Section Image
Career Exploration Community at Graham Hall
Overview
The Career Exploration Community at Graham Hall is designed as a supportive and educational residential learning community aimed at facilitating the career exploration process for first-year students at UF. UF requires students to choose an academic major by their third semester – this program was developed to help students make that choice.
Residents will have the opportunity to participate in hall and campus based activities designed to help them develop friendships and bonds while challenging them to explore their personality traits, interests, passions, skills, abilities, academic fields of study, and potential careers. The Career Resource Center and the Department of Housing and Residence Education staff will provide on and off site learning opportunities for students such as individual and group career counseling, career advising, career workshops, and academic advising.
Program Goals
- Provide first-year students with the tools and resources to learn how to make rational and thoughtful career and life decisions.
- Help students become more aware of themselves, the world of work, and how their current decisions impact their future.
- Assist first-year students in making a career development plan.
- Promote involvement with the campus community through residence hall activities, student organizations, and interaction with faculty, staff, and other students.
Various Career Exploration Community Event Photos
Academic Courses
Residents have the option of participating in two classes.
- Career Planning (SLS 2301): This one-credit career planning class is designed to help you explore career interests and options as well as learn about academic majors, the world of work, and the job search process. You will also have the opportunity to take several career assessments, connect with professionals in your fields of interest, and hear from a variety of guest speakers.
- First Year Florida (SLS 1102): This one-credit course is designed to help students develop the necessary skills for success at UF. Topics include Time, stress, & money management, getting involved at UF, Community service, Study strategies & academic success, and Career choices & planning. For more information on First Year Florida, click here.
Other Academic Resources
- Academic advising: The Assistant Director of Housing for Residential Curriculum and Assessment is an academic advisor for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The advisor is available on a walk-in basis to answer questions about majors within the CLAS and to offer resources for other general academic advising questions, particularly for exploratory students. Look for the advisor's hours posted in the Graham residence area. You will also know the advisor is in when you see the BLUE BANNER hanging from the Graham 2nd floor balcony indicating, “The Academic Advisor is IN Today!”
- Study space: There is a small conference room and a classroom in the Office of Student Learning and Engagement. Both are frequently available for individual or small group study during the day (8:30am-4:30pm) and on some evenings during Peer Mentor office hours. The Graham Gallery is also located on the second floor of the Graham Commons and is available for quiet study (data port available).
- Library resources: The conference room in the Office of Student Learning and Engagement is home to a small collection of books covering the following topics: reference; leadership; first year of college & college success; career choices; international student issues; student development & higher education.
- Other programs include fall exam week breakfasts and study breaks, study buddies, exam review sessions, and on-site classes.
About Graham Hall
Currently two floors of Graham Hall are dedicated to this program. Graham Hall houses 218 students, 5 Resident Assistants, and 1 Graduate Hall Director. Graham Hall is an air-conditioned hall in the West Campus Residence Area. Graham Area is also home to a swimming pool, tennis courts, a convenience store, and a Boar’s Head Sub Shop & Grille. Nearby is the Reitz Union, the Gator Corner Dining Facility, the O’Connell Center, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, and available parking. For more information about the facility, click here.
How Do I Participate?
During your selection date and time, you will login to the myHousing Portal (located at my.housing.ufl.edu) to select a room. On the left side of the screen, you will select the Room Signup option. Simply indicate Career Exploration Community at Graham as your choice of Building, and then find an available room. See the room selection info page.
