UB Undergraduate Academies

Academy FAQs

General Participation

Can I participate in the Academies?

The Academies are open to all undergraduate students at the University at Buffalo.

Are there any requirements I must meet to participate in the Academies?

There are no requirements for students to participate in the Academies. We do hope that you have an interest in one of the themed Academies, civic engagement, research exploration, or global perspectives.

Do I have to pay any additional fees to participate in the Academies?

There are no additional fees associated with your participation in the Academies.

Will the Undergraduate Academies program constrain my other academics?

No. The Academies are meant to be a very flexible program for students. The level of involvement is really up to you. The Academies are meant to enhance what you are currently studying in your academic major and are not meant to burden your undergraduate studies; they complement your studies.

If I participate in an undergraduate Academy will I have enough time to do other on-campus activities?

Yes. The Academies are not meant to be an encumbering experience, but rather they are meant to enhance your current academic experience. The Academies work with many different departments on-campus in order to provide you the opportunity to take part in a variety of different on-campus activities.

How are the Academies different from other living and learning communities at UB?

Unlike other living and learning communities at UB, the Academies are meant to be a four-year undergraduate experience that allows you to choose how involved you wish to be. The Academies also provide you the opportunity to connect with Academy specific faculty and staff mentors, the potential for a transcript notation, beginning and advanced seminars, and participation in the online/virtual community.

Can I participate in the Academies if I am part of a different living and learning community? (e.g. Honors, Leadership House)

If you are currently participating in a different living-learning community, you still have the ability to participate in the Academies. We understand that some students are already committed to other living arrangements and we do not want those commitments to keep you from participating in our program. You may participate by attending different events or by enrolling in one of the Academy seminars.

Can I participate in more than one Academy?

It’s not realistic to participate fully in two Academies. However, you may want to sample some of the extracurricular activities from another Academy (attend some workshops or lectures).

Does the Academy experience last beyond the freshman year?

Yes, during your first year we would begin helping you to map out your course and activity goals for years 2, 3, and 4.

What is the time commitment for participating in an Academy?

Your level of participation in extracurricular activities will vary depending on your level of commitment to the Academy. One of the benefits of participating in an Academy is that you have the flexibility to participate to varying degrees. Depending on your schedule your participation may vary from semester to semester. Your Academy experience should be a complement to your academic work.

What will I get out of being in an Academy?

Beyond the opportunity to earn college credits in seminar courses, there are two most noteworthy outcomes:

• a chance to engage in a topic which integrates aspects of various subjects you might study at UB
• guidance in integrating what you learn in your classes with what you experience in the real world

And, in general, research tells us that students who can fill these felt needs are more integrated in the life of the university and are, generally, more satisfied with and successful in their university studies.

How do I select which Academy is best for me?

You may find that you are interested in all three Academies and are having trouble choosing which one you would like to fully engage in. If you are having trouble deciding which Academy is best for you, please feel free to contact an Academies staff member who will be able to assist you in selecting which Academy will best meet your needs.

In the Academies Introductory Seminar (UE 130) offered in the fall, students will have an opportunity to explore interesting topics through the perspective of all three Academies. Faculty will rotate through the three sections of the course helping expose students to a wider range of perspectives. On a regular basis students will experience Academy-wide events to help to integrate the various perspectives and to bond as a community. You will then have the option to enroll in an Academy-specific seminar for the spring semester.

How do I know if the Undergraduate Academies is right for me?

The Academies are right for you if:

1. You want to be actively involved in your learning (going beyond class assignments and making real world connections to the material)
2. A civic engagement/research opportunity/global issues sounds enticing to you
3. You like to have discussions with your peers about ideas, issues, and topics from your classes
4. You want to have discussions with faculty, scholars, and actively involved members of the campus community about their projects and experiences
5. You want to enhance your academic major to experience a variety of perspectives in order to enrich your program
6. You have a sense of intellectual curiosity and desire to learn

Residential Floors

Where is the residential floor located for the Academies?

The Academies residential floor is currently located in building four of the Richmond Hall Quadrangle, on floors five through ten. For the 2009 – 2010 academic year, the Academies residential community will continue to be located in Richmond Hall, floors 5 – 10, on UB’s North Campus.

How many students live on the Academy residential floor?

The Academies residential community houses approximately 70 students. Students in all three of the Academies live together in the same community.

How is the Academy residential floor different from other on-campus accommodations?

Living on an Academy residential floor gives you the opportunity to live among other students who are also interested in civic engagement, research exploration, or global perspectives. You have the advantage of being involved in different events that will take place during the academic year in the residence hall. The residential floor also has a lounge for Academy students to study or hang out together. The lounge is equipped with a refrigerator and will be used for formal and informal lunches and/or dinners with Academies faculty.

As an Academy student, can I choose to have a roommate who is not interested in participating in the Academies?

No. The Academy floor is made up of students who are interested in participating or engaging in the Academies to some extent.

Seminar Courses

How do I become involved in the Academy seminars?

Students interested in enrolling in an Academy course should contact the Academies office to inquire about availability.

How many students are enrolled in the seminar courses?

Each Academy seminar has 30 available spaces. This is an opportunity for you to engage in an interactive classroom setting at UB.

Is there a difference between the introductory seminar and Academy specific seminars

Yes. The introductory seminar provides an introduction to all three Academy themes while the Academy specific seminars allow students to explore a particular Academy theme.

Events and Activities

What type of events can I expect to attend?

There will be a number of lectures, workshops, fieldtrips and on-campus activities that will take place for you to attend in conjunction with many other on-campus departments. To find out more about upcoming events check out the Events page of this website.

How do I sign-up for Academy events?

Most Academy events do no require you to register. However, some events with limited seating will require that you register. Registration can be done online on the Events page of this website. Also, if you wish to receive more information about Academy events please contact the Academies to be added to the listserv.