Lafayette, LA, Is a Must-Live University Town
Beautified by the broad limbs of the “Twentieth Century Oaks,” the University of Louisiana at Lafayette sets a standard for innovation, community and culture. And perhaps the most wonderful thing – you don’t have to be a student to appreciate UL Lafayette’s vibrant energy. While the university makes waves in research and academic programming, everything from the infectious Ragin’ Cajun spirit to humanitarian efforts to educational opportunities flow out into the community. Put another way: Lafayette, LA, is a must-live university town for people of all ages.
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Everyone Can Be a University Student in Lafayette, LA
The community benefits from UL Lafayette’s impressive academics through a spectrum of non-degree programs.
“Our non-degree programs are mostly geared toward adults – anyone over the age of 21 who’s seeking to take courses, whether it’s for professional development or just leisure,” says Amanda Doyle, director of university connection at UL Lafayette. Most adults use the DOORS (Diversified Opportunities for Older and Returning Students) program if they’re not seeking a degree.
“We also have a large population of high school students that use our dual enrollment program as well as plenty of college students from different institutions that come to UL Lafayette for a summer semester.”
There’s plenty of programming for local youth, too. Come summer, the university invites young students to take over campus. UL Lafayette’s summer camps welcome kids with interests ranging from athletics and STEM to robotics, nature and environmental science. Students get the chance to experience campus life and envision a bright future for themselves along the way.
If you want to get that campus feeling without signing up for a class or camp, you can always visit Edith Garland Dupré Library for a study session or attend a book talk hosted by a visiting author.
The Ragin’ Cajun Spirit Is Contagious
Perhaps the most well-recognized community involvement comes from campus athletics.
“A big part of Lafayette culture is our festivals and events – our athletics fold into that culture. When the community isn’t attending a parade or festival, they’re going to a university athletic event,” says Kiwana McClung, chief diversity officer and professor of architecture and design at UL Lafayette.
When not in use, the university’s sporting facilities are rented out for grand community events, like the Cajun Heartland State Fair held at the CAJUNDOME & Convention Center or the annual rodeo hosted at Blackham Coliseum.
UL Lafayette’s athletics department brings the community together for more than games and events.
“Our student athletes are among our most service-oriented on campus,” says Gretchen Vanicor, director of sustainability at UL Lafayette. “Our athletes visit children at local schools and hospitals, and they’re some of the first we call on for crisis-relief volunteers. Our students give back to the community, and the community gives so much back into our athletics.”
Serving the Lafayette, LA, Community
Giving back to the community is a huge part of Lafayette culture. The university partners with dozens of nonprofit organizations, like the African American Heritage Foundation, Second Harvest Food Bank and United Way of Acadiana. These groups work with the university to promote diversity and alleviate food and housing insecurity across campus and the Lafayette community.
Each spring, UL Lafayette hosts a women’s conference that draws some of the region’s educators, business owners and public speakers together to serve as strong examples for young women.
“It’s all about how to elevate and support the women of our community,” McClung says.
The university’s partnerships with the city and nonprofits set a standard of community involvement. UL Lafayette’s students match the school’s efforts, embracing a compassionate culture.
“We have several big service days. Our upcoming event has over 700 students already signed up to volunteer in the community,” Vanicor says. “They’ll do litter pickups and transformative park projects on the outskirts of campus. They’ll work in local public schools to improve playgrounds and paint empty walls. That’s a whole lot of students to show up on a Saturday morning to work.”
A Campus for All to Enjoy
UL Lafayette’s campus, interconnected with bike and multiuse paths, encourages students and locals to walk the grounds and appreciate the green spaces. To many people’s surprise, UL Lafayette maintains a diverse wetland area on campus called Cypress Lake, which is in front of the student union. Visitors can drop in to observe the biome and enjoy the lush Louisiana scenery.
Just a mile from campus, Moncus Park encompasses 100 acres of land and offers an array of walking paths, wetlands, gathering shelters and more. Still, the university and city of Lafayette work together to integrate the landscape of campus and downtown, prioritizing walkability and an interconnected community.
This article is sponsored by the Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission, Lafayette Economic Development Authority and One Acadiana.