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QUEST: First Flight

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QUEST: First Flight will not take place this June 2023. Arriving at this decision was not easy, but due to low application and enrollment numbers, the Intercultural Center and Office of Diversity and Inclusion have decided not to move forward with holding the program this summer. Our team encourages you to take advantage of all the many resources and opportunities available to you at the university, and we remain available to offer our support to you as you make the transition to UNF. If you have any questions or concerns, contact us via email at interculturalcenter@unf.edu, and one of our team members will follow up as soon as possible.

Quest First Flight Logo
Prepare to take flight as a UNF Osprey by participating in the QUEST: First Flight. Think about it. Pilots rarely take their first solo flight without proper training and a chance to practice. So why should students? For many students, college is taking the first plunge into adulting, and even common things we do daily can suddenly seem daunting and unfamiliar. As such, QUEST: First Flight provides the same opportunity for students to test their wings before embarking on their first flight as an Osprey.

What is QUEST: First Flight? 

QUEST: First Flight is a one-week intensive summer immersion experience designed to support, guide and build community for students from diverse backgrounds through intentional programs and activities that enhance students’ holistic collegiate experience.

As a QUEST: First Flight participant, you will:
  • Get acclimated to the University by familiarizing yourself with resources available on campus and in the surrounding community
  • Develop a sense of community and build a campus support network that includes diverse students, staff, and faculty who share similar interests, goals, and talents
  • Learn proven strategies for engaging in dialogue across differences
  • Attend programs and events geared toward holistically developing student leaders
  • Meet new people and establish lifelong friendships
  • Find your place in the "Nest" where you can be your authentic self and express your intersectional identities

Eligibility 

Program space is limited. All interested students are encouraged to apply once they have confirmed their decision to attend UNF.

In order to qualify to participate in QUEST: First Flight, students must:

  • Be formally admitted to the University of North Florida (UNF) for summer B or fall semester as a first-time in college student
  • Identify as a student of a historically underrepresented identity group.

What can I expect as a participant in QUEST: First Flight?

As a QUEST: First Flight participant, you will:

  • Get priority status in submitting their application to the Intercultural Center's Connections Mentoring Program
  • Participate in diversity and inclusion workshops, specifically designed to hone your skills in problem-solving, effective communication and conceptual understanding -- desired qualifications for many employers
  • Receive individualized attention from ODI Staff in helping them navigate personal, social, and academic experiences
  • Earn a $500.00 scholarship ($250.00 per semester)

Apply Now

QUEST: First Flight is no longer accepting applications at this time.

Questions?

Contact the QUEST: First Flight Program by email at QUEST@unf.edu or call (904) 620 - 2475.

  • What are the daily hours and activities of QUEST: First Flight?
    QUEST: First Flight takes place from Sunday, June 18 through Friday, June 23. The daytime hours of the program are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with scheduled breaks throughout the day. There are evening social activities that generally take place between the hours of 6-9 p.m. and vary in time length, pending scheduling availability. Daily activities include team-building exercises, workshops, general education seminars, and more. Evening activities range from movie nights, karaoke, paint to the beat, game nights and more.
  • What meals are provided during QUEST: First Flight?
    Participants are responsible for the cost of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and snacks (if they do not wish to partake in the ones provided). Participants will receive information about dining options and costs. We recommend about $35/daily for meals, which means participants could approximately expect to pay $160 for meals in a week. We provide one opening reception (light appetizers) on June 18 and a closing luncheon on Friday, June 23.
  • Is housing covered for QUEST: First Flight?

    QUESTers (our nickname for program participants) are strongly encouraged to reside on campus for the duration of the program. The UNF Department of Housing and Residence Life works with our office to provide on-campus housing accommodations. If a participant is local to Jacksonville and has an extenuating circumstance that requires them to commute, they can still participate in the program. Participants who are continuing on for summer B term will move into their summer housing assignment*, while students starting in the fall term receive temporary housing assignments for the one-week duration of the program (Check-In: Sunday, June 18; Check-Out: Friday, June 23). Housing will bill participants' student accounts for their QUEST: First Flight housing. The housing cost is $35/night for double occupancy rooms, for an approximate total of $175. Single occupancy is available by request and carries additional costs.

    *The cost of QUEST: First Flight housing is not covered by the summer B housing contract. All QUEST participants, whether starting in summer or fall, are responsible for the cost of housing during the week of QUEST: First Flight. 

  • What is the approximate total cost of out of pocket expenses for QUEST: First Flight?
    All materials needed for program activities are provided by the Intercultural Center. Participants are responsible for meal costs, parking, and any housing expenses (to include the cost of a summer B housing contract outside of the listed program dates). Participants may wish to bring additional spending money for non-program events and activities. In total, program participants can expect to pay approximately $425 (housing in a double occupant, meals, and additional spending money). This estimation may increase or decrease pending student's personal spending habits and housing selection.
  • Is parking covered for QUEST: First Flight?
    The Intercultural Center will cover the cost of parking for QUEST participants who are not purchasing a parking permit for the summer B term. Students starting in Summer B, who are bringing a vehicle to campus and residing in a residence hall, should purchase a Housing parking permit. If a QUESTer intends to bring a vehicle to campus for the one week duration of the program, participants will need to notify the Intercultural Center by email at least one week prior to the start of the program on Sunday, June 18.
  • How many people participate in QUEST: First Flight?
    The program is designed to support up to 55 students in their transition journey as part of QUEST: First Flight.

Hear from past QUEST Participants

My QUEST experience [was] unforgettable! As a first-generation immigrant from the Philippines, my ultimate fear was whether my upbringing would be a barrier for me. The QUEST program encouraged me to be my authentic self. My personal QUEST experience was all about intercultural understanding and finding the commonalities of underrepresented communities here at UNF. I was able to break out of my shell and was able to be more confident in the "nest" after participating in the various team-building activities. I would love to go back and have the experience again!

Flynn, QUEST 2019