Your First Semester is filled with Great Potential!
Take advantage of the many opportunities during your first semester. You can join an organization, take part in a leadership cohort program, get a mentor, try your hand at on-campus employment, or find a future friend. Here are some programs and groups to look out for when you arrive on campus!
Join a Recognized Student Organizations (RSO) + WaveSync
Student Activities Expo
The Student Activities Expo is one of the best opportunities to get involved with student organizations at Tulane! We begin each semester (fall and spring) with an activities expo to allow interested students to browse around and meet members of various student organizations. All active student organizations are invited to participate by sending members of their organization to meet with prospective members and promote their clubs. You can start by browsing
WaveSync to get a taste of what is offered at Tulane.
Peer Mentoring Programs
Newcomb Institute Big/Little Peer Mentoring
Newcomb Institute's Big/Little Peer Mentoring Program matches incoming first-year students with upper-class students to serve as resources and guides for new students through their first year at Tulane. For more information, contact the
Newcomb Institute.
The Center for Intercultural Life Peer Mentoring Program
Open to all incoming students, the Peer Mentoring Program matches new students with upperclassmen to guide new students in their transition in the first semester. The program promotes academic success, personal development, campus leadership, and civic engagement. Mentors and mentees are encouraged to attend workshops, cultural and social trips in New Orleans, and participate in one-on-one mentoring meetings and brown bag discussions. Visit the Peer Mentoring Program website for additional information. The
Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Office for Gender and Sexual Diversity sponsor this program.
International Student Mentorship Program (TU Pals)
Sponsored by the International Student Advisory Board and the Office of International Students and Scholars, TUPals connects new international students with upperclass mentors to support new international students' transition into the university community. The mentorship program also provided a great opportunity for current Tulane students (both U.S. American and International Students) to develop leadership skills and to interact with new international students and learn about their cultures. For more information, contact the
International Student Advisory Board.
Student Leadership Development + Cohort Programs
Freshman Leadership Program (FLP)
Sponsored by the Undergraduate Student Government (USG), the Freshman Leadership Program (FLP) is designed to support, engage, and educate future leaders in the Tulane community. As a part of this program, students will be provided with the opportunity to: enhance current and build new leadership skills; learn the ins and outs of involvement at Tulane; plan and execute a Personal Leadership Project; participate in Undergraduate Student Government by serving on committees; and create a diverse and well-rounded network. Contact the FLP coordinators at FLP@wave.tulane.edu.
CACTUS Academy: A Social Justice Leadership Development Program
Sponsored by Center for Public Service, CACTUS Academy is a social justice leadership development program for first-year Tulane undergraduate students and first-year transfer students. It provides a survey-level introduction to a broad spectrum of issues in the social justice arena and connects participants to organizations and advocates working on the Tulane campus and throughout the New Orleans local community.
Emerging Leaders Program
Emerging Leaders is a cohort based, leadership experience for first-year undergraduate students and transfer students at Tulane University. Utilizing Tulane University’s Leadership Framework to guide the program, Emerging Leaders aims to engage first-year students in the leadership process and identify pathways to leadership within the Tulane community. Students selected for Emerging Leaders will participate in workshops that highlight tenets of the leadership framework.
Residence Hall Association (RHA) + Community Government
All students that live on-campus are considered members of the Residence Hall Association. RHA exists to serve the needs of residents through advocacy and programming as well as work closely with HRL leaders to promote a great residential experience for students. Each residence hall has a Community Government. The CG provides different programming opportunities for residents. They also play an important role in setting the tone in each residence hall by planning social activities and educational programs. You will receive more information about your specific community government when you move in, or you can contact your area's Resident Director.
Campus Involvement
Green Wave Ambassadors (GWA)
Campus tours through Undergraduate Admission are led by nearly 200 Green Wave Ambassadors each academic year. These students give valuable time and energy introducing Tulane to prospective students and families.
Intramural Sports (Campus Recreation)
Intramural (IM) Sports provide a variety of team and individual competitions each semester. IM Sports is a great way to hang out with friends, meet new people and get a fun workout all at the same time. Form a team of your friends or sign up as a free agent and we will help to place you on a team. Tulane alumni, faculty and staff that are also Reily members are welcome to participate. For more information please contact imsports@tulane.edu.
Tulane University Peer Health Educators (TUPHE)
Tulane University Peer Health Educators (TUPHEs) are a diverse group of Tulane students who are committed to enhancing their own health and the health of the Tulane community. The purpose of the program is to advocate for and promote healthy choices, personal well-being, and community safety. Through leadership, education, and awareness peer educators provide quality, innovative, and inclusive workshops, services, and events to meet the health needs of Tulane students. Every TUPHE is a Bacchus Network Certified Peer Health Educator with training in all of The Well's content areas.
Sexual Aggression Peer Hotline and Education (SAPHE)
SAPHE is a compassionate group of Tulane students who are dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual violence and addressing rape culture at Tulane. The purpose of SAPHE is to provide resources and support to the Tulane community through a peer run 24/7 hotline, while working to dismantle rape culture on campus through workshops, events, and outreach. SAPHE members are trained in trauma informed care and empathetic listening so that they are well equipped to provide support and resources to any person who might need them. To contact SAPHE's 24/7 Peer Run Hotline during the fall and spring semesters, please call 504-654-9543.
Student Employment
Student Employment (part-time on-campus jobs)
The Student Employment team is committed to assisting students through the entire hiring process and throughout their employment. They work in collaboration with Tulane's Financial Aid, Office of International Students and Scholars, and Student Affairs to provide student workers with a positive work experience. They've partnered with NTC Career Services to move all Student Employment opportunities to
Handshake! Log in to
Handshake with your TU email address and password, search for on-campus jobs, and apply.
Get Connected & Meet New Friends
Future Friends
Looking for a new connection? Want to make a new friend? Sponsored by the Office of New Student & Leadership Programs, Future Friends matches our students with each other to make new connections across Tulane. This program is open to all undergraduate students, including remote learners, on-campus students, first-years, sophomores, juniors, and seniors! Have questions about Future Friends? Email us at orientation@tulane.edu.