Thousands of summer guests get a taste of college life
By Andy Ober, University Marketing and Communications
Conference and Guest Services helped support more than 50 camp and conference groups this summer, bringing nearly 3,000 guests to campus.
Thousands of students have returned to campus as a new academic year begins, but campus did not go quiet over the summer. Nearly 3,000 people stayed on campus this summer, supported by Conference and Guest Services, which hosted over 50 camp and conference groups across 10 dorms.
The office, part of Housing and Residential Life, provides summer housing and support for university and external groups. Guests range from youth participating in camps and educational programs to interns spending the summer in Tucson.
"Staying on campus gives young students a taste of the college experience and helps take away some of the 'what-ifs,'" said Melissa Friesenborg, program manager for Conference and Guest Services.
The behind-the-scenes work
Planning for summer guests begins months before anyone arrives. Friesenborg said external groups reach out throughout the year about summer programming, and work with internal groups typically begins in March.
Among the programs supported by the office over the summer is New Start, which gives incoming students an opportunity to build confidence and connections through college-level coursework, peer mentoring and an on-campus living experience.
"It's pretty campuswide," she said. "We listen to what each group needs and then connect them with the right campus partners, whether that's Parking and Transportation, UAPD, Student Unions, Campus Recreation or our facilities teams."
For example, the university hosted Girls State and Boys State – American Legion programs that bring high school juniors to campus to learn about government and civic engagement. Each group brought about 200 participants who needed housing, classroom space, catering and other campus resources.
To help support those guests, Friesenborg said the office hires 60 to 70 students each summer to work in jobs including conference managers, building monitors and housekeeping assistants. She said the students play a crucial role, since they're often one of a visitor's first connections at the university.
"A lot of our guests are not familiar with campus, so the students really help," she said. "They're our ambassadors."
The students benefit as well, since summer work gives them a different experience from academic-year jobs and allows them to work with guests ranging from adults to children as young as 12.
Summer programs can serve as an important introduction to the university, since they give younger guests a chance to stay in a dorm and demystify college. Friesenborg said spending even a few days on a college campus can alleviate anxiety and allow them to envision themselves going to college.
"It's a great way for people to get to know our campus," she said. "It's a great way to become a Wildcat."
Looking ahead
Conference and Guest Services is already planning for next summer's programming window, which runs from May 23-Aug. 7, 2027. Friesenborg said the earlier groups reach out, the more flexibility the office can provide. Those who want more information can contact the team at conferencehousing@arizona.edu or 520-621-6502.