Former University of Wyoming student-athletes initially requested the program—named for the school’s elevation—when practice and game schedules wouldn’t permit them to attend school-sponsored life skills and career building workshops. The athletic department began offering guest presentations and rÁ©sumÁ© building classes for freshmen to “fifth years.”

Evolution at the University of Wyoming

That broad program has since morphed into three electives, which will officially launch this summer. “UWYO 1050” for freshman focuses on academic success and includes a community service project; “UWYO 3000” for sophomores and juniors concentrates on leadership skills, with a community service element; and “UWYO 3050” for seniors and fifth years is centered around career prep.

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The program’s purpose—providing leadership, wellness and life skills—remains the same, says Taylor Stuemky, assistant athletic director for student-athlete success for University of Wyoming Athletics. But student-athletes and a trend toward more age- and year-specific programming prompted a reboot, Stuemky says. A poll of the approximately 425 student-athletes found that rather than fitting program activities into their spare time, they preferred set classes. Students are busy, Stuemky says, so programming is streamlined into a classroom model that fits into their schedules.

Instant Insights /

University of Wyoming reboots student-athlete success initiative

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