Welcome to Your Big Sky Experience

student in a circle looking backwards at someone

Orientation

Here's what we have in store for you...

Embedded within our week of welcome Aug. 19-23, 2024, all new students will participate in a 6 hour Big Sky Experience during the week with a small group of their peers.

This is the group of students you will remain with for the duration of the orientation program, led by your UM Advocate mentor.

Students will be asked to select their preferred site in July, so take a look now to see which options you may be interested in.
Capacities for each site range from 20 - 100 students, and span a broad range of activities from service, arts, outdoors, entrepreneurship, science, athletics, health, wellness, leadership and so much more.
Each site has different accessibility levels, which are noted in the last sentence of each site's description. Please take note of these differences and self-select into a site that will meet your needs.

If you are a student with a disability and wish to request reasonable accommodations for a session, contact Devin Carpenter at orientation@mso.umt.edu to discuss the specific modifications. Please be advised, we may request that you work with the Office for Disability Equity located on Aber 1st Floor in order to coordinate your reasonable modifications. For more information, visit the Office for Disability Equity website at .

2024 Sites and Community Partners

Additional site activities will continue to be added throughout the summer!

Below, each row includes a short tag line that relates to the Big Sky Experience's topic, along with the campus or community partner organization's name in parenthesis who is hosting students and facilitating the experience. Click into each one for more details, the organization's logo, and accessibility information where applicable.

Keep an eye out in July for an email asking you to select your preferred Big Sky Experience site. All incoming traditional-aged first-year students will participate in a special project as part of our week-long Big Sky Experience week of welcome.

BSE Site Activities

Presented by Aerie Backcountry Medicine

Aerie Backcountry Medicine instructors will be leading a session about the fundamental elements of self care and emergency preparedness in the backcountry. Students will learn about bleeding control, environmental exposure, blister care, etc. Instructors can also discuss avenues for training and certification for careers in the outdoor industry.
Presented by the Associated Students of the ��ؿ�

Day 1: We plan to take the students on a bus tour around Missoula with ASUM executives, Agency Leaders, and ASUM Admin. This will allow them to understand what ASUM runs, how the agencies run, and learn how to use the bus system and Missoula.

Day 2: We are doing a mock senate meeting. This will have the ASUM executives and some senators helping the students out. The students will have a light script to follow and will be shown different issues that affect them, money requests, and shows them how a senate meeting works. Then, they will break out into committees to explore what ASUM senators/SALs do regularly!
Presented by Grizzly Marching Band

All students who are joining the Grizzly Marching Band should select this site for their Big Sky Experience. New Student Orientation collaborates with your Band Director to ensure you are released from practice for important sessions, and you will be guided to and from required activities by your UM Advocate mentor.
Presented by the Blackstone LaunchPad

Our goal is to explore the four crucial pillars of an entrepreneurial-innovation skill set, which are indispensable acrossall professions: fostering a growth mindset, nurturing creativity, honing critical thinking, and cultivating leadership
qualities.

Students will engage in a range of activities designed to enhance their entrepreneurial, innovation, and networking
skills. From participating in an innovation sprint to networking bingo with community members, and even a trivia prize
event—there's something for everyone.

By the end of this experience, students will not only gain insights into the opportunities offered by the Blackstone LaunchPad at UM but also develop a strategic plan to maximize their college journey.

Expect a relaxed, enjoyable, and one-of-a-kind experience—everyone is encouraged to attend!
Presented by the Missoula College Culinary Arts Program

Did you know the Missoula College has a state of the art kitchen and a variety of culinary programs you can choose to study? Join Chef Bert as he teaches basic egg cookery and breakfast preparations...and who knows, there may be a surprise or two!

Mobility in the kitchen may be limited for those in a wheel or motor chair.
Presented by the Missoula Food Bank and Community Center

Students will start with a 1 hour tour of our facility, learning about our programs. This tour will provide them with a foundation of understanding how the work they help us with will support the broader community. The following 2 hours of their first day, they will put together EmPower Packs, which is a program we have that provides shelf stable food items for children in our community to take home over the weekend, making sure their nutritional needs are met when school isn't happening. We will put together close to 3000 of these. On the second day, the will spend their first 2 hours finishing up that project. Their final hour will be an educational component that highlights the people we serve, and will also be an interactive session where we ask questions about what they've learned, provide opportunity for them to ask questions, and have a meaningful, values based conversation.

Students will likely be handling food products with allergens such as nuts. Activities involve long periods standing, but can be adapted for any needs.
Presented by Leslie Webb, Charity Atteberry and Maggie Hansing

Join campus leaders (Charity Atteberry, Maggie Hansing, and Leslie Webb) to discover all UM has to offer. You'll learn about services and resources through a scavenger hunt, hike the beloved "M" trail, and tour other UM gems.

The hiking trail is not accessible and requires a certain level of fitness. Don't forget your sunscreen and water bottle, and get ready for some great views!
Presented by Campus Garden

Come learn about botany on two sides of campus! Did you know UM is the State of ��ؿ� Arboretum and that we
grow some of our own food? On day one we'll tour the arboretum, learn about all the amazing, diverse trees and complete a project with the grounds crew.

On day two we'll walk to the ��ؿ� Campus Dining Iron Griz garden, a half-acre of vegetable, cut flower, and orchard production on the south side of campus. There we'll learn about food and sustainability on campus, work in the garden, and harvest veggies.

Portions of this experience will have limited wheel and motor chair accessibility, and participants will be outside on uneven terrain for extended periods of time.
Presented by the Boys and Girls Club of Missoula

Come visit the Boys and Girls Club during our staff and volunteer training week! Attend an informational session along with our team, then, as the training continues, in preparation for the afterschool program, the Big Sky Experience student team will help us in a big way by clearing out our small fleet of 15-passenger vans for the team to run fun and exciting activities at Club! When we finish, we'll celebrate the completion of the project, grouping back up with staff to discuss the experience, take photos, and have a bite to eat!
Presented by Free Cycles

The Free Cycles Community Bicycle shop sees 25,000 patrons a year. We provide free bike building, free use of stands and tools, an event center, and a community center focused on health, sustainability and bicycles. The bike center always needs stewardship and upkeep. This is where students play an important role. For our two morning together, we will discuss sustainable transportation and a sustainable city, organize the bicycle forest, sort bike parts
and help keep Free Cycles Missoula running and pedaling in top form. You will learn about our techniques for growing change in Missoula, and help us out in many different ways.

Free Cycles is accessible for all abilities and ages. Service work will be primarily outside and will include standing and kneeling, but there are tasks that can be performed by anyone of any ability.
Presented by the Lake Missoula Tea Company

Dive into the world of tea with an exciting tour of the Lake Missoula Tea Company warehouse and wholesale facility! Learn about our company's unique philosophy, mission, and humble beginnings. Witness the magic of our tea blending operations and savor exclusive tea tastings with Gunilla, our master tea blender.

But that's not all! You'll also explore the Lake Missoula Tea Company shop and tea bar downtown, where you'll get to chat with our knowledgeable tea tender. Armed with new insights into the Missoula tea market, you'll have the opportunity to brainstorm innovative marketing ideas tailored for college students.

Don't miss this unique blend of learning, tasting, and creativity.
Presented by ECOR Laboratories

The ECOR Labs Big Sky Experience will introduce students to research at UM, especially research examining plant and insect responses to environmental factors. The group will spend meaningful time in research labs affiliated with the Division of Biological Sciences, including the ECOR Laboratories, a new core facility focused on providing environmental control for organism research. The overarching goals of our experience will be to convey the value of research in academic learning, spark interest in scientific process, and help students feel comfortable crossing the threshold into research space as part of their learning at UM.
Presented by Griz ESports

In this experience, students will learn and engage in esports in a novel way. Students will learn how UM Esports differs from other esports programs in
the country while truly interacting in an immersive activity by creating Rocket League cars and then competing in a small and entertaining outdoor
tournament with their peers.
Presented by the National Museum of Firest Service History

The Museum has a beautiful 31-acre campus that students will help keep beautiful! With brush and limb clearing, pruning, raking, and possible paint touch up work. Be on the lookout for hawks, deer, and the occasional fox! This site will be entirely outdoors and involves a range of labor which can be adapted to all abilities.

This site will be held entirely outdoors and will involve various levels of physical work, which can be adapted to all abilities.
Presented by Grizzly Athletics

Whether you played sports in high school or just want to learn more about how you can get involved, we've got you covered! Learn traditions and chants from UM's Zoo Crew student section leaders while also hearing from coaches and student-athletes about what makes game days at UM special!
Presented by the UM School of Theatre and Dance

Wanna get 1000's of likes in a single day?! Join Faculty and Students of the School of Theatre and Dance as they work behind the scenes of their upcoming season! Together you will get to experience what it takes to get a performance up and running that will be seen by 1000's of your peers and community members. We will construct components of the 2024 Homecoming parade float entry. In this hands-on format, you will get to discover the history of parade floats, the excitement of design and construction process, and how it connects and builds a sense of community!
Presented by the Mansfield Center, Global Engagement and the Global Leadership Initiative

Interested in international issues? Curious about studying abroad? Seeking to make connections with people from cultures different than yours? This BigSky Experience focuses on global opportunities with UM through the Mansfield Center, the Global Engagement Office, and the Franke Global LeadershipInitiative. During these sessions, students will develop globally applicable intercultural communication skills through workshops and have the opportunities to apply these skills through various activities, including by enjoying Boba tea and snacks with visiting youth from Southeast Asia. Along theway, students will also learn how they can engage with the world around them through the important and unique opportunities for global engagementoffered by UM.
Presented by UM Club Hockey and Lacrosse

Learn about the Griz Hockey and Lacrosse programs and how they have become such keystone activities in the Missoula community. Students will hear about the programs, how to be involved if they want to, helping prepare the facility for the upcoming season and get a chance to win tickets to future Griz Hockey games.
Presented by Backcountry Hunters and Anglers

Love the outdoors? Come experience Missoula's local public lands and waters with Backcountry Hunters & Anglers! Day one will be a hike up Crazy Canyon (the backside of the "M") with killer views of Missoula at the top. Day two will be more laid back, learning how to fly fish on the Clark Fork River at Milltown State Park. Along the way, learn the importance of protecting these places and the wildlife that call it home.

This experience includes hiking on trails that are not wheel or motor chair accessible. Participants should be in decent physical shape and comfortable with and prepared for changing weather. Hike is six miles round trip with 1,200 ft elevation gain.
Presented by the Moon-Randolph Homestead

The Moon-Randolph Homestead is a historic site and heritage orchard owned by the City of Missoula. During their Big Sky Experience at the homestead, students would learn about the complicated history of the homesteading era and about social and environmental legacies of small-scale subsistence agriculture. As part of their service project, students will assist with seasonal stewardship activities that may include gardening, hand tool maintenance, apple picking, and fencing.

Students can expect to be entirely outdoors during this experience. Pants & close-toed shoes strongly recommended. Activities may involve standing, kneeling, walking on uneven terrain through old pastures.
Presented by the Indigenous First Year Experience Program

All incoming students who have applied and been admitted to the IFYE program will be automatically registerd for this activity.

In its second year, we are excited to welcome the new cohort of Indigenous First-Year Experience students! While IFYE students will participate in the Big Sky Experience with their fellow peers, we will also have special programming that focuses on creating community among one another. During the site activity time, the IFYE program will bring our 20 incoming first-year students together for Native-based wellness activities such as tipi building and making stress buster kits for the upcoming semester.
Presented by the Missoula PaddleHeads

Students will receive a behind the scenes look into how a professional sport team is operated. Each department within the Missoula PaddleHeads organization will be discussed and examined to explore the role that department plays in putting together a professional sport season. The primary focus for this experience will be on how to get fans to attend games specifically through promotions, marketing, and community engagement. This is a very cool opportunity to learn about what works well and poorly when operating a professional sports team, especially within a small community like Missoula. Students who attend will receive two free GA game tickets to the ��ؿ� Night PaddleHead game where the PaddleHeads will be wearing specialty ��ؿ� jerseys.

Students will be otuside for the duration of this experience.
Presented by the Office of Experiential Learning and Career Success

Are you ready to take the first step on your career journey? Join Experiential Learning and Career Success (ELCS) for two days of hands-on, self-discovery where you'll connect with others, make a difference in your community, and explore how ELCS can help you turn your passion into a meaningful career. We'll learn about ElevateU, take headshots, engage with local employers, and complete a fulfilling volunteer project at a Missoula nonprofit. You'll leave this experience with a sense of accomplishment, new knowledge about yourself and your community, and the tools and resources to find future jobs, internships, and out of the classroom experiences.

Students can expect to walk along paved paths and engage in moderately demanding physical labor outdoors during their volunteer project.
Presented By KBGA 89.9 FM

KBGA welcomes you to the ��ؿ� with an interactive DJ experience. Learn the ins and outs of college radio, get the opportunity to speak on air, and compete in our annual DJ name competition. KBGA is our radio station here at the UM operated by a student staff and volunteer DJs. We man the air waves 24 hours a day at 89.9. Join us for our Big Sky experience to meet a community of music enthusiasts and learn about opportunities to get involved.

For more info about us, check us out at https://www.kbga.org/ or tune in at 89.9.
Presented by the University Center LeadershipU Program

This Big Sky Experience is designed to provide an overview of LeadershipU, a leadership certificate program for UM student leaders. The program is grounded in a transformation leadership theory that focuses primarily on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong, enriching the lives of individuals, building better organizations, and social/community engagement. We will have fun activities and facilitated dialogue along with opportunity for students to participate in the I am Griz! Campaign.
Presented by the Missoula Public Library

Join the Missoula Public Library (the #1 library in the world for 2022!) as you learn how the public library connects all of Missoula and fosters community through all of its resources during Day 1! Day 2 is in the MakerSpace, where you’ll spend time learning about what that is, how you can use its many resources throughout your time in Missoula, and work through a MakerSpace-made escape box
Presented by the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula

We want you to help us make history at the Fort! The mission of the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula is to keep history alive for the education and enjoyment of the public. We do this by preserving the physical objects and stories from Missoula County’s past AND by creating fun educational experiences for our visitors. For your Big Sky Experience at HMFM you will get to embrace both the preservation side and the education side. After getting a taste of the exhibits and historic structures cared for by HMFM, you’ll get the chance to work with artifacts from our collections! This project will be a sample of what our interns and volunteers do year-round at the museum. The second project will be to help us reimagine our Fall Harvest Fest celebration. At the end of September each year we invite the Missoula community out to the Fort for a fun day of historic activities, tours, food trucks, and apple pressing. After an overview of current Harvest Fest activities your group will brainstorm and create an additional educational activity or come up with an idea of how we should update the event. At the end of the second day participants will get to celebrate their accomplishments by making fresh apple cider with our old fashioned apple press.

This site can be adapted to fit any accessibility needs.
Presented by the Missoula Downtown Assocaition and the Downtown Missoula Partnership

This is an immersion into the Downtown Missoula Experience. Students will learn about the rich history as well as get a glimpse into Downtown's businesses and culture. Activities include an Unseen Missoula tour, a scavenger hunt, and of course, getting some cool swag. We hope that these students will become Downtown ambassadors of a sort, to help others on campus navigate and feel comfortable spending time there.

Students will be walking for a large portion of this experience.
Presented by Destination Missoula

Destination Missoula will work with students on creating various experiences & itineraries for Missoula visitors and various marketing approaches. Students will choose from various types of visitors (Couples, Individuals, University Parents, Prospective Students, Adventurous, History Buffs, etc.) and various types of marketing approaches (Facebook/Instagram, Tik Tok, Print Ads, Billboards, Email Newsletters, etc.) and put together creative itineraries and marketing campaigns.
Presented by the UM Office of Fraternity and Sorority Involvement

Looking for leadership opportunities, meeting lifelong friends, and fun? Join the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Involvement for our Big Sky Experience. On day one, you'll experience a "Greek's Guide to Missoula" tour showing our chapter houses, favorite spots near campus, and to learn more about why Greek at UM might be for you. Day two offers you the chance to engage in some fun by learning and participating in philanthropy, community service, and brother/sisterhood engagement.

This group will be outside for a majority of the experience and will be walking frequently.
Presented by the UM PEAS Farm and Garden City Harvest

Missoula's Local Food & Farm Systems introduces to students to two urban farms. The first day will take place at the PEAS Farm, UM's

Environmental Studies Program's student farm, operated in partnership with local organization, Garden City Harvest. The PEAS Farm is located two miles north of campus and features 10 acres of vegetable fields, native plants garden, an orchard, seed garden, and Four Sisters' Garden. Students will meet PEAS Farm Lecturer, Caroline Stephens, and be introduced to the farm system and get their hands dirty contributing to a farm project.

On day two, students will visit sister farms, the River Road Farm and Orchard Gardens, which are run by Garden City Harvest. There, students will meet with two local farmers, Greg Price and Liam Cody, and work on a farm project at those sites. Through these two days, students will develop a deeper sense for local and regenerative food systems work happening in Missoula.

This site takes place in a large field that is not accessible to wheel or motor chairs. Participants will be outside for the duration, and will be expected to stand, kneel, and stoop, though modifications can be made.
Presented by the ��ؿ� Museum of Arts and Culture

Take a tour of the new ��ؿ� Museum of Art & Culture and dive deep into its rich collection. Attendees will tour the museum's galleries and facilities and learn about the rich resource it offers. Museum docents will guide attendees through the process of selecting art pieces for research, reflection and presentation. Attendees working in small groups will construct a brief presentation on one piece that impacted them the most.
Presented by UM Campus Recreation

We are looking for incoming students who want to GO BIG against the backdrop of the university's own mountain - MOUNT SENTINEL. Day one will have us climbing Mount Sentinel from the north along the smoke jumper trail and proceeding all the way to the summit for fantastic 360 degree views. Day two will have us climbing up past the M to the fire road and traversing the length of Mount Sentinel from north to south. Along the way we will be talking about things you might see on the mountain, some history, and maybe even some geology. These hikes will be strenuous. Will you test yourself? Yes. Will you meet cool people? Absolutely. Will you breathe hard? Probably. Will you see amazing sights? Definitely! You will be talking about this one for years folks. So get your hiking shoes and plenty of water join us for THE COOLEST Big Sky Experience: The Mount Sentinel MONSTER Hike!

This hike will take place on rugged trails and include rigorous physical activity.
Presented by Marilyn Marler

UM's zig zag trail to the M is the most popular hiking trail in the state! And yes it is part of campus. We'll hike up to the M and talk about the natural areas surrounding Missoula and UM. What wildlife lives here? What plants? What are the big conservation issues of the day and the region? We'll complete 1 or 2 hands-on service projects related to either the M Trail itself or one of the native plant gardens on campus.

The hiking trail is not accessible and requires a certain level of fitness. Don't forget your sunscreen and water bottle, and get ready for some great views!
Presented by New Visions Dance and the School of Theatre and Dance

The culminating event for New Visions Dance is to create community with adults (ages 18-98) in an adaptive dance class where movement is used as a therapeutic modality for people with cognitive and physical differences.

This inclusive session is about activating the body and the mind through creative movement, and play. We celebrate each other’s uniqueness and recognize that our differences make us stronger together. This experience will include making connections with community partners like: Special Olympics MT, Opportunity Resources, Summit Independent Living, and supporting arts organizations.

This is a great BSE for anyone interested in psychology, social work, education, neuroscience, physical therapy, theatre, or dance, and the magic when these fields support one another.
Presented by UM Student Life

Earning your education comes with hurdles and challenges. From balancing your social life, taking care of your physical and mental health, potentially working, doing well in your academics and so much more – it can make the ��ؿ� and its 220 walkable acres feel pretty big. Through this Big Sky Experience, you will: - learn more about the rich history, traditions, and ways to engage at the UM as a student - talk about what motivational/inspirational quotes or sayings have helped you through past hurdles/challenges - practice creating positive/motivational/inspirational statements and phrases that will encourage - paint Griz Paws of Pawsitivity in designated sidewalks on campus to encourage and inspire.

This group will be walking, bending, painting and moving from the ground level to standing for the painting day.
Presented by UM Pre-Health Programs

Get ready to jump into the world of healthcare right here on campus. Our hands-on activities are all about fun and learning. From solving medical mysteries to searching for medicinal plants around campus, you'll explore the dynamic world of healthcare while forging lasting connections with like-minded peers. Join us and embark on a journey where learning meets excitement, shaping your future in healthcare from day one. It's the perfect start to your journey here at the ��ؿ�.
Presented by the UM Golf Course and Campus Recreation

The staff at Campus Recreation and The U of M Golf Course will introduce you to several outdoor activities, as well as all areas of the business that is Campus Recreation. This will be excellent for business minded individuals, and those who like to get their hands dirty working outside. We will give you a look into everything it takes to operate a successful Campus Recreation operation, including the golf course, the Griz pool and the Outdoor Programs. And of course we will wrap up each day with some fun recreational opportunities. Experience and equipment are NOT necessary. Aspects of this experience will talk place on the golf course lawn, which is not accessible to all wheel and motor chairs, however, golf carts are available if needed.
Presented by InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Soft Landing and Missoula Alliance Church.

Engage with stories from international refugees in Missoula, learn about local organizations who are advocating for these families in our community (Missoula Alliance Church, Soft Landing, International Rescue Committee), help plan and host a park day for Congolese and Afghan refugee families. Engagement with refugee stories and families will be accompanied by experiential learning programs. Programs will focus on building self-awareness of students’ personal stories and how our stories influence our perspectives, communication, and values. As we connect with refugee families who are facing the challenge of entering a new community, our goal is to process deeper our own need to build relationships and find resources to face the challenges of entering new communities in college.

Students will walk about 1 mile each way to a city park, where some activities may not be fully accessible to all mobilities.
Presented by UM Brand Experience and Marketing

Join Karen Schlatter, UM Marketing's Brand and Student Experience, and Emma Dorman, UM Social Media Manager in learning about marketing and brand experience. Then, show us how you Griz by creating content that shows how you are creative, collective, and courageous.

Creative- Showcase unique opportunities on and off campus (Theatre and Dance, Music, outdoors). What do you think is creative about UM?

Collective – Show us how you work as a team, whether it be in academic setting, student group, or in the Zoo Crew student section at an Athletics game.

Courageous – Try new things on campus and off campus.
Division 1 cross country, football, soccer and volleyball athletes, AND dance and cheer teams only. All other incoming Division 1 student athletes should select a different site activity and are expected to participate in the full Big Sky Experience program.

All incoming student athletes participating in Division 1 cross country, football, soccer and volleyball AND who are on the cheer or dance teams should register for this site activity, as you will be occupied with practices and other athletic responsibilities during this time. Your coaches and academic advisors will ensure you receive any pertinent information you may miss during orientation due to athletic obligations.
Presented by UM Wellness

Join us to discover essential strategies for boosting your well-being in college! This session will equip first-year students with practical tools and resources to enhance their physical, mental, and emotional health, ensuring a balanced and rewarding academic journey.
Preseted by the UM Student Advocacy Resource Center (SARC)

The transition to college is an exciting, but also daunting, adventure! The team at the Student Advocacy Resource Center (SARC) want to support incoming students with a two-day activity, during which you will meet other incoming students and learn about the variety of resources we have on campus to support you in shining bright. The Experience will also include a “student support constellation” mapping exercise and an individual activity that helps us each reflect on our own individual solar system.
Presented by the UM Climate Change Studies Department

From the personal to the global, climate change conversations often get stuck on blame and responsibility, for better or worse. So, who is responsible? We will role play a UN climate negotiation and, based on your outcome, tackle the big questions about global change and how we, as individuals, make sense of its magnitude.
Presented by the Wild Rockies Field Institute

Wild Words invites incoming freshmen to explore both the natural beauty of the hills surrounding ��ؿ� campus and the emotions surrounding the start of this new chapter in students' lives through the art of writing. Over two mornings, students will engage in short guided hikes/walks, observation exercises, and writing workshops designed to inspire and refine their connection with the natural world and themselves, all while connecting with fellow classmates. This activity involves hiking and walking on trails and paths not accessible to all, and long periods of time spent outsdide.
Presented by ASUM Sustainability

Explore campus community engagement through the Zero Waste perspective, delving beyond conventional recycling practices. Collaborate with UM's Office of Sustainability and UM Recycling personnel to gain insight into the complexities of waste management within local and global environmental justice contexts. Embark on a journey as we explore the campus, visit Garden City Compost's municipal facility, conduct a campus waste and compost audit, and
strategize ways to minimize and handle waste effectively. Join us in becoming catalysts for Zero Waste initiatives on campus!

This activity requires some bending and sitting on the ground, but can be adapted to all needs. Portions of day 2 will be on non-paved terrain.