The Retention Initiatives office houses two academic support programs that serve incoming freshmen by invitation. Both programs offer targeted interventions for the benefit of participating students. These programs were established to support student academic success, from the first semester at UAB through graduation.

Blazing Start

Blazing Start provides first-time freshmen with the resources and support necessary to be successful in college. During their first year at UAB, our goal is to help students build a foundation of academic excellence, encourage community and campus involvement, and develop an overall sense of accountability for their education.

Blazing Start participants enjoy the following benefits:

• Assigned Academic Advisor to help develop a plan for academic success
• Dedicated Freshman Success Coach to support practical skill development with regard to time management, note-taking, study skills, and more
• Tailored Academic Success and Career Planning Courses that satisfy UAB’s First Year Experience (FYE) requirement
• Community of academic and social support, including Peer Mentors to guide you

Blazing Start participants are required to meet with their Academic Advisor at regular intervals during their first fall and spring semesters at UAB. A predetermined number of success coaching appointments are required as well. These requirements are in place to keep Blazing Start students on a clear path to success and degree completion.

Blazer Boost

Blazer Boost is a one-semester program that enhances the first semester experience – academically, socially, and personally. Participants receive academic advising in their major department.

Blazer Boost students enjoy the following benefits:

• Access to two Freshman Success Coaches who support skill development in the areas of time management, note-taking, study skills and more
• Tailored Academic Success Course that fulfills UAB’s FYE requirement for graduation
• Community of academic and social support, including Peer Mentors to guide you

During the first semester at UAB, Blazer Boost participants are required to meet with their Academic Advisor once and a Freshman Success Coach twice. These requirements serve to help students in their transition to college, introducing students to a variety of campus resources and equipping them for success at UAB and beyond.