Rather than waiting for late summer, incoming St. Joseph’s University, New York students had opportunities to get a head start on settling into campus life during the University’s new summer pre-orientation sessions. Held in June and July on the Long Island and Brooklyn campuses, the half-day programs allowed students to meet some of their future classmates, get a feel for the University’s campuses, and hear from various departmental staff who were on hand to field questions or concerns. “As a first-time pilot pre-orientation program, I am incredibly proud of the success of this year’s event” said Janelle Hill, M.P.A., M.S., associate vice president for student life on the Long Island campus. “Watching our incoming students engage with one another, learn more about the university, connect with campus leaders, and begin building relationships before the start of the semester was truly rewarding. I am grateful to our dedicated team and student leaders who worked so hard to create such a welcoming, meaningful, and memorable kick off to the year.“
At new pre-orientation events, incoming students gained insight about life at the university.
Students were greeted by orientation leaders (current SJNY students), who organized ice breakers, shared their own first-hand experiences and offered advice. During panel discussions, orientation leaders and SJNY alumni provided tips on how to build a community on campus, how to acclimate to college life and more. SJNY’s pre-orientation also allowed new students a chance to settle their affairs before the start of the fall semester. Students could speak with financial aid, check their SJNY email with IT, ensure their medical records and vaccinations are up to date with health services, and secure parking passes with security. SJNY’s Campus Ministry and Center for Counseling and Wellness teams also participated in the sessions.
Incoming students were able to tour the campus buildings and facilities.
Finally, for anyone who wanted to better familiarize themselves with campus before the start of classes, sessions included tours, including the University’s academic and athletic facilities. According to David Gonzalez, assistant vice president for student life on the Brooklyn campus, the program benefitted the in-coming students who attended. “Overall, new students have shared that event helped them meet peers, feel more comfortable starting the school year and better navigate new student orientation. As a result, they feel more acclimated to campus life and aware of the resources available to them,” he said. SJNY will host its traditional orientations on Aug. 28 (Long Island) and Sept. 2 (Brooklyn).
