Auburn Family's support fuels First 56 to make students feel at home

Julia Decoteau remembers how, as a freshman, attending the First 56 Block Party — with its carnival games, inflatables and crowds of students gathering on the Campus Green — helped Auburn feel like home.

Today, she encourages incoming first-year students to show up for those welcome events, where a simple decision to attend can lead to new friendships, familiar faces and a stronger sense of belonging.

“I met so many people from different backgrounds and majors that night — people I never would have crossed paths with if I hadn’t gone,” said Decoteau, who is now a junior. “So many of them are still familiar faces on campus.”

The annual block party is one of 56 events that are part of Student Affairs' First 56 initiative: eight weeks of special programming that promote student engagement, healthy decision-making and academic achievement.

And the work of Student Affairs wouldn’t happen without the generosity of the Auburn Family. Through their giving, donors help create a nurturing, vibrant campus environment where students can excel, grow and make the most of their time on campus.

The Auburn Experience

It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what makes the Plains so special, but the phrase “Auburn experience” comes close. That unique experience connects generations of Auburn graduates and continues to draw new students.

Last year, more than 35,100 students poured onto Auburn’s campus — a new record and an increase of 3% over the previous year. This number also includes the largest number of Alabama residents to date. Once students arrive on campus, Student Affairs is prepared to support them as they navigate every aspect of student life.

The First 56 was created based on research that indicates the first eight weeks of the semester are critical in shaping students’ academic and social engagement, as well as overall retention.

“Our goal is to get students engaged so they can find their own unique Auburn experience,” said Bobby Woodard, senior vice president for Student Affairs. “We know that once they do, they will thrive. The strategy behind First 56 is to ensure students not only have a good first few months on the Plains, but also a great four years.”

Waffles with Woodard, an event where he serves up free Waffle House on Haley Concourse, is one of the most popular First 56 activities. Others include Convocation, a pep rally in Jordan-Hare Stadium the night before classes start, and the Involvement Fair, an exhibition of more than 200 student organizations on the Campus Green.

From housing and dining to counseling and wellness

Student Affairs works diligently to identify student needs and provide a holistic experience that includes essential resources, opportunities to build meaningful connections, leadership development and personal and professional growth. From housing and dining to counseling and wellness, student activities and leadership development, Student Affairs staff members oversee a range of programs and services on Auburn’s campus.

Across campus, donor support helps turn student needs into meaningful resources, funding the following programs:

• The Campus Food Pantry, which provides free food and toiletry items to students experiencing food insecurity;

• The Rucksacks to Backpacks program, equipping student veterans with much-needed technology like laptops and software;

• The Student Success Funds, which are emergency funds administered by Auburn Cares to support students in crisis;

• Assistance with housing and dining costs through the Welcome Home program;

• And additional meal swipes administered by the Feed the Family Fund.

With support from the Auburn Family, Student Affairs is working to create a dynamic and supportive environment for students, ensuring their outside-the-classroom experience is just as life-changing as the one inside the classroom.

“We know how special Auburn is, and once students and families visit and see it for themselves, they’re hooked,” Woodard said. “That’s the power of the Auburn experience. And that’s due in large part to the Auburn Family’s dedication to current and future generations of students.”