First Year and Retention Initiatives
From Orientation to Graduation, You Belong Here
From Orientation to Graduation, You Belong Here
The Office of First-Year and Retention Initiatives (FYRI) exists to help students find their place at UNA and stay through graduation. Through intentional programming, strategic partnerships, and student-centered initiatives, FYRI works to promote engagement, persistence, and academic success. Signature programs include ROAR Orientation, the Presidential Mentors Academy, Miss UNA, and comprehensive transfer student programming. By collaborating with campus partners across UNA, the office creates meaningful experiences that help students feel connected, supported, and prepared to thrive throughout their collegiate journey and beyond.
Belonging
Find your place at UNA through programs that help you connect with campus, meet other students, and build confidence from the beginning.
Support
Access student-centered initiatives designed to help you navigate transitions, understand expectations, and stay on track.
Leadership
Grow through opportunities that encourage involvement, mentorship, scholarship, and campus engagement.
Persistence
Build the foundation, relationships, and resources you need to continue toward graduation.
Supporting Students at Every Step
First-Year and Retention Initiatives brings together programs that support students as they transition into UNA, connect with campus resources, build leadership skills, and continue toward their academic goals. Signature programs include ROAR Orientation, the Presidential Mentors Academy, Miss UNA, and comprehensive transfer student programming.
Explore First-Year and Retention Programs
First-Year and Retention Initiatives offers programs and experiences designed to support students during key moments in their UNA journey.
ROAR Orientation
Begin your journey at UNA, learn essential information, explore campus opportunities, and make lasting connections through UNA’s orientation experience.
Presidential Mentors Academy
Develop leadership skills, receive mentorship, connect with cohort members, and thrive on campus through a scholarship program for exceptional high school students.
Transfer Experience Programming
Connect with campus resources, other students, advising support, registration information, and engaging programming designed for transfer students.
Miss UNA
Participate in a scholarship, service, and leadership opportunity through the Miss University of North Alabama Competition, an official preliminary competition for Miss Alabama.
Visit Our Beautiful Campus
Walk the brick paths, see the fountain on the Seminary Street green, catch a game, and experience the community that makes UNA feel like home.
The best way to picture your UNA experience is to see it for yourself. Visit campus, meet the people who support student success, and discover what it feels like to belong here.