LaunchPad: Your Guided Lift-Off into College Success!
Get organized and start strong this fall semester!
LaunchPad is a four-week program designed to set UMW Eagles up for success, complete with tips on digging into syllabi, organizing college life, using Microsoft programs (free for all students!), getting connected with clubs and ways current students level-up into their first year. Held during the first month of the fall semester, LaunchPad offers practical, hands-on strategies to support students stay organized, manage their time, and get involved on campus. Each week features targeted programming offered in the CRUC 2nd floor over several days/times so students can drop in between their classes.
Open to everyone, no matter their class year, all sessions will be “drop-in” style – no need to RSVP!
LaunchPad Breakdown
Week 1: From your Syllabus to your Calendar
Click here for resources from LaunchPad Week 1!
Start the semester strong! Bring course syllabi (or let us print them for you) – we’ll help you break down your assignments and due dates to get them on your calendar. We will have a limited supply of planners to provide (or you can use your own), highlighters, pens and post-its, so you can set up a personalized roadmap for the semester that keeps you on track from day one.
- Sunday, August 24: 1-5 pm, CRUC 2nd floor, Gourley and South Living Rooms
- Tuesday, August 26: 10:30 am – 2:30 pm, CRUC 2nd floor, South Living Room
- Thursday, August 28: 3-7 pm, CRUC 2nd floor, Gourley and South Living Rooms
- Friday, August 29: 3-6 pm, CRUC 2nd floor, Gourley and South Living Rooms
Week 2: Using Microsoft Office, the Basics
Click here for resources from LaunchPad Week 2!
Chromebook user, or new to Microsoft Office? Or just not sure where to start with converting files to PDFs? This week is all about helping you build confidence using the computer programs/tools you’ll use everyday in college.
- We’ll cover how to:
- Stay organized by setting up folders and naming files so they’re easy to find
- Use Outlook to check emails, manage calendars, and set reminders
- Use Word for writing assignments and formatting documents
- Convert files to PDFs for ease in submitting through Canvas
- Create PowerPoint presentations that are clear and engaging
- Navigate Excel for basic tasks like tracking assignments
Whether it’s your first time using these programs or you just want a refresher, you’ll leave with practical skills and a digital workspace that works for you.
- Tuesday, Sept 2: 10:30 am – 2:30 pm, CRUC 2nd floor, Gourley Living Room
- Thursday, Sept 4: 3-7 pm, CRUC 2nd floor, Gourley and South Living Rooms
- Friday, Sept 5: 11 am-3pm, CRUC 2nd floor, Gourley and South Living Rooms
Week 3: Involvement – Finding the right fit for this semester
Click here for resources from LaunchPad Week 3!
Did you miss Club Carnival, are you on too many organization email lists, or are you still “trying on” things? Whether you’re looking for low-key groups, leadership opportunities, or ways to meet new people, we’ll help you find your fit. Current students and staff members will help you explore campus involvement at your own pace. Chat with peer involvement guides, on-campus leaders, and staff who can introduce you to clubs, organizations, and activities that might enjoy and align with your interests.
- Tuesday, Sept 9: 10:30 am – 2:30 pm, CRUC 2nd floor, Gourley Living Room
- Thursday, Sept 11: 3-7 pm, CRUC 2nd floor, Gourley Living Room
- Friday, Sept 12: 11 am-3 pm, CRUC 2nd floor, Gourley and South Living Rooms
Week 4: Living into College: Time Management & Wellbeing
Click here for resources from LaunchPad Week 4!
- We’ll walk through how to:
- Build routines that reduce stress and support your goals
- Break large assignments into smaller, manageable steps
- Create weekly schedules that balance classes, homework, rest, and free time
- Use tools like planners, calendars, and reminders to stay on track
This is when the semester “get’s real” – here are ways to handle the increased speed and rigor the semester brings as midterms approach. You can start to develop habits that make college life manageable and enjoyable!
- Tuesday, Sept 16: 10:30 am – 2:30 pm, CRUC 2nd floor, Gourley Living Room
- Thursday, Sept 18: 3-7 pm, CRUC 2nd floor, Gourley and South Living Rooms
- Friday, Sept 19: 11 am-3 pm, CRUC 2nd floor, Gourley and South Living Rooms
Finding a routine that works in college can be challenging, but you’re not expected to have it all figured out. This week’s sessions will guide you through simple, practical ways to manage your time,stay on top of your responsibilities in a healthy manner.
Sessions will be “drop-in” style and there’s no need to RSVP or sign up – this program is open to everyone, no matter your class year!