Welcome to Campus!
UNC Asheville’s Junior Bulldog Program is not your typical college campus visit – it’s a hands-on campus adventure specifically designed for middle school students.
Aimed at promoting early college awareness and preparedness, Junior Bulldogs connects middle schoolers to our faculty, staff, and students through dynamic, interactive activities that demystify the liberal arts education. The authentic university experience provides adolescents the opportunity to imagine themselves as college students and inspires them to think of higher education as a realistic goal.
“We had a FANTASTIC time at UNCA for the [Junior Bulldog Program]. It was a powerful experience for our students to step foot on a college campus and be ‘UNCA students’ for a day. They loved every activity. The whole bus ride back they talked about what kind of college they see themselves going to. Thank you for providing this enriching experience!”
– Leanne Perry, Counselor, Rugby Middle School
Sample Schedule
- 9:00 AM – Arrive on Campus
- 9:15 AM – Athletic Adventure
- 10:15 AM – Admissions Adventure
- 11:00 AM – Lunch
- 12:00 PM – Academic Adventure #1
- 12:35 PM – Academic Adventure #2
- 1:15 PM – Scavenger Hunt
LUNCH
Lunch is approximately $11.00 per person. Districts participating in the Appalachian GEAR UP grant will have their lunches covered by that grant. All other groups must arrange their dining accommodations directly with UNC Asheville’s Dining Services after a tour is booked.
CHAPERONES
The UNC System policy regarding the protection of minors on campus requires middle school programs and activities to maintain a 1:10 student to chaperone ratio at all times. Please ensure your group arrives on campus with a sufficient number of chaperones.
Meet Our Junior Bulldog Guides
Nikko Caminiti
Junior Bulldog Guide
| Freshman, Computer Science Information Systems |
| “Showing a bunch of silly kids our campus is a fun side job to the sometimes boring life of a college student.” |
| Fun Fact: My favorite pet, a white and brown rabbit, never had a name beyond “The rabbit”. It was the same size as my arm. |
Madison Farley
Junior Bulldog Guide
| Freshman, History |
| “I wanted to work with the Junior Bulldog program because I love working with kids and thought that this would be a fulfilling job.” |
| Fun Fact: I love cats and always imagined that I would become a crazy cat lady when I was young. |
Kalpana Chaturvedi
Junior Bulldog Guide
| Freshman, Environmental Studies with a Concentration in Ecology |
| “I wanted to work with the Junior Bulldog program because I love working with kids and thought that this would be a fulfilling job.” |
| Fun Fact: I am a twin! |
John Wienbrock
Junior Bulldog Guide
| Sophomore, History Major with 9-12 Social Studies Licensure |
| “My role at Junior Bulldogs here at UNCA is to help lead students from one place to another during their time here. I love this program because it gives kids at smaller and less advantaged an opportunity to go visit a college that they might not get again ever or at best until their senior year of high school.” |
| Fun Fact: When I was little I used to be OBSESSED with the band KISS! |
Kate DeMilt
Junior Bulldogs Assistant Coordinator
| Sophomore, New Media Major |
| “I have a history of working in childcare so I figured this would be a great job to continue to help kids learn and grow!” |
| Fun Fact: I am left handed! |
Liam Cheng
Junior Bulldogs Social Media Intern
| Sophomore, Fine Arts Major |
| “I’m with the junior bulldog program because I love seeing kids have fun on campus and having them learn that college is a real option for everyone.” |
| Fun Fact: I still play Webkinz! |
Junior Bulldog Adventures
Athletic Adventure
Students participate in team-building activities with Campus Recreation staff and learn from UNC Asheville athletes about clubs on campus.
Admission Adventure
Through a lively presentation, we demystify what college and the college application process are all about. Students learn what they can do in middle school to start preparing for their own postsecondary path. The presentation also covers basic information about financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
Academic Adventure
These hands-on, interactive mini-classes are taught by UNC Asheville faculty and student club members and give middle schoolers an introduction to the various majors offered on campus and what those majors are all about.
Questions? Contact the Office of Postsecondary Planning and Preparation
| Email: eklein2@unca.edu |
| Office: 828.251.6334 |
| Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| 247 Brown Hall, CPO 1200 220 Campus Drive Asheville, NC 28804 |
