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June 26, 2008
First-year students jump right into the Bryant community
Orientation session titled “Go, Join, Lead, Get Involved!” introduces students to the variety of extracurricular opportunities at Bryant.
If you walked by South Dining Hall during Orientation over the past two weeks, you probably noticed all the cheering, clapping, and laughter.
Orientation Leaders and the energetic staff of The Center for Student Involvement (CSI) were presenting “Go, Join, Lead, Get Involved!” – a lively and engaging session designed to introduce students to the many cocurricular opportunities available at Bryant.
CSI Director John Lindsay, Assistant Directors Rich Hurley '04 and Meagan Sage, and Program Advisor Meredith Morris pumped up the students by leading them in impromptu chants of “Go,” “Join,” and “Lead.” They also gave them tips for making the most of their first year at Bryant.
For incoming students, the biggest adjustment can be the newfound freedom, says Lindsay. He recommends students use their 168 hours each week in the following way:
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60 hours for classes and studying; a student who takes 15 credit hours should spend three hours studying and doing homework for every hour in class
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56 hours for sleeping
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12 hours for eating, laundry, errands, etc.
Back row (L-R) Center for Student Involvement staff Assistant Director Rich Hurley, Program Advisor Meredith Morris, and Director John Lindsay. Front row (L-R) Assistant Director Meagan Sage and Office Coordinator Karen Misiaszek.
This leaves 40 hours – the equivalent hours of a full-time job – for students to pursue personal and academic interests. Some time will be spent taking part in athletic activities, working, or in internships. Getting involved on campus and in the community can provide the added benefit of building skills and networks for a lifetime.
In Lindsay’s experience, students who use this time to get involved are better at structuring their time because they know they have to be.
“We have a world of opportunity for you,” he says. “The possibilities are endless.”
Center for Student Involvement Director John Lindsay
In the “Go” segment, Morris told students about Bryant@Night, which offers programs every Friday and Saturday night from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on campus. The new Student Arts and Speaker Series brings notable guests to campus, various student-run clubs and organizations sponsor events nearly every night of the week, and students can cheer on Bryant’s Division I sports teams.
Morris also spoke about traditional events like the move-in weekend program called the Bryant Experience, Homecoming, Parents and Family Weekend, and Spring Weekend, which includes a headline concert. Learn more about event offerings by visiting the CSI or through @Bryant e-mail announcements.
Center for Student Involvement Program Advisor Meredith Morris
In “Join,” Sage touted the 80 students clubs and organizations. Major organizations like the Student Programming Board and the Multicultural Student Union plan campuswide events. Media groups such as the student-run newspaper The Archway and WJMF radio station help students gain hands-on experience, while academic clubs allow students to network with students and professionals in their field of interest.
Students can also take part in Greek life or intramural sports, become an orientation leader or serve as a resident assistant, or get involved in community service activities. Sage encouraged the students to start their own club if they have an interest in an activity that is not already represented on campus.
Center for Student Involvement Assistant Director Meagan Sage
Once students join an organization, Hurley encourages them to “Lead.” With more than 80 clubs on campus, there are 320 executive board positions that students can pursue even during their first year.
To help students grow as leaders, the CSI offers a leadership program called “Link Through Leadership.” They learn basic leadership skills through the Students Advancing in Leadership (SAIL) program and sharpen those abilities through the Emerging Leaders Retreat. Students can then teach other students through the Leadership Council.
Center for Student Involvement Assistant Director Rich Hurley '04
The variety of opportunities for students to be active on campus allows them to gain experiences that ultimately will differentiate them during their job search.
“Students who are involved are more likely to have all the skills sought by prospective employers,” says Hurley.
Students can stop by an Organization Fair on September 5 to learn more about cocurricular opportunities that can complement their classroom learning.
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