ELLIE CONOVER: Wildcats Who Made History
HANDSHAKE Wildcats at Work: Finding a job on campus
Whether you are looking to spend time during the day or kickstart an activity during the night, there is always something for you to do in Tucson.
Whether you're arriving from across Tucson or across the country, welcome to the University of Arizona!
Beginning college is exciting, challenging, and full of new experiences — and we're here to help you make the most of it.
Wildcat Welcome was created by Arizona Student Media as your guide to campus life. Inside you'll discover resources to help you succeed, places to explore, traditions to experience, and tips for making Tucson feel like home. From finding a student organization and exploring campus history to saving money around town and preparing for life after graduation, every page was designed with new Wildcats in mind.
You may have noticed the Student Media van featured on the cover. Throughout the year you'll see it across campus at Housing Fairs, Bear Down Festival, Parent & Family Weekend, club fairs, and other student events. Think of it as a rolling reminder that there's always something happening at Arizona — and another opportunity to meet people, discover resources, and become part of the Wildcat community. This magazine is just the beginning.
Stay connected through The Daily Wildcat, KAMP Student Radio, UATV3, our social media channels, and the many events Arizona Student Media hosts throughout the year. Whether you're looking for news, entertainment, career opportunities, or simply a way to get involved, we're here to help you make your campus experience unforgettable.
The University of Arizona Welcome Wildcat Magazine is published by Arizona Student Media in partnership with the Dean of Students Office.
Arizona Student Media 888 N. Euclid Ave. Room 301 Tucson, AZ 87721
Editor:
Susan Bollin McMillan Director, The Arizona Daily Wildcat sbmcmillan@arizona.edu
Contributing Writers: Ellie Conover, Content Lead Dylann Sweeney
Advertising/Marketing: Mark Marrero
Advertising and Sales Manager
Arizona Student Media markmarrero@arizona.edu 520-621-5982
Administrative Support Assistant II: Carletta Kovacs ckovacs@arizona.edu 520-621-2139
Design and Production: Kasey Williams Graphic Design, Photography
Cover: Kasey Williams
The advertisements in this magazine are for informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsement of services by The University of Arizona © 2026 Arizona
Dylann Sweeney
Whether you are an incoming freshman, reminiscent senior, recent college graduate, alumni, or parent wanting to experience the University of Arizona campus alongside your student, the Mall is the place to be.
Copper-colored brick buildings and classrooms are encircled by palm trees and cactus alike, with walkable paths leading you all throughout campus. Throughout the day, the Mall is bathed in sunlight, with a central fountain framed by Old Main, University of Arizona’s oldest building. During the day it is filled with students and faculty, or covered in fundraising tables, tabling events, student organization showcases, or even huge bouncy castles.
And when the sun sets, it bathes the grassy area in a golden glow; arguably the Mall’s most beautiful hour and a time when many can be seen strolling the length of the Mall and reveling in yet another breathtaking Tucson sunset.
There is no doubt that the Mall welcomes you with open arms, no matter who you may be.
It is a place to disconnect from your phone and reconnect with campus life, especially if you are beginning at the university for the first time and are not sure where to start.
There is always something happening on the Mall, with an event for every kind of person.
It is the true center of campus life, where Wildcat spirit and community come together in one shared space.
Looking to get involved on campus? Join us for the Fall 2026 Club Fair on Thursday, September 10, from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM on the U of A Mall! Meet hundreds of recognized student clubs and organizations, explore new interests, find your community, and find all the ways you can make the most of your Wildcat experience. Whether you're searching for a cultural organization, academic club, recreational group, service opportunity, or something completely new, Club Fair is the perfect place to start. Stop by, connect with fellow Wildcats, and find where you belong!
The midpoint of the fall semester is a time when Wildcats come together to connect, build community, and engage with one another on campus. Bear Down Week is all about supporting one another, preparing for midterms, and discovering what it truly means to “Bear Down”.
Every year in October, U of A welcomes family members to campus for a weekend of Wildcat activities and quality time with their student(s). Throughout Family Weekend, the Mall is a hotspot for events, with this year’s activities on the Mall including but certainly not limited to the Bear Down Fall Festival and the signature Family Weekend Tailgate. Families can attend these events throughout the weekend before heading to the Arizona Stadium to cheer on the Wildcats together at the football game. Whether you are exploring campus or celebrating on game day, Family Weekend gives families a firsthand taste of what makes college life at the U of A so special.
For students unsure of where to start when it comes to finding a place to live either on or off campus, the annual Off Campus Housing Fair connects students with housing representatives to learn about various living options. No need to register for this event, as anyone can come and enjoy all of the fun activities set up on the Mall for your enjoyment. This Fair allows students to discover current housing options that are available to them, while engaging with campus life, in the open setting of the Mall.
The University of Arizona’s heart and center of campus is undeniably the Mall; a must-see location to discover new and exciting things happening both on and off campus.
This week-long celebration brings students, faculty, families
SUN SAT OCTOBER 18 24
and alumni together to celebrate their collective Wildcat pride and traditions across campus. The Mall is at the center of this week, becoming one of the most active gathering spaces on campus. The grassy area fills up with tents by alumni, donors and more showcasing their Wildcat loyalty. There is also the Wildcat for Life Tailgate before the Homecoming football game, where the university’s community comes together for food, games, music and more. Additionally, throughout the week the Mall and surrounding areas host college-specific tailgates, with departments welcoming alumni back to reconnect with faculty, past classmates, and current students. The most notable event of the week is the Alumni Bonfire, Pep Rally and Royalty Crowning, which is held next to the Mall and features the Pride of Arizona Marching Band, U of A mascots Wilbur and Wilma and the Homecoming Court for an evening celebration that truly captures the essence of Wildcat spirit. Homecoming turns the Mall into a campus-wide celebration of all that it means to Bear Down.
The U of A Mall is truly a campus cause in action, helping to showcase philanthropic organizations throughout the year. Many student organizations, including Greek Life, clubs and other societies regularly set up tabling on the Mall to raise awareness, promote fundraising or volunteer opportunities, recruit interested or potential students as members and overall share their organization’s mission and purpose. The Mall provides easy opportunities for students to engage with a wide range of causes in a central and easily accessible campus location.
The Mall also hosts wellness programming, often organized through various philanthropic organizations, such as yoga or pilates classes. This adds an additional layer of community and campus engagement, with the Mall functioning as a hub for both outreach and student involvement in important causes.
Not only is the Mall a core location for campus events, but it also serves as an important and central space for student expression where students can exercise their freedom of speech and engage in other demonstrations.
The Mall provides a platform for a wide range of perspectives and voices to be heard. Student-led protests and demonstrations utilize this “heart” of campus to raise awareness on social, political, as well as campus-specific issues, encouraging dialogue and engagement within the U of A community. The Mall, in this manner, functions not only as a space for gathering, but also as a space for participation and student advocacy.
For students, by students, Bear Down Music Festival is the university’s largest student-run event of the year, transforming the Mall into a live concert and festival venue right in the heart of campus. A large outdoor stage is constructed and more than 5,000 students and guests gather on the Mall for live performances from a variety of national headliners and emerging artists, alongside student bands and DJs that accommodate a wide range of music tastes. In recent years, the BDMF lineup has included wellknown artists like Dayglow, Louis The Child, Waka Flocka Flame, Mackenzie Carpenter and many other pop, indie and country performers.
Beyond the music, BDMF is designed to create a full “festival” experience, featuring games, rides, vendor collaborations, food, drinks and many other themed activities designed to provide entertainment for everyone. BDMF is entirely student-led and organized by the Associated Students of the University of Arizona and the Wildcat Events Board and takes planning over many months leading up to the spring semester. At its core, BDMF turns the Mall into a full-fledged concert venue and entertainment space, where students can gather and close out the semester with a shared campus-wide musical experience.
Students beginning their journey at the University of Arizona are mostly excited... and probably a little anxious... about this new chapter. Academics are at the heart of the college experience, but there's a predictor of student success that is equally important: Feeling connected
Research shows that students who develop a sense of belonging are more likely to thrive academically, persevere through challenges, and graduate. That's why the University of Arizona is committed to helping every Wildcat build meaningful connections from the moment they arrive on campus.
This year marks the implementation of the university's live-on expectation for first-year, fulltime students. Living on campus offers far more than convenience. Arizona dorms are vibrant communities where students build friendships, connect with peers who share similar interests, and develop valuable life skills. Whether they're attending a study session, participating in a wellness program, enjoying an event, or simply introducing themselves to a neighbor, students have daily opportunities to create relationships that often last a lifetime. These experiences help students discover new interests, build confidence, and develop a true sense of belonging.
Outside the dorms, the opportunities for connections continue. Students can join one of hundreds of clubs and organizations, attend campus events, cheer on Arizona Athletics, take part in leadership programs, or find on-campus employment. Every experience will help them grow, while strengthening their connection to the university.
One of the first opportunities for students to get involved is Wildcat Welcome Week, held at the start of the semester. This campus-wide celebration introduces students to university resources, traditions, and activities while encouraging them to meet classmates, explore campus, and discover new opportunities. Those first few weeks of college are an ideal time to build friendships and establish routines that support long-term success.
As a Wildcat supporter, your encouragement can have a lasting impact. Something as simple as asking, "What event did you attend this week?" or "Have you met anyone new?" reinforces the importance of getting involved beyond the classroom. If your student seems hesitant, encourage them to take small steps. Attending an event, joining a student club or organization, or introducing themselves to a classmate can lead to friendships and experiences that can positively shape their college years.
It's also normal for students to experience homesickness or uncertainty as they adjust to college life. The good news is they don't have to navigate this transition alone. Dedicated staff members are here to support students' health, well-being, and success every step of the way. Housing Resident Assistants, faculty, and student leaders are all committed to helping students feel supported and connected during this time of transition. If your student ever needs additional support, Counseling & Psych Services (CAPS) offers confidential counseling and crisis services, with help available 24 hours a day at 520-621-3334
College is about much more than earning a degree. It's about discovering passions, developing independence, building lifelong friendships, and becoming part of a community. By encouraging your student to get involved, you are helping lay the foundation for a rewarding and successful Wildcat experience.
We also hope you'll join us for Family Weekend, October 2-4, when you'll have the opportunity to experience campus alongside your Wildcat and celebrate the community they're beginning to build.
Key campus dates, traditions & Tucson events for the 2026–2027 academic year
AUGUST
Aug. 18–20
Aug. 18–21
Aug. 20–22
Aug. 21–22
Aug. 23
Aug. 24
Aug. 26
SEPTEMBER
Sept. 7
Move-in for New Students
Family Quest (Family Events)
Destination Arizona
Move-In for Returning Students
Bash at the Rec
First Day of Classes
Tuition Payment Deadline
Student Employment & Research Fair
Labor Day (no classes)
Bear Down Week Sept. 28 - Oct. 2
OCTOBER
Bear Down Week Sept. 28 - Oct. 2
Oct. 2–4
Oct. 2
Family Weekend
Family Fun Run & Wellness Fair
Tucson Meet Yourself Oct. 16–18
Homecoming Oct. 18–24
Nightfall / Terror in the Corn (off-campus events) TBD (October)
NOVEMBER
Nov. 11
Veterans Day (no classes)
Dusk Music Festival Nov. 13-14
Nov. 26-27
DECEMBER
Dec. 9
Dec. 10
ARIZONA
Thanksgiving Recess
Last Day of Classes & Laboratory Sessions
Reading Day (no classes/finals)
(continued)
Reading Day (no classes/finals) Dec. 10
Fourth Avenue Street Fair Dec. 11–13
Dec. 11–17
Final Exams
Winterhaven (off-campus events) Dec. 13–27
JANUARY
Classes Begin Jan. 13
Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (no classes) Jan. 18
FEBURARY
Housing Fair TBD
MARCH
Spring Recess (no classes) March 6–14
March 19–21
APRIL
MAY
Fourth Avenue Street Fair
Bear Down Music Festival
Last Day of Classes & Laboratory Sessions May 5
Reading Day (no classes/finals) May 6
Final Exams May 7–13
Commencement May 14
ASSOCIATED STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA (ASUA)
The student government on campus serving the University and fellow students through programs, policies and events. ASUA ensures student voices are heard. asuatoday.arizona.edu
Your go-to resource for health and wellness, conveniently located on the main campus. Campus Health offers a comprehensive range of award-winning medical and mental health services. With no-cost counseling available, health insurance is never required, and a student-discounted rate is always offered. health.arizona.edu
CAMPUS PANTRY
The pantry is a student-run supplemental grocery program that serves students, faculty and staff to reduce food insecurity. campuspantry.arizona.edu
Campus REC is your hub for a healthy lifestyle at the University. With three accessible locations open seven days a week, Campus REC offers a variety of programs and state-ofthe-art facilities designed to support balanced living for the Wildcat community. rec.arizona.edu
A central support resource for students, their supporters, faculty, and staff to navigate university resources, understand policies and procedures, manage crises, and address lifechallenges and other barriers that may impede success.
deanofstudents.arizona.edu
A resource for disability access on campus for students, employees, and visitors. The DRC promotes universal design through proactive collaboration with campus partners to cultivate a more inclusive University experience. drc.arizona.edu
HOUSING & RESIDENTIAL LIFE
Living on campus in one of the University’s 22 undergraduate dorms is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that Wildcats never forget. housing.arizona.edu
Helpful staff and resources for all things related to financial aid. financialaid.arizona.edu
PARENT & FAMILY PROGRAMS
Parent & Family Programs; a resource committed to keep families engaged, informed and supported throughout their student’s time on campus. uafamily.arizona.edu
Parking options and transportation alternatives for faculty, staff, students, and visitors. parking.arizona.edu
SAFERIDE
A free transportation service for all University of Arizona affiliates. As an academic service, SafeRide’s mission is to serve those traveling to or from campus while also providing a friendly and official presence on the streets at night. 520-621-SAFE (7233) asuatoday.arizona.edu/what-we-do/safe-ride
STUDENT UNION & MEAL PLANS
The kitchen and living room of the University, where everyone can eat, play, relax and get involved. union.arizona.edu
WILDCATS SUPPORTING WILDCATS: CAMPUS CLOSET
The closet is an on-campus donation-based program offering clothing to students, faculty and staff free of charge. As part of ASUA, the Campus Closet helps minimize clothing insecurity and promote sustainable options. asuatoday.arizona.edu/what-we-do/campus-closet
THINK TANK
The University of Arizona’s centralized academic support center offering tutoring, supplemental instruction, a writing center, and more thinktank.arizona.edu
“Graduating from high school I realized that I didn’t have all the tools I needed to help me in the next chapter of my life. The Earn to Learn program has helped me pursue my passion for early childhood education with confidence, and the financial education supported by Hughes Federal Credit Union has been invaluable to prepare me for my university career and the world beyond.” — Mikaela F.
Find out how Hughes and Earn to Learn join forces to support student success at HughesFCU.org/ETL
We’ve all heard the cliche “safety first” but at the University of Arizona nothing is more important. The Office of Public Safety and the University of Arizona Police Department work together to maintain a safe and supported community for all students, faculty, staff and visitors.
That starts with the innovative SafeCats app. It is designed to help you stay prepared, informed and connected on campus and the surrounding area. The app is regularly updated based on user feedback and new features are regularly added so the app keeps getting better over time.
All students, employees, parents, friends and campus visitors are invited to download the new app to stay informed and prepared in the event of an emergency. You can download SafeCats for free from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
To get started, log into the app using your NetID to access all available features. Your NetID is a personal username assigned to students, faculty and staff at UA.
SafeCats Features:
Friend Walk* Send your location in real time to a friend or parent so they can watch you as you walk to your destination. Your friend doesn’t need the app.
WorkAlone* Set a timer while you're working or studying alone. If you don’t check in, your chosen contact will be alerted.
Social Escape* Need an excuse to leave? Set Social Escape to call you automatically and help you exit quickly and safely.
Mobile BlueLight * This feature simultaneously places an emergency call and shares your real‑time location to responders.
Report a Tip* Submit non emergency info (e.g. vandalism) to the Office of Public Safety.
TAMT Reporting* Easily report concerning behaviors to the Threat Assessment and Management Team.
Getting Around Access parking regulations and garage availability, bicycle information, and transportation solutions.
Campus Maps Find AED and emergency BlueLight phone locations, CatTran tracker and transit information.
Support Resources Get connected to mental health support services and on campus housing information.
*for users logged in with NetID
Enable push notifications to receive UAlert messages in SafeCats more quickly than via email or text. You will need to enable location services in the app and on your phone to share your location in real time in case of an emergency.
- University users can log in with NetID to access all features. Non-university users can enter the app as a Guest.
- UAlerts are the university’s way of sharing critical safety issues. You will get those alerts faster through SafeCats as push notifications go straight through the app rather than having to be routed through an email or cell service provider.
- If you have any trouble downloading, setting up, or using the app, you can contact the UA 24/7 IT Support Center.
There are about 300 emergency blue light phones on campus. They are a direct connection to the University of Arizona Police Department. Once the button is pressed, UAPD and officers are immediately dispatched to the location.
- SafeRide is a free transportation service for students that has been operating since 1981. Students can request a SafeRide on the Tripshot app. These rides operate throughout campus, downtown Tucson, local grocery stores, residence halls and apartment buildings. Its service hours are Monday through Friday from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
- Cat Tran is a free campus transit service that is designed to make getting around campus easy and safe. This service is operated by Parking & Transportation Service and makes many stops across campus.
From the moment you arrive in Tucson, there is an abundance of new events waiting for you. Whether you are looking for ways to escape the heat, or finding time outside, there is no shortage of activities on the horizon.
The city kicks things off with its annual Tucson Meet Yourself on October 16-18. Produced by Southwest Folklife Alliance and first kicked off in 1974, it is one of the longest running folklife festivals in the U.S. Here, you can find more than 50 diverse food vendors. The festival highlights over 500 folk artists and musicians as well, performing across five different stages. This is a perfect place to have fun, eat well and get to know what Tucson is all about.
Tucson’s Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase begins in January and goes through the middle of February. This event is the largest of its kind in the world. It showcases thousands of various gems, crystals, jewelry, fossils and minerals as well as artisans and makers. It is a perfect place to lose yourself in your surroundings. There is something for everyone at the Gem show.
Tucson’s Rodeo and Parade is another hit in the city, offering front row access to rodeo events such as bull riding, steer wrestling, bareback riding and barrel racing. You can see both women’s and men’s events as well as modified youth events. It dates back to 1925 and holds over 150 entries of horse-drawn vehicles, mounted bands and folklórico dancers. This typically occurs in midlate February.
Starting in March and running for two days, the Tucson Festival of Books runs right through the University of Arizona’s campus. The Mall is filled with authors sharing their new and upcoming books and vendors advertising their products. If you are looking for a way to spend your afternoon during this time of the year, the book festival is the perfect place right on your doorstep.
If nightlife is more your scene, there are lots of opportunities to immerse yourself in Tucson culture.
Football and basketball seasons are some of the most popular times of the year for Tucson. Whether you are able to be at the University Stadium and inside McKale or are watching the games downtown, fans and supporters make games an unforgettable experience.
If you find yourself leaning towards the music scene, Tucson hosts DUSK Music Festival, running from November 13-14. The concerts feature EDM, hip-hop, indie rock, pop and local acts as well as showcasing local artists and creators. It’s just a short walk downtown to the festival from campus and a great way to spend your evening.
Later that month, the city holds its All Souls Procession event which blends Dia De Los Muertos with other global mourning traditions. Tucson celebrates this event as it recognizes and resonates with the diverse local community. People participating in this event dress up in costume and carry lanterns to honor lost loved ones. It is a celebration and service for all.
Tucson’s Jazz festival happens in January, showcasing internationally acclaimed artists alongside local performers. It is among the largest jazz gatherings in the American Southwest. This 10-day event allows everyone in Tucson to stop by and explore the scene.
$ = Garages with Visitor P arking and P arking Meters Contact P arking & T ransportation at 626-7275 or parking.arizona edu for more information = T ucson S treetcar = Sunlink S treetcar campus stops route. See other side for route west from Euclid A venue to Mercado district.
Grocery Shopping Smarter, NOT Harder
Starting your college career means learning how to manage a budget. The combination of groceries, transportation and everyday expenses can become a financial burden for many students rather quickly. Fortunately, the University of Arizona offers assistance for students to help their dollars go a little further.
Grocery shopping can be one of the easiest ways to manage spending in your years at the University of Arizona. Many fast food restaurants encircle the University within a mile radius, making it virtually impossible to avoid. However, grocery stores, including the Global Market and Highland Market on campus, allow students to get more bang for their buck.
Students also have access to several grocery stores throughout Tucson, including Fry’s, Trader Joe's, Walmart, Safeway, and Food City (for inexpensive produce and Hispanic pantry staples), and a co-op grocery store on 4th Ave. There are options on campus for everyday needs as well, with a CVS on University Boulevard.
To meal plan, here are some important days of the week.
• Tuesday: Fry’s offers 10% Discount to Students
• Wednesday: New grocery ads deliver (check company websites).
• Saturday: New produce displayed at Food City.
Many local shops and restaurants on or around campus offer discounts and coupons, creating affordable options for students in all grades. Other places to purchase groceries
Navigating Campus
While grocery stores can help control overspending, some students struggle to navigate transportation to these stores. Fortunately, there are several affordable ways to get around Tucson.
• The University of Arizona’s free Sun Link streetcar runs throughout the campus into downtown Tucson, allowing students to travel safely and without charge to places of their choice within the streetcar’s boundaries.
• CatTran is also a method of transportation that can help you navigate around the university.
Use your student discounts
Shop with a list
Use public transportation
Take advantage of campus resources
Students are also able to utilize Tucson’s free public transit system to access groceries stores and shopping outlets. Walking and biking are practical options for many students as well. Beyond the Global Market and Highland Market on campus, the nearest full-service grocery store, Safeway, is only one mile south of the University. The route would take approximately 20-25 minutes to walk to and around five minutes by bike, making these both convenient options for students to save money on food and transportation expenses.
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The Center for Career Readiness at the University of Arizona supports students with early career exploration, learning and practicing key careerreadiness and leadership skills, and preparing to search and apply for internships and jobs. The CCR website is a virtual career center featuring digital resources for every step of the Wildcat Career Journey.
Handshake is the free career hub at the University of Arizona. It’s designed for college students to connect
with employers and find career events on campus. Every registered Wildcat has an account. To activate, students log in at arizona.joinhandshake.com with their NetID and follow the prompts. Handshake is where students can search for on-campus jobs, internships, and full-time roles as well as register for career workshops and make appointments with The Center for Career Readiness for advice.
LifeLab is a friendly space at the University of Arizona to get one-on-one support for students to connect their interests to future career possibilities. Students can drop by LifeLab – in-person, on Zoom or by email – no appointment needed. They will leave with personalized recommendations and a clear path forward. Fellow students help set goals, find support and guide clients toward a life of purpose after graduation. Whether its exploring career options, applying for internships, jobs, or grad school, LifeLab's got help.
You can hit the ground running as soon as you get to campus with the first
Connect with them if you:
- Have no idea where to start, where you’re headed, or what questions to ask.
- Are figuring out what you want from your life and future career.
- Need help with an internship or job search.
- Have a vision for your future and want to get involved or connect with campus resources.
- Wonder what careers match your major.
- Want to talk to someone who’s been in your shoes. WED AUGUST 26 12PM - 3PM Wildcat Student Employment & Research Fair! It’s happening Wednesday August 26th from 12pm-3pm in the Bear Down Building right off the mall.
Campus Health’s CAPS offers comprehensive mental health care designed specifically for students. The majority of CAPS services are no cost for main campus students.
CAPS services work together in curated Care Pathways built around common student goals and concerns like anxiety, depression, crisis support, relationships, school and attention, stress management, and more. Care Pathways provide students with skills, connection, and individual care that’s both effective and efficient, helping students feel better, build confidence, and get the most out of their college experience and beyond. Whatever a student’s goals, there’s a Care Pathway for them. Student can choose from recommended Pathway experiences or create their own.
Care Pathways include these core services:
• Mental Health Foundations: One-hour, single-session workshops on a range of key topics facilitated by a CAPS provider.
• Mental Health Connections: Weekly group counseling facilitated by a CAPS counselor with 4-10 peers sharing similar goals and concerns.
• Mental Health Counseling & Consultation: 1:1 counseling and personalized recommendations for care that can be scheduled as needed with a CAPS counselor.
• Specialized Care services may be recommended by CAPS providers to connect students with the right level of support for their needs. Specialized Care services include: Care Coordination, Couples Counseling, Specialized Assessments, Survivor Support, Psychiatry ($), ADHD Evaluation ($), IOP ($).
• Wellbeing Add-Ons like peer counseling, programs, and events can be explored on their own or added to any pathway.
Students can get started at CAPS by self-scheduling Mental Health Counseling & Consultation either through PatientLink, calling, or working with a site-based counselor located in Student Spaces and specific academic colleges and centers.
Mental Health Foundation Workshops are another way to get started – these are open to any student. Students can call CAPS at 520-621-3334 or register online.
When the best plan for a student is care outside of CAPS, our care coordination team can help students get connected with off-campus services or find other supportive resources on or off-campus.
For more information about CAPS services and getting started, visit caps.arizona.edu.
Pursue your study interests with any of our 13 Humanities majors and multiple areas of emphasis: AFRICANA STUDIES APPLIED HUMANITIES
SPANISH &
choose more than
degrees with other
We are the official University of Arizona Campus Store. From the moment you step on campus to the day you walk across that graduation stage, the Campus Store is here to support your Wildcat journey.
This isn’t just a place to grab a hoodie or pick up books. This is your store, owned by the university, run for the students, and dedicated to helping you succeed in and out of the classroom
The Campus Store is woven into the fabric of the Wildcat experience. We’re a self-funded part of the university (no tuition or state dollars!), and every dollar you spend here gives back to you, your classmates, and the entire Tucson community. When you shop with us, you’re helping fund:
You’re not just starting college, you’re joining a legacy of students who have come before you and left their mark. At the Campus Store, we’re here to help you make yours.
So when you gear up for game day, prep for finals, or grab a last-minute gift before heading home,
know that every purchase gives back. Every t-shirt, notebook, or charger you buy helps fund the programs that make your experience at the University of Arizona unforgettable.
Our story started nearly a century ago in 1928, in the basement of Old Main. Since then, we’ve grown into a 63,000 sq. ft. flagship store at the heart of campus, doubling as a gallery, event space, and meeting place. It’s a place where students connect, create, and find what they need to thrive.
And while we’ve expanded (hello, McKale, Medical, BioSphere 2, and Flandrau!), our mission remains the same: to fuel your success as a Wildcat.
The Disability Resource Center (DRC) is the University of Arizona’s designated office for ensuring access for disabled students across main campus, distance locations, and Arizona Online. The DRC works collaboratively with students, faculty, and campus partners to determine appropriate accommodations that support full participation in classes, programs, and activities. These services are provided at no cost to students.
Accessibility support extends beyond the classroom to include exams and other learning assessments, field trips, labs, internships, study abroad, and all class-related activities. This comprehensive approach ensures that students can engage fully in every part of their academic experience.
Students and UA employees can connect with the DRC at any point in their college career by completing the student affiliation form available on the DRC website. Unlike in K–12 education, college students independently choose whether and when to request accommodations.
After submitting the form, students receive next steps via their university email, which may include scheduling a meeting with an Access Consultant. This confidential meeting helps identify appropriate accommodations, and disability-related information is not shared with faculty or others.
Once accommodations are in place, students are responsible for communicating disability-related access barriers with the DRC. If an accommodation is not effective or circumstances change, the DRC can reassess and explore alternative options to ensure equal access.
In addition to individual services, the DRC partners across campus to promote a more inclusive and accessible environment. The center envisions a university community where all students, employees, and visitors feel welcomed and have equitable opportunities to participate.
You are walking a path to greatness. Like many others before you, plant your dreams firmly in the ground and reach for the stars!
After winning an individual NCAA Division I championship in 2001, Amanda Beard went on to become a 7-time Olympic medalist, formerly holding the world record in the 200-meter breaststroke (long course). Originally from Irvine, California, Beard became an international sensation.
From 2011-2016, Anna
became the first woman of color to head the Girl Scouts of the USA. She serves as an attorney, an inspirational speaker, writer and community leader. She came to UA in pursuit of her law degree after receiving an undergraduate degree from Yale University.
Baseball Hall of Famer Trevor Hoffman played shortstop for Arizona baseball in 1988 and '89 before getting drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 11th round of the 1989 MLB Draft. Since then, he became the major leagues' first player to reach the 500- and 600-save milestones and was the all-time saves leader from 2006 until 2011.
Mason Jr., a renowned American songwriter, went to Arizona on a basketball scholarship. After suffering an injury, Mason found himself in the entertainment industry, which has carried him to winning 6 Emmys and writing for artists like Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Chris Brown and Justin Timberlake.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off, The Breakfast Club and National Lampoon's Vacation are just a few of the immensely successful movies written by UA student John Hughes. He initially attended the University chasing a drama and film degree before eventually pursuing a career as a comedy and advertising writer.
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Kitty Kelley found success through diving into the lives of the rich and powerful. With famous, unauthorized biographies of notable figures like Elizabeth Taylor, Oprah Winfrey and the Bush family, Kelley's year at Arizona led her to ultimately earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.
Renowned 5-time NBA Champion, Steve Kerr, is among these great stars. Kerr led Arizona basketball to their first NCAA Final Four appearance in 1988. He earned a decorated career at UA, and currently leads the Golden State Warriors. Kerr is also the coach for the USA men’s National Team, leading them to a gold medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
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Paralympic wheelchair basketball player and alpine skier Alana Nichols became the first American woman to win gold medals in both the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games. She played for Arizona’s women's wheelchair basketball team and graduated from the University with a Bachelor of Science in Education.
Peter Murrieta is best known for his work on the Disney Channel sitcom Wizards of Waverly Place, in which he served as head writer and executive producer during the first three seasons. He graduated from the UA in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a degree in creative writing.
Emmy Award-winning actor Craig T. Nelson attended UA from 1965 until 1969, when he left to pursue his acting career. Since then, he has been featured or starred in movies such as The Proposal, The Incredibles and Wonder Woman, as well as the award-winning series Coach.
The University of Arizona is a land-grant university, a designation coming from federal legislation that was passed in the 1800s to make higher education accessible to all people rather than prioritizing the wealthy. Land-grant universities were created to provide realistic education, beneficial research and serve their communities.
UofA serves this mission in 3 key ways:
Arizona offers scholarships, support services, online learning and programs across the state to make higher education available to all students in Arizona.
UA conducts research that addresses real-world challenges focusing on issues like water conservation, public health, agriculture, Indigenous languages, healthcare, space science and much more. The goal is to create knowledge that benefits people’s lives and makes communities stronger.
The University uses Cooperative Extension, a statewide network that brings research-based solutions directly to residents. These kinds of programs help farmers improve crop production, support families with health education, offer youth development programs and help with local issues. Cooperative Extension serves all Arizona counties and Tribal communities.
The land-grant mission means your education is designed not only to prepare you for a career outside of your education but also to make a positive impact on your community.
Being a land-grant university means the U of A is committed to educating students, advancing research and serving the people of Arizona.
1. Earn credit toward your degree while seeing the world!
2. Use scholarships like the Garcia Family Foundation Scholarship for Study Abroad to make international experiences affordable.
3. Gain a global perspective & cultural understanding by living and learning in another community.
4. Collaborate with classmates & instructors from around the world and explore your field through a new lens.
5. Develop a competitive edge in the job market through international experience & networking opportunities.
“My time abroad has been a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I am so grateful to have been immersed in such a beautiful country! Studying abroad has been such an incredible opportunity to experience new cultures, explore beautiful places, and learn beyond the classroom.” CONTACT US: STUDYABROAD@ARIZONA.EDU | STUDYABROAD.ARIZONA.EDU
Josh Alvarado
Spanish Immersion in Buenos Aires, Fall 2025
