For many students, the first weeks of the semester can be filled with anxiety, uncertainty and the challenge of finding community. Marquette’s Eagles Landing program is designed to make that transition smoother by offering six weeks of events that connect students with each other and resources offered on campus.
Chris Briggs, assistant director for training and development in the Office of Residence Life, came up with the program, now in its second year.
“It is designed to provide a wide variety of programs, events and opportunities for students to engage with the university and make connections with fellow students and staff over the first six weeks of the fall semester,” says Mary Janz, senior director of housing and residence life. “This time is critical in helping students find their connection to Marquette.”
Each of the six weeks highlights a different theme that introduces students to different aspects of life at Marquette. Week 1 is Welcome Week, which gives first-year students a chance to settle in and start meeting people. Week 2, Getting Involved, introduces students to organizations, leadership opportunities and ways to engage outside the classroom. Later weeks include Summer Fun, Experience the Mission, Connections and Fall Festivities.
The events are wide-ranging, from wellness activities and mission focused programs to opportunities to connect with peers in social settings. Campus partners from across the university play a role, including Campus Ministry, Marquette University Student Government, the Campus Activities Board, the Lemonis Center for Student Success, Campus Recreation, Career Services and more. “There will be something for everyone,” Janz says.
The impact of Eagles Landing is noticeable. Last year, the university hosted 88 events across 19 different offices. This year, the program expanded to 95 events involving 24 offices. “The program has grown in the addition of more offices, departments and colleges willing to take part and plan events or offer opportunities to learn about resources,” Janz says.
For students, the program is more than just a collection of events. It’s about building a sense of belonging. Resident assistant Frankie McGee says his favorite event so far was Welcome to Wellness. “I really enjoyed participating in it because I got to talk with fellow RAs and interact with many residents I already know,” McGee says. “That made the event even more fun and meaningful for me.”
McGee also says that Eagles Landing can help students navigate the challenges of starting college. “New students often face challenges like homesickness, making new friends, and adjusting to the academic and social pace of college life,” McGee says. “Events like Eagles Landing help by providing a welcoming environment where they can form connections and feel like part of a community.”
That sense of community is at the heart of the program’s mission. “Our goal is to help students find their way on campus,” Janz says. “We hope they discover what makes Marquette University different and how Jesuit values impact the experience. We want students to find organizations and groups where they feel free to be who they are and feel valued on our campus. We also want them to have fun — make friends while learning about resources on campus that can aid their success.”
Resident assistants have also noticed the difference. Janz says they “appreciate having this as a resource to easily share activities happening on campus, with their residents,” giving them a tool to foster connection within residence halls.
McGee agrees that the program’s greatest strength lies in its ability to bring students together. “It provides a consistent space where residents can interact with one another and with staff, which builds trust and community,” McGee says.
Janz says that the program is about discovery as much as it is about connection. “We help them meet others; find groups and organizations where they can be themselves and grow as campus leaders; introduce them to a wide range of campus resources that will help guide them throughout their Marquette journey; discover opportunities that they may not have realized were available to them.”
Eagles Landing is open to all students, whether a first-year student adjusting to campus life or a returning student looking for fresh opportunities.
