Nearly 1,000 SJC Long Island incoming freshmen and transfer students attended several orientation events this week held virtually and on the College’s Patchogue campus.
Designed to help St. Joseph’s newest students become familiar with campus and prepare for academic success, orientation allows for first-year students to meet professors, classmates and key staff members at the institution. The new students attended workshops on campus resources and had the opportunity for social time with each other.
“Orientation is important for all new students as it provides the necessary tools and resources in order to successfully begin your college experience,” said Bryan Gill, executive director of SJC Long Island’s Office of Student Involvement, Leadership and Intercultural Engagement and coordinator of the First Year Experience.
“We allow time to ask questions, tour the campus and learn about all of the opportunities available to our students to make the most of your College experience,” he added.
This year’s orientation theme was “Building Your Legacy.”
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Orientation week kicked off on Monday with a virtual webinar event, where St. Joseph’s President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., and several other administrators addressed the new students. More than 250 new students logged in to the virtual event.
Student Life hosted two separate freshmen orientation sessions on Tuesday, and then followed on Wednesday with two sessions for transfer students. The new students gathered in the Danzi Athletic Center for opening remarks from administrators and the campus’ Student Government Association Vice President Grace DeNicola, who served as the student orientation chairperson, before breaking up into smaller groups for breakout sessions with orientation team leaders (who were returning SJC students).
The SJC newcomers learned about ways to build their legacy at the College, including information on campus clubs and activities, the Academic Center and upcoming events. They were also updated on the campus’ current COVID-19 safety protocols.
Each of the on-campus sessions concluded with an “Eagle Bonanza,” where students mingled and enjoyed food and music.
