2013 NOLA Experience Tracks

While we’ll do several activities during the week where all the participants are together, the NOLA Experience tracks provide the guiding element of the small group exploration of our community. All of our track topics will expose participants to the people, places and things that make New Orleans so unique.

Each track is composed of around 20 new students, led by one or two full-time university staff from many different departments. The track leaders are assisted by two upperclass students specially chosen to facilitate the activities and develop group cohesion.

Selected applicants are assigned to a track by the NOLA Experience staff. While applicants do not indicate preferences for particular tracks, the application does include a survey that gives us some background to guide the track assignment process. Please trust us on this – almost anyone would love any track because they are all packed with interesting and fun activities. Many participants have told us that although they weren't assigned to their initial "preferred" track, they ended up loving their track, their group and activities, as well as the chance to participate in the overall NOLA Experience program.

Track Topics

The track topics planned for 2013 are listed below, with Track Leaders and their Tulane University department affiliations listed below each track:

• Art and Soul

  From the painters on Jackson Square to the galleries on Julia Street and the creative co-ops on St. Claude Avenue, the visual arts comprise an important part of New Orleans' vibrant culture. Dive into the local art scene by visiting studios, galleries, and museums; exploring the public art and architecture around the city; and meeting artists and collectors as well. By the end of the week, you'll see that NOLA is where the art is!
  
  Track Leaders (full-time staff): Laura Ledet and Teresa Parker-Farris, Newcomb Gallery
  
  
  

• Changemakers 


  Do you want to change the world? At Tulane, we believe you CAN! We introduce you to changemakers in New Orleans - people transforming our government, our businesses and our communities for the better. These people show us how NOLA is creating positive change and becoming a hub for social innovation and social entrepreneurship.
  
  Track Leader (full-time staff): Rebecca Otten, Center for Engaged Teaching and Learning
  
  
  

• Down and Dirty (includes an overnight tent camping and canoeing trip)

  
Explore the Gulf Coast region via outdoor activities such as canoeing through the swamp, hiking in a forest and tubing down a river.
  
  Track Leaders (full-time staff): Allison Ketterer and Justin Eiermann, Campus Recreation
  
  
  

• Health, Hedonism, and Humidity

  
From Yellow Fever to Syphilis, discover and explore the history of life and death in New Orleans. Visit cities of the dead, communities and health centers in the city whose culture is based on "Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler" (“Let the Good Times Roll”). This track will focus on community health, history of disease and how health centers impact community in New Orleans.
  
  Track Leader (full-time staff): Karen Hocheiser, Wellness/Student Health
  
  
  

• Home Field Advantage 


  From intramurals and Tulane Green Wave athletics to the ample amount of professional sports in the Big Easy, our city offers an outstanding arena for sports fans of all ages. Participants see local sports venues on insider tours, meet with athletics organizations, play a little, and experience all that the New Orleans sports scene has to offer.
  
  Track Leaders (full-time staff): Greg Feiling, Student Programs and Evan Nicoll, Development
  
  
  

• Leave No Trace (includes an overnight tent camping and canoeing trip)


  This exploration of environmental education in the Gulf Coast region connects students to eco-resources, activism and restoration of the wetlands while enjoying the great outdoors.
  
  Track Leader (full-time staff): Michelle Mirpuri, Campus Recreation
  
  
  

• Local Eats 


  Discover the best insider eats in the Crescent City. This is your chance to investigate the food culture of the New Orleans and the unique culture of our cuisine. From "muffaletta" to "yakamein," you will collect a treasure chest of culinary gems to return to with friends after this journey to the center of food is complete!
  
  Track Leader (full-time staff): Will Tabor, Religious Life Staff (RUF Christian Fellowship Campus Minister)
  
  
  

• Muses & Mystique

  
Explore the unique roles women have played in New Orleans' history and our city's continued recovery. Get the chance to experience New Orleans as an insider as we tour the Krewe of Muses parade floats at Mardi Gras World, meet with local women business owners, tour the French Quarter, participate in a service project and meet with amazing women in the community leadership and business fields.
  
  Track Leader (full-time staff): Sarah McAllister, Newcomb College Institute
  
  
  

• Street, Stage and Screen: Performing in New Orleans

  (description in development – topic encompasses music, theatre, dance and film)
  
  Track Leaders (full-time staff): Andrew Farrier and Jeff Schiffman, Undergraduate Admission
  
  

  

• Take a Bite

  
Get a real taste for the city as you learn about the myriad regional, international and cultural influences that define New Orleans cuisine. Best of all, you’ll get to cook, too!
  
  Track Leader (full-time staff): Christine Haley, Student Programs
  
  
  

• Touri$m, Fe$tival$ and Partie$: The Business of Pleasure in New Orleans

  Explore the culture around local businesses that cater to pleasure and play. We’ll learn about Mardi Gras, festival and social aid and pleasure clubs as businesses so we can appreciate the connection they have to the New Orleans economy.
  
  Track Leaders (full-time staff): Megan Karbley and Melanie Lee, Undergraduate Business Education, A.B. Freeman School of Business
  
  
  

• Where Y'at?


  An investigation of the special out-of-the-way places that give New Orleans its old-world charm and southern yet European vibe will also help you to acquaint yourself with the Big Easy.
  
  Track Leader (full-time staff): Peter Young, Student Programs
  
  
  

• Who Dat?

  
New Orleans has always been known for its colorful characters from pirates to paupers and VooDoo priestesses to Mardi Gras royalty. Meet the people who have lived here then and now.
  
  Track Leaders (full-time staff): Jered Bocage, Alumni Affairs and Julia Broussard, Violence Prevention (SRSS)
  
  
  

• Who's Your Neighbor?

  
Get to know your New Orleans neighbors and experience the power of social justice, service and solidarity through sharing your stories while discovering the culture of your new community. Get started on your journey to building a better world one neighborhood at a time!
  
  Track Leaders (full-time staff): Desiree Anderson, Office of Multicultural Affairs and Avery Brewton, Center for Public Service
  
  
  

• Who's Your Neighbor?-A

  
Get to know your New Orleans neighbors and experience the power of social justice, service and solidarity through sharing your stories while discovering the culture of your new community. Get started on your journey to building a better world one neighborhood at a time!
  
  Track Leaders (full-time staff): Desiree Anderson, Office of Multicultural Affairs and Avery Brewton, Center for Public Service
  
  
  

• Who's Your Neighbor?-B 


  Get to know your New Orleans neighbors and experience the power of social justice, service and solidarity through sharing your stories while discovering the culture of your new community. Get started on your journey to building a better world one neighborhood at a time!
  
  Track Leaders (full-time staff): Michael Pizzolatto and Nick Tringali, Center for Public Service

For additional information, please contact us at orientation@tulane.edu or (504) 865-5180.