, real-world insights and opportunities for students to build the knowledge and confidence needed for their next chapter.

As a result of participating, students will be able to:

• Strengthen professional skills related to career readiness and networking.
• Build financial literacy and independent living skills.
• Explore graduate school and continuing education opportunities.
• Identify campus and community resources that support career and personal success.
• Increase confidence in navigating the transition from college to the professional world.

MLK Week

In honor of the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the University hosts an annual MLK Celebration Week to commemorate his societal impact and reflect on our progress as an institution. Teach-ins are traditionally extended sessions on college campuses that feature lectures and forums addressing important and timely issues. Each year, members of the UTampa community participate in a day of relevant scholarship, immersive reflection and community dialogue around key social topics. The event encourages participants to collectively envision ways to build a stronger and more connected campus community.

The event focuses on four key learning goals to guide participants in deepening their awareness, knowledge, skills and actions:

• Understand the impact of community engagement and social responsibility at UTampa.
• Engage in thoughtful and meaningful dialogue on critical issues.
• Build connections across different perspectives and experiences.
• Cultivate a culture of active participation and collective growth.

National First-Generation Student Week

In conjunction with the celebration of National First-Generation Student Day on Nov. 8, UTampa has committed to extended programming around the day to improve visibility and support for the first-generation community at UTampa, increase first-generation student engagement, and enhance first-generation students' sense of belonging and community connection.

Spartan Dialogue Series

The Spartan Dialogue Series is a progressive workshop series designed to equip UTampa community members with the skills to foster effective communication. Participants will build confidence in navigating complex interactions and enhance their ability to build meaningful connections through intentional analysis and dialogue.

• Level 1: Foundations of Communication and Self-Awareness - Participants explore fundamental concepts of self-awareness and personal communication styles, building a foundation for effective interpersonal interactions.
• Level 2: Navigating Difficult Conversations - Participants gain practical tools to approach challenging topics with empathy, mutual respect and understanding.
• Level 3: Mediation and Conflict Resolution - Participants learn techniques to address conflicts constructively, with an emphasis on active listening, empathy and resolution strategies.
• Level 4: Cultivating Collaboration and Community Connections - Participants develop strategies for fostering a supportive community through intentional dialogue, partnership building and collective problem-solving around real-life community issues.

Spring Break Experience - Spring Break

The Spring Break Experience offers students an immersive opportunity to explore social issues while connecting with community organizations, graduate programs, and professionals in a new city. Each year, a different destination and theme provide students with a unique learning experience that combines community engagement, professional exploration, service, and guided reflection. Through pre- and post-trip meetings, shared experiences, conversations with community partners and visits to organizations and graduate programs, students build meaningful connections with one another, gain a deeper understanding of community needs, strengthen their leadership skills and explore future academic and career pathways.

As a result of participating, students will be able to:

• Reflect on their personal strengths, values and experiences.
• Examine community challenges from multiple perspectives. 
• Engage with community partners to learn innovative approaches to addressing local needs.
• Contribute to community organizations through meaningful service and collaboration.
• Analyze how a community's history and local context influence current opportunities and challenges.
• Explore graduate school and career pathways through networking with professionals, community leaders and academic institutions.

UNITY: Community Programming Board

The Community Programming Interns (CPIs) serve as representatives of Unity Organizations to develop community events that support student retention, success and belonging.  They collaborate with professional staff, student organizations, campus departments and community partners to create meaningful cocurricular experiences that strengthen campus belonging and enhance the student experience.  Together, the cohort designs and facilitates monthly engagements open to the entire campus community.