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Returning Gators Sophomore Program
Overview
The Returning Gators Program (RGP) is a sophomore living-learning community designed to address the specific needs and interests of second-year students at the University of Florida. It offers transitional programs and seminars beneficial for academic, career, community and leadership development. A number of educational and social opportunities are available to help RGP students adjust to their second year at the University of Florida, prepare them for the transitional issues they will encounter and then to help them succeed in this environment. By taking advantage of these opportunities, a resident can earn RGP credits toward a Returning Gators Program Certification at the end of the year.
Program Goals
- Provide social opportunities for students to re-establish connections from the previous year and form new connections with their community.
- Provide high quality residence life, student involvement, academic and career activities and workshops to help students successfully transition through their sophomore years and gain life skills in the areas of Independence, Community and Education (ICE).
- Independence (financial responsibility, cooking, problem solving, spirituality, politics, wellness, etc.,)
- Community (building pride/competition, reunions/new relationships, larger community, floor community, life after college community)
- Education (study abroad, leadership, career development, etc.).
- Provide professional and paraprofessional staff to address the specific needs of second year students.
- Develop a strong sense of unity and support where students feel comfortable interacting with each other and the University community.
Learning Outcomes
Students who participate in the Returning Gators Program (RGP) will be able to . . .
- Describe/Illustrate at least 2 daily behaviors they use for each of the following: safe food preparation, effective money management, and personal wellness.
- Describe their personal political and spiritual views.
- Participate in at least 2 social activities with people in the hall/area each semester.
- Explain at least 3 differences between healthy and unhealthy friendships/relationships.
- Identify at least 2 resources each for academic support, leadership/involvement, and career planning and development.
Various Returning Gator Photos
Academic Courses
Residents are highly encouraged to take this optional class.
- 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.
About Murphree Hall
Students in the Returning Gators Program will live in Murphree Section K. Murphree Hall houses 1,019 students, 32 Resident Assistants, and 6 Graduate Hall Directors. Murphree is an air-conditioned hall in the East Campus Residence Area in the immediate vicinity of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field, the O’Connell Center, the Advising Center, and the Florida Gym.
For more information about the facility, click here.
How Do I Apply?
The Returning Gators Program is currently restricted to sophomores who completed the Trusler Leader/Scholar program as a freshman. Current Trusler residents will receive information in January about signing up for the Returning Gators program next year.
