Saddle Up, the mandatory orientation program for freshmen, returned once again
to the University of Wyoming to kick off the Fall 2023 semester.
Beginning with move-in on August 18th, the week-long event encouraged community-building through activities like Union After Dark, visiting the farmer’s market, academic preparation provided by a brief course relevant to student’s majors, and optional weekend activities like the
Cowboy Carnival.
These activities were adopted with various changes to the program itself, according to program organizers, in response to last year’s negative feedback.
“We changed a lot when it came to scheduling. We were sure to give the students a lot more time to themselves as well as make the days less intense. We also included lots of fun evening events for the students that gave them opportunities to meet new friends and have fun!” said Poke Pack leader Grant Dillivan.
Despite these modifications, many participants still seemed unsatisfied by the orientation. Freshman Lily Meyen said, “We got talked at a lot, but we didn’t tour campus and find our classes.”
“I liked my group,” said Ruby Dorrell, another freshman Saddle Up attendee, “But the days were really long.”
While students seemed to find the event at least somewhat worthwhile, they reported that it didn’t come without any drawbacks. When asked about the value of Saddle up, Meyen said “I think half of [the time
spent at Saddle Up] was [worth it].”
“I think a lot of the information was repeated quite often,” said Dorrell.
On the other hand, positivity was also expressed about major-specific events.
“I liked the section where we went to the seminar based on our major. It kind of helped me learn about what I could do with my major . . . which was awesome,” said Dorrell.
The program, despite still mixed reviews, appears to have had better reception this year, by both faculty and students alike.
“Saddle Up is only getting better and becoming more established on this campus, and I personally cannot wait to see where the program goes from here!” wrote Poke Pack leader Dillivan.
Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Nycole Courtney, said in an email “This is an incredible opportunity for students to begin to find their community and meet their faculty.”
“I am thankful for last year’s feedback and happy that the changes we implemented positively impacted the experience. I am also grateful for all the people who helped make Saddle-Up a
success,” said Courtney
A lot if work ent into this program and is still ongoing. The program is a guiding light to students that are away from home most for the first time, to be acclimated to their new environment and to the beginning of their future. It is truly a gift that the University has implemented for the betterment of the University of Wyoming student body and the community.