We’re here to discuss UTSoC’s ‘Big Orange, Little Orange’ Scheme, founded by and ran by UTSoC’s Education Portfolio. Find the answers to all of your questions, including what it is, and what the second half of 2021 has in store for BOLO!
What is BOLO?
BOLO was founded on the idea that integrating to university can be tough! Standing for ‘Big Orange, Little Orange’, the program allows first year students to be paired with a second or third year student with the aim to assist new students’ transition into UTS. It’s a convenient way to meet new people, make new friends, attend social events, and discover the best food joints around campus. Think of BOLO as a really cool buddy program.
What will BOLO be getting up to in 2021?
BOLO has new and exciting things coming up this year. To get an in-depth answer, we turned to Education Portfolio Director, Alyssya Warty-Hasan.
The education team is gearing up for the second semester of BOLO mentoring program
The transition into university can be a daunting and confusing experience. I remember feeling like I had no idea what I was supposed to be doing in my first few weeks of uni. Then, I came across the ‘Big Orange Little Orange Program’. My mentor happened to be the education director for 2020. I would ask her a range of questions about the best coffee places on campus to questions about my assignments.
Fast forward to 2021, I am now the education director. I found out that most of the friends that I made were also in BOLO in their first year.
In the past semester, the education portfolio has created videos to help with assignments. We also bring in a social element and hold monthly BOLO events. Our first BOLO event was the ‘Iconic Duo and Trio’, which was a great success. We saw some mentees and mentors dress up as Remy and Alfredo Linguini from Ratatouille!
In the next semester, the Education Portfolio will continue providing a balance between education and social initiatives. There will be academic workshops and a continuation of the assignment videos. Also, keep an eye out for some fun events that will elevate the mentor and mentee friendship.
Does this sound like something you are interested in? Follow UTSoC’s Facebook page for more information about BOLO. The Education Portfolio is excited to see the friendships that form out of the program!
- This blog post published in collaboration with UTSoC – the UTS Society of Communications.