On Monday, August 19, nearly 1,200 incoming undergraduates gathered in Edison Theatre to kick off their first year in the College of Arts & Sciences with remarks from Feng Sheng Hu, the Richard G. Engelsmann Dean of Arts & Sciences, and Erin McGlothlin, vice dean of undergraduate affairs. Students were gifted a small stuffed bear with an enamel pin commemorating their participation in orientation before writing postcards to their future selves.
Programming continued through Wednesday with opportunities for incoming students to visit with academic departments and programs, meet with faculty members, and learn more about academic resources and experiential learning opportunities with campus partners. There was also a visit from Bear, Brookie, and Archie outside Cupples II, where Arts & Sciences undergraduate students can find advising support throughout the year.
Also on Monday, nearly 300 incoming graduate students gathered in Tisch Commons to learn about graduate student organizations before moving to Wrighton Hall for an introduction to life as a graduate student in Arts & Sciences. Next, it was off to Olympian Way for lunch from several local food trucks and a "Gradventure" activity designed to help students get familiar with campus buildings and resources. Programming continued in Wrighton Hall on Tuesday with presentations on career and professional development, mentoring, financial literacy, and more.
After two days of programming, Dean Hu brought the orientation to a close by reflecting on the ways collaborations with colleagues from different fields shaped his scholarship. He also encouraged students to enjoy this period of discovery and exploration.
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