In this paper we have described methods and initial results from a large, genetically informative study of undergraduate students at a major research university. With considerable effort put into designing and raising awareness about the study, we were able to obtain both phenotypic and genotypic data from a large sample that closely represents the diverse, urban university target population. Nearly 70% of eligible participants enrolled in the project by completing a survey during their first year at the university, and nearly all of the individuals who participated in the survey component were also willing to provide a DNA sample (98%). We believe these results provide strong support for the feasibility of launching large-scale genetically-informative projects at universities. Based on the response rate achieved in the first cohort, we project an eventual sample size of N = 7500 with current funding over our three planned cohorts. The DNA samples are currently being genotyped on the Affymetrix Biobank Version 2 Array, which contains both rare variation (exome and structural variation), as well as an imputation GWAS grid. These data will be informative
