Trips
These are examples of the exciting programs available through New Student Immersion.
Cycling in the San Juan Islands
This immersion experience takes place in the famous and beautiful San Juan Islands located in the northern Puget Sound; a popular venue for biking trips. Explore these beautiful islands via bike while meeting new people and learning about life at SU. Transportation to the islands is provided and a support van will carry your gear. Students are required to bring their own bike and gear. Limited to 9 students.
First-year Leadership Institute (FLI)
Are YOU a leader? We think so! This experience is encouraged for all students, regardless of past experience. By choosing SU, we know that you will grow as a leader in your profession, your community and your family. As an institute participant, you will develop a deeper understanding of yourself, focus on what motivates you personally and build community with other committed students in a relaxed retreat format. You will also have the opportunity to hear about campus and community opportunities and develop a personalized plan for further development. We welcome participants from diverse experiences, communities and ideas about leadership!
Olympic Peninsula Tour
The outdoors for the non-outdoorsy! On this trip we will explore the beach at Dungeness Spit, check out parts of the rain forest, visit two waterfalls (.8-1 miles), take a dip in the Sol Duc Hot Springs, and see the crystal clear waters of Lake Crescent. We will also stroll (1.5 miles) through the sub-alpine meadows of Hurricane Ridge for breath-taking, panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and the Straight of Juan de Fuca. Wednesday night we will meet for pre-departure activities and you will stay in your res-hall the first night. Thursday night we will stay in cabins!
Connections Leadership Program
Connect with other new students of color, upperclass student mentors, and Seattle University through the Connections Leadership Program, a community-building and leadership development program that begins with a three-day immersion and continues with every-other-week gatherings throughout the Fall and Winter Quarters. CLP builds on your Summer in Seattle orientation by providing social networks and dialogues about what it means to be a successful student of color and an effective leader at SU. The CLP immersion runs from Wednesday, September 16, through Friday, September 18.
The Connections Leadership Program is open to the first 35 students who register online at http://www2.seattleu.edu/oma/. The fee holds your registration and helps to cover the cost of the program, your CLP t-shirt, and fall and winter CLP activities.
Rafting the White Salmon River
Want to try something a little different? Enjoy 8 miles of whitewater and beautiful scenery on class 3 rapids with an expert guide; suitable for beginners to advanced! Wednesday night we will meet up for group activities and you will stay the night in your res-hall. The next day we will drive down to explore Washington's south central area, set up camp, and enjoy a full day of rafting on Friday. The group will work on leadership styles, team building, communication, and decision making skills all within the framework of the boat! All safety gear is provided.
Hiking in the Cascade Mountains
Hikers will be staying at a Mountaineer’s lodge on the east side of Snoqualmie Pass the nights of September 16 and 17. We will be offering three different levels of hikes through which we will experience the beauty of the Cascades. Limited to 10 students per trail.
- Strenuous Cascade Hike – Hike a steep but beautiful 6.5 mile trail with switchbacks and elevation gains of around 2700 feet, ending at an alpine lake.
- 2 Moderate Cascade Hikes—Also ending at alpine lakes, the moderate hikes are around 7 miles long but with only around 1300 feet incline.
- Short Cascade Hike – Moderate incline and only 4 miles round trip.
Service Immersions
There’s no better way to discover your new neighborhood than through a service immersion. Learn about the inspiring work being done by local community agencies and how you can make a difference through service. Meet others who want to make a positive impact in the community just like you!
Environmental Immersion: Seattle is one of the "greenest" cities in the country—not only because nine months of famous Seattle drizzle create lush surroundings, but also because of our focus on environmental awareness and sustainability. This immersion will engage students in environmental restoration projects with community agencies in and around Seattle, such as People for the Puget Sound and EarthCorps. The group will stay overnight at a cabin owned by SU in North Bend. Limited to 15 Students.
International District Immersion: Whether you’re a Seattle native or a newcomer to the Pacific Northwest, this service immersion will help you learn about the rich diversity that surrounds our campus. You will engage in direct service and "community walk-abouts" and learn about the cultures within the International District/Chinatown, Little Saigon, Little Ethiopia, and Yesler Terrace neighborhoods, which are are just minutes away from campus. The group will stay overnight at a community center in the Rainier Valley neighborhood of Seattle. Limited to 12 students.
Hiking and Camping Excursion in the San Juan Islands
Travel via ferry to Orcas Island in the beautiful San Juans for hiking, swimming and fellowship in Moran State Park. Enjoy the s
cenic 7.3 mile hike to the summit of Mount Constitution, with a short side hike along the breathtaking Little Summit trail and an easy climb to the top of the historic stone tower at the 2,409 foot summit of Mount Constitution - the highest point in the San Juan Islands. Swim or boat in the crystal clear waters of Mountain Lake, share stories by the campfire and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow students. See the numerous waterfalls along the easy 4.0 mile Cascade Creek Trail. Visit the quaint town of Eastsound before returning via ferry to Seattle University. Limited to 16 students.
The Faith That Does Justice
Join Campus Ministry for an experience of faith and justice in Tacoma, WA. We'll work with two faith-based justice organizations, and meet wonderful folks in groups such as the Tacoma Catholic Worker and L'Arche Communities. The group will enjoy laughter and simple living, while creating and learning about community. Limited to 10 students.
Waivers