Engagement Opportunities
Life at Miami
New Students and Orientation
Your Transition to College
First Year Experience Course
A central goal of the first-year experience course is to help you learn about the various services and opportunities available at Miami. There is no shortage of experiences available throughout the academic year.
As part of your first-year experience course, you should identify and engage with one activity listed in each of the following categories and submit a reflection (minimum 200 words; maximum 300 words) for each one based on your experience. Some experiences are offered one time only while others are offered multiple times; some experiences are in-person while others are offered virtually.
Deadlines for the reflections are staggered throughout the semester and you can choose the experiences that work best for you.
2026 Engagement Opportunities
Individual Engagement Opportunities
Dog Therapy
Weekly drop-in dog therapy begins the week of Sept. 3 on Mondays, 2-3 p.m. and Thursdays, 3-4 p.m.
Wellness Studio (room 2002), Cleveland Clinic Clinical Health Sciences and Wellness building
Research suggests that having an opportunity to interact with a therapy dog provides a calm and centering experience. Meeting with a therapy dog offers a chance for connection, pets, snuggles, and conversation. The Student Counseling Services is happy to offer weekly dog therapy three times a week with three different therapy dogs. Students may drop by anytime during the hour, no need to check in or register, and enjoy time with the therapy dog and their handler.
Speed Friending
Thursday, Sept. 10, 7-8 p.m.
Clinical Health Sciences Building, Room 2002 (Wellness Studio)
Making new friends at the beginning of the year can feel overwhelming for a lot of people. Speed Friending is all about enjoying time with peers, eating some pizza, and hopefully leaving with a new friend!
Education Abroad Fair
Thursday, Sept. 10, 1-4 p.m.
Shriver Dolibois Rooms
Learn more about all of the amazing opportunities you have to study abroad while here at Miami. You can find more information on programs through the Miami University Center in Luxembourg (MUDEC), Miami faculty-led programs, national scholarships and fellowships, international internships, exchange programs, co-sponsored programs, approved non-Miami programs and much more. Stop by to enjoy some cookies and enter our raffle to win one of our fabulous prizes.
Wellness Studio Program
The Wellness Studio is located in room 2002 of the Clinical Health Science and Wellness Building. The Wellness Studio provides space to relax and unwind, gain skills, and be part of a community. Programs offered in the Wellness Studio are all free and include things like Mindful Movement with Oxford Community Yoga, Nutrition and Cooking Classes, Decompressing and Donuts, Weekly Mental Health Workshops, Drop-in Wellness Hours, and much more! For up-to-date programming information, follow the Wellness Studio on instagram @MiamiOH_OSW.
Attend a student organization meeting
Get involved on campus through one of Miami’s many student organizations. All sorts of options exist from groups that are focused on an academic topic, a hobby or interest, a passion area, etc. Check out Miami Central and attend a student org meeting that works for you.
Horse Therapy
Friday, Oct. 2, 4-5 p.m.
Equestrian Center
In partnership with the Equestrian Center at Miami University, the Student Counseling Service currently provides equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) involving grooming and EAP using the Eagala model. EAP with grooming involves brushing, petting, feeding, leading/walking, and picking out hooves while engaged in talk therapy. This is a type of animal-assisted psychotherapy with well-researched positive impacts on those with mental health concerns.
M.O.V.E. Outdoor Bootcamp with the Crawfords
Saturday, Aug. 29 from 10-11 a.m.
Saturday, Sept. 26 from 10-11 a.m.
Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10-11 a.m.
Lewis Place backyard (310 E. High Street)
M.O.V.E. stands for Miami and Oxford Value Exercise. This is a unique and fun opportunity to participate in a 45 minute cardio workout led by Rec Group Fitness Instructors with the Crawfords in their backyard (weather permitting). Besides spending time with President and Dr. Crawford, you will also have the opportunity to receive some snacks and free “Crawford-Collection” swag (t-shirts, hats, etc.). Complete the waiver prior to participating.
Fall Career Fairs
Fall Career and Internship Fair: Tuesday, Sept. 15, 1-5 p.m., Millett Hall
STEM Career and Internship Fair: Wednesday, Sept. 16, 1-5 p.m., Millett Hall
Sport Career Exploration and Networking Expo: Thursday, Sept. 17, 2-4:30 p.m., Shriver JDOL
Attend one of three fall career fairs to experience what it is like to network, meet employers, and learn about possibilities for your career. Even if you are not ready to look for internships yet, you can learn how to prepare for a career fair, attend as an observer, and become familiar with the layout, atmosphere, and expectations to help you feel more confident and better prepared for future career fairs where your goal is to connect with employers.
Many students find their first career fair overwhelming because they are unsure what to expect or how to prepare, so you can choose to take this experience a step further than the Engagement Opportunities assignment and attain the Career Fair Prep Badge in Miami Central.
Career Fair Prep in Miami Central is a great way for students to learn more about the Career and Internship Fairs, especially if you are attending for the first time. Log into the Miami Central App on your phone with your Miami UniqueID and password. Search for “Career Fair Prep Fall 2026.”
To earn the badge, you will need to:
- Research in Handshake employers who are attending one of the Career Fairs
- Attend one of the three Career and Internship Fairs
- Complete the self-guided tour while at the Career and Internship Fair
- Complete a reflection and evaluation
Ace the Interview Workshops
Various times and locations; Check Handshake for dates, times, and locations.
Learn the fabric and components of an interview, what is it all about, but also, strategic approach, techniques, and resources, to win your next interview. This workshop is highly recommended for you to attend before a mock interview, internship interview, on-campus employment interview, fraternity/sorority or student organization membership recruitment. It will give you a competitive advantage, as you will learn hands-on on how to build stories to shine in your next interview. Do not assume you know all about the job search process, come and learn about the biggest interview misconceptions.
Career Clusters: Career Center events, student organizations, top employers, and job titles
Career Clusters are a great way to expand your knowledge and learn about the different opportunities that your major can lead you to for a career. There are nine Career Clusters. Please see the links below to learn about events, student organizations, top employers, and job titles related to each Career Cluster.
Group Engagement Opportunities
Miami Events Calendar
Most any event you will find on this calendar will count for an engagement opportunity in addition to the options listed below. When in doubt, check with your instructor. The group activity needs to be a different activity than the one you complete on your own.
Attend a Miami University athletic event
Students can access athletic events for free with your ID card. Find a game, a match, a competition and cheer on our RedHawks!
Attend a creative arts production, concert, or visit an exhibit
The Miami University Calendar features events that are available to our community. You can search the calendar and find a production, concert, lecture, or exhibit.
Go to a Miami Activities and Programming (MAP) event
Miami Activities and Programming (MAP) hosts events for students most Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. There is something for everyone and lots of things to do.
Visit a Miami Museum
Museums Miami integrates and enhances Miami University’s rich resources for the study and preservation of art, material culture, and natural history. There are a number of museums and galleries located throughout campus that are available for students to explore. Check out the Museums Miami website for locations, descriptions, hours of operation and more information.
Attend a Lecture
Miami brings a number of different presenters and lectures to campus each year. Check out the University Lecture Series and see what’s available this fall.
Explore Campus
You have many opportunities on and around campus to explore and try something new with your group. Attend an open skate at Goggin Ice Center. Visit the Rec Center and try the climbing wall or play a game of pickup basketball. Explore one of Oxford’s natural areas around campus. These are just a few examples; there are plenty of ways to have fun and experience campus together.
Oxford Farmers Market
Every Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon
Oxford Memorial Park (2 E High St, Oxford, OH 45056)
Connect with the town of Oxford at the weekly Farmers Market! Check out the fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade items at the Oxford Farmers Market! The market is located just behind Memorial Park in Uptown Oxford, at the intersections of Main and High street.
Virtual Engagement Opportunities
Complete a Workshop through the Rinella Learning Center
The Rinella Learning Center offers 15 different online workshops to assist students in their academics while at Miami. Topics range from Motivation and Procrastination to Preparing for Tests and Exams to Organizing your Life. Choose any of the workshops listed on their website to complete for this virtual opportunity.
Check Out a Wellness Kit from King Library
Check out one of the six available Health and Wellness Kits from King Library. The kits contain technology to help you find focus, renew energy or experience calm. The Focus Kits feature a Muse headband and sensory gel maze, the Energy Kits include a Happy Light and bubble fidget popper, and the Calm Kits contain a sound therapy machine and a weighted blanket or wrap. Kits can be checked out for up to seven days. Kits are shelved with the Leisure Reading collection on the first floor of King Library and can be checked out anytime the library is open (hours).
Engage with the Financial Wellness Center
Designed to be similar to other Student Wellness platforms, this series of educational playlists helps students build their own financial knowledge and be prepared for the future. Topics range from basic competencies such as budgeting, banking, taxes, and credit cards to more detailed topics such as understanding and managing personal credit, making sound financial decisions in the career world, and saving for the long term.
Welltrack Boost
Take charge of your mental health and step into your best self! Welltrack Boost is a free digital resource that provides students with self-help tools to manage their mental health and well-being. The tool can help students address issues such as depression and anxiety, recognize patterns and triggers, and reinforce healthy habits.
Welltrack Boost empowers students to take control of their mental health on their own terms by guiding them through assessments, wellness modules, mood tracking, and problem-solving skills. The tool is available at any time whenever students feel motivated, concerned, or curious about their mental health. The app includes a crisis support feature for immediate assistance when needed.
Students can access Welltrack Boost with their Miami email address at Welltrack-Boost.com.
Listen to Myaamia Center Podcast
The Myaamia Center podcast covers the history of the relationship between the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and Miami University, as well as how it has impacted revitalization for the Myaamia Community.
Complete the Campus Accessibility Scavenger Hunt
This passive program can be completed throughout the semester. The scavenger hunt explores campus access, authentic disability experiences, and educational opportunities for further growth. Participants who provide proof of completing all nine tiles can stop by the Miller Center and receive a prize.
Watch Defiant Lives and Visit the Miller Center
The Miller Center will be streaming Defiant Lives on our TV in the Disability Cultural Center, 304 Shriver Center, or via the libguides Disability Studies video archive during Disability Identity and Culture Month (October). The film reveals how these activists fought to live outside of institutions, challenged the stigmas and negative image of disability portrayed by the media, demanded access to public transportation, and battled to reframe disability rights as a social responsibility relevant to us all.
Read the Myaamia Community Blog series on Myaamia Removal
2021 was the 175th anniversary of the removal of Myaamia people from their homelands. This year-long series provides a Myaamia perspective on this history.
Complete FOCUS 2
Focus 2 is a self-assessment tool that will allow you to learn about yourself and what majors or careers might be a good fit for you. This assessment is offered free of charge. New users can access and create an account for Focus 2 from MiamiOH.edu/career (then Explore, Career Assessments, and Focus 2) and use the access code 'redhawks.’ Completion of Focus 2 will take 45 minutes to one hour. We recommend you take the Interest, Personality, Values, and Skills assessments. This is a great resource to learn how your interests, skills, values, and personality align with majors at Miami University and potential careers. Once the assessment(s) are complete you will see a list of Miami majors and potential career opportunities that align with your interests, skills, values, and personality. We encourage you to meet with a Career Advisor after you have taken the Focus2 to further discuss your results.
View Candid Career videos
The Candid Career videos provide honest career information and career planning help. These are real people speaking from the heart about their career experiences. Candid Career is a great way for students to learn about different career opportunities. One major does not equal one career. This website can support you in seeing multiple career options from people who are actively holding these positions and learn about their day-to-day and career.
Create a Handshake Profile
Handshake serves several purposes. It is the scheduling platform for students to meet with their Career Advisor, and it is a way for employers to engage with students and post about internship and job opportunities. It is important in your first semester to build your initial Handshake profile. Miami University has partnerships with employers who are interested in hiring students after their first year. Handshake is also a great way for you to see who Miami’s employer partners are and to begin your research on internship and job opportunities. Creating your Handshake profile is your first step. We then encourage students to update their profile at the end of each semester.
Complete these steps to strengthen your Handshake profile and become familiar with using this resource.
- In addition to uploading your resume to Handshake, fill in the information about your experiences and extracurricular activities or use your resume to populate information for your profile.
- Click the button in the top right corner with your initials, then click “career interests.” Complete each section of this page and remember to “save” at the bottom.
- Click on “Jobs” in the upper left corner and use the search function to find two internships of interest, either for now or in the future.