Sophomore Year Experience
Your sophomore year is an exciting time filled with opportunities and challenges. We want to offer assistance as you make important personal and academic decisions for your final two years at UT Dallas and beyond.
The Sophomore Year Experience (SOYE) includes programming and activities designed especially to help you throughout your second year as a Comet:
- The Sophomore Series of Events lists opportunities throughout the year to help make the most out of your campus experience.
- What is the Sophomore Slump? Sophomore students often face a whole new set of stressors when they return to college.
Guide: Cometline To Success
The SOYE Cometline to Success is a guide to help you navigate your sophomore year. Integrate these suggestions as they best fit into your personal and academic goals.
Academic
- Students should continue major exploration.
- Take advantage of the Student Success Center.
- AES Scholarship recipients on probation meet with advisor as required.
- Continue working with pre–professional advisors.
- Contact faculty about assisting in their research.
- Register for classes each semester. Undeclared students meet with advisor to register. All other majors meet with an advisor when necessary. All majors and undeclared students meet with an advisor for off–campus summer course approval.
Career Development
- Explore majors and careers.
- Register for a career decision–making course for elective credit.
- Participate in an externship/job shadowing.
- Seek internships related to academic major.
- Attend a variety of career seminars on resume writing, interviewing, and job search strategies.
- Search for part–time, full–time and/or summer jobs in the Handshake system.
- Begin to build a professional network.
- Search out volunteer opportunities.
- Update resume and add new jobs, activities, class projects and awards, etc.
- Attend UT Dallas Career Expos, on–campus workshops, and presentations.
- Conduct informational interviews and keep a log of contacts.
- Connect with career development programs, such as Pre–Health and/or Pre–Law programs.
Involvement and Leadership Development
- Get involved with Student Leadership Programs.
- Apply for leadership positions such as Orientation Leader, Peer Advisor, Student Ambassador, or First–Year Leader.
- Attend at least one leadership development workshop, retreat, or program.
- Run for sophomore seats in Student Government.
- Apply for a SUAAB committee chair position.
- Join a fraternity or sorority.
- Join the Homecoming Committee.
- Participate in varsity, club or intramural sports.
- Participate in Summer Reading Program activities.
- Participate in service programs hosted by the Office of Student Volunteerism, including Alternative Spring Break immersive service trips.
- Attend at least one campus program or event a month.
- Participate in at least one multicultural event.
- Attend off–campus movies, museums, and other activities. Discounted tickets may be purchased at the Comet Card Office.
- Stay in the know with the Comet Calendar and Student Media: Radio UTD, The Mercury, A Modest Proposal and UTD TV.
Study Abroad
- Design a proposal for a study abroad or exchange mobility program.
- Visit with Study Abroad Advising for more information.
- Apply for international education scholarships.
- Satisfy the UT Dallas protocol for international education.
- Make note of deadlines to submit Office of International Education protocol for future study abroad travel.
- Increase your foreign language skills.
- Participate in a study abroad, exchange mobility or faculty–led customized program.
Taking Care of Business/Money Management
- Work with a Financial Aid Counselor to be sure you are on track.
- Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in January.
- Check the UT Dallas Financial Aid website to determine your eligibility for institutional scholarships and third–party scholarships.
- Create a personal budget. Review and update it regularly.
- Purchase a meal plan.
- Check out Seek UT for information about earnings, employment, and student loan debt after graduation.
Health & Wellness
- Make an appointment with the Student Health Center for care and treatment for acute illnesses and minor injuries. Office visits are FREE, minimal charges for lab, procedures and medications.
- Get your free Flu shot during the Fall Flu Shot Session.
- Make an appointment with the Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner for your special health needs.
- Participate in health education programs.
- Familiarize yourself with the Party Smart program.
- Make an appointment with the Student Counseling Center for assistance in achieving emotional well–being necessary to success.
- Visit the Student Counseling Center’s Personal Development Library for resources on a wide range of topics related to personal growth.
- Attend the Student Success Center’s Successful Student Workshops series during the fall and spring semesters.
- Join a personal growth group at the Counseling Center.
- Visit the Student Counseling Center’s online self–help brochures and workshops.
- Visit the Student Counseling Center’s website to take an online assessment of your mood and substance use.
- Participate in Safe Zone Ally Training sponsored by the Galerstein Gender Center.
- Participate in START training. (Students Tackling Abusive Relationships Together).
- Consult with the Student Counseling Center when worried about a friend.
- Take advantage of Activity Center facilities and programs.
International Student Services (ISSO)
- Attend International Student Leadership Training.
- Take a leadership role in Global Village.
- Participate as your country’s ambassador in International Student Orientation.
- Participate in on-campus International Center events.
- Attend an ISSO cultural trip (Texas State Fair, Six Flags, Dallas Museum of Art, etc).
- Research employment benefits available for F–1 students.
- Learn about work authorization and career planning through an Immigration Attorney Seminar.