The University’s newest students and their parents get a sneak peek at the Bryant experience.
“Hey now you’re at Bryant, get connected toooodaaaay. Hey now you’re a bulldog, get your swag on, get good grades. Only bulldog stars break the moooldddd.”
Adapting the Smashmouth hit “All Star,” Bryant’s Orientation Leaders – dubbed the best singing group by President Ronald K. Machtley – enthusiastically welcomed Bryant’s newest students to campus. As part of four, two-day Orientation sessions over the last two weeks, the Class of 2013 – and their parents – learned about the limitless opportunities that await them when they begin their college careers in the fall.
In welcoming the students, President Machtley said all the research shows that the best indicator for success in college is not a high school grade point average or SAT score. It is how effectively students – with their new found freedom – use their time.
“Students who get connected and get involved are more motivated to be successful,” he told the students. “Join something that helps define you and identifies your passion.”
(Photo on the left) (L-R) Michael Anstirman '13 (Hope, RI) and Peter Sugrue '13 (Scituate, RI). (Center photo) (L-R) Danica Fonacier '13 (West Nyack, NY) and Jesse Schmidt '13 (New City, NY). (Photo on the right) (L-R) Jennifer Nagle '13 (Peabody, MA) and Jill Cohen '13 (Windham, NH).
A firm believer of visualization, Machtley told the students to picture themselves four years from now walking through the Archway on graduation day. There will be a tent with 5,000 family members, friends, and members of the Bryant community congratulating each student for the accomplishment of earning a college degree. This class will have a special place in the history of Bryant, he told them, as 2013 will mark the University’s Sesquicentennial (150th) anniversary.
“Study abroad, make a best friend, get involved,” he encouraged. “Use every second you are here to enjoy these four years, which perhaps will be the best of your life.”
Bryant 101
The students said they are all eager to develop relationships with their fellow classmates.
“I can’t wait to meet new people and make new friends,” said Kristen Colbert (Hackensack, NJ).
Zdan Korduba (Oakland, NJ) said the morning small group activities including an ice-breaker Bingo that helped students learn more about each other, helped ease his nerves. “I was a little anxious but I found out that everyone has similar fears,” he said. “I’m excited to come back in September to meet people with similar interests as me.”
At one of the small group sessions, Orientation Leader Ivan Mukasa ’12 (Sharon, MA) encouraged students to take ownership of their education, stay on top of their assignments, and take advantage of all the resources.
“Within the first couple of weeks of class meet with all of your professors to introduce yourself and start to build relationships,” he said.
(On the left) (L-R) Bianca Cornacchia '13 (Hamden, CT) and Julie Laven '13 (Shelton, CT). (On the right) (L-R) Vanessa Cayer '13 (Rumford, ME) and Kate O'Hara '13 (Shrewsbury, MA).
A favorite session of the students was “Can we talk?,” a candid discussion led by the Orientation Leaders about a wide variety of issues like roommates, homesickness, and getting involved in the Bryant community.
Each student also spent a night on campus, were introduced to the Bryant Pledge, and received his or her class schedule for the fall semester.
This summer, all incoming students are required to complete a one-hour online course called Alcohol Wise to test their knowledge of the consequences of alcohol. Students will not be able to pick up their laptops in the fall unless they finish the course.
Transitions
While the students got a taste of Bryant life, specific programs for parents gave them an insight into the Bryant experience and answered their questions. As part of “Transitions,” an interactive program put on by Counseling Services, parents discussed skits that dramatized issues such as homesickness, students’ changing their major, and empty-nest syndrome.
“Homesickness is an extremely natural process,” said Noelle Harris, assistant director of counseling services. Parents can encourage their children to get involved and take advantage of resources on campus. To help students adjust, it is best to stay on campus for the first six weeks or so of the fall semester, she advised.
(Photo on the left) (L-R) Fred Holt '13 (Wakefield, RI) and Mary Kate Lapham '13 (Long Island, NY). (Center photo) (L-R) Rachel Bedigian '13 (Whitinsville, MA) and Kirsten Rivera '12 (Greenwich, CT). (Photo on the right)(L-R) Matt Lentz '13 (Catonsville, MD) and Andrew Barrett '13 (Holliston,MA).
During a “Conversation with the Deans,” Jack Trifts, dean of the College of Business; David Lux, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; and Bob Sloss, associate dean of students, told the parents that the differentiating aspect of a Bryant education is the resources available to students in and out of the classroom.
“We will challenge and support your children to help them become holistically developed young adults,” said Sloss.
Lisa Derenzo of Boston, MA, mother of first-year student Daniella raved about the programs, like the first-year Foundations for Learning course, which are in place to ensure students succeed. “The staff and faculty are so proactive in easing the transition from high school to college life,” she said.
Building Bryant pride
After only two days on campus, it is clear that the Class of 2013 will have Bulldog Stadium and “The Pound” rocking.
During a team building activity, students were linked into a human chain to move a hula hoop around the group without using their hands. Raucous cheers erupted from the team finishing first. Students then oohed and ahhed as their more flexible classmates competed in the much-anticipated limbo competition. Finally, an impromptu talent show gave students the opportunity to get to know each other’s hidden skills.
Orientation activities helped Bryant's newest students meet each other and begin to develop relationships.
John Lindsay, director of the Center for Student Involvement, encouraged students to bring this enthusiasm back with them in the fall.
“You have an opportunity,” he said, “to step outside of your comfort zone, try something new, and make your Bryant experience the best it can be.”
