Apply to STRiVE!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is STRiVE?

STRiVE is an intensive and engaging off-campus leadership retreat (5 days, 4 nights) developed to inspire students to become more effective leaders on campus and throughout their lives. The STRiVE coaches (consisting of 11 UMBC students and staff) tailor a curriculum that encourages the 50 participants to make new friends, learn about themselves, reflect on values and ethics, work in teams to develop practical plans for making a difference on campus and in society, and tackle both simulated and real leadership challenges. STRiVE is funded by Student Life, the Student Government Association, alumni donors and participant fees.

 When is STRiVE?

This year we are hosting 2 entirely separate sessions of the STRiVE Leadership Retreat. One session will be on January 12 - 16, 2015 and the other will be over spring break, March 16 - 20, 2015. 50 different undergraduate students will attend each session and get a very unique experience. In the application you will be asked to choose a session....so if you are interested in either session, Apply Now!

Do I have to be an “involved” student to attend STRiVE?

Absolutely not! STRiVE will be helpful to any student regardless of previous involvement or leadership experience. No prior experience is necessary! We are looking for a diverse group of students committed to developing their leadership skills and applying them to create positive change in the campus community. The application asks about campus involvement only to give the STRiVE planning team a sense of the different perspectives participants will bring to the retreat.

Where is STRiVE being held?

STRiVE will be held at Skycroft Conference Center in Middletown, MD (round-trip buses will be provided to participants). Participants will stay in motel-style rooms and all activities will be held on site.

How much does it cost?

UMBC covers most of the cost of each participant’s attendance. However, there is a $100 participation fee that helps cover some of the cost of transportation, lodging and food. Money should not be a barrier to attendance, however, and there is a section of the application where any participant can request financial assistance. 

 What is the “Vision Selection”?

STRiVE participants will devote a portion of the retreat to developing plans to make an impact in connection with an issue or problem about which they feel passionate. In the vision selection portion of the orientation session, participants are asked to rank a few social topics so that we can group students with similar interests. However, there will be plenty of opportunities to interact with all STRiVE participants outside of the Vision Group. Please note that the planning team will make every effort to place participants according to their choices; however, we are unable to guarantee participants any specific topic at this time. We encourage participants to be open-minded and flexible when considering their vision selection.

 When is the participant application due?

Applications will be available October 17 and will be due November 9. Applications can be found at https://studentlifeumbc.wufoo.com/forms/2015-strive-participant-application/

 When are accepted applicants informed?

Applicants will receive an email by November 18 with additional details about participating in STRiVE.

 How can I find out more information about STRiVE?

For additional information, please contact me (Virginia Byrne) at vbyrne@umbc.edu or come to the optional information session on November 4 at 5pm in Commons 329.