On Monday, Aug. 18, more than 1,300 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 received 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 students to visit academic departments and programs, meet faculty members, and learn more about academic resources and experiential learning opportunities with campus partners.
Also on Monday, nearly 200 incoming graduate students gathered in Holmes Lounge for an introduction to life as a graduate student in Arts & Sciences, including a panel with advice from current graduate students. The afternoon featured a “Gradventure” activity designed to help students get familiar with campus buildings and resources. Programming continued in Holmes Lounge on Tuesday with presentations on career and professional development, mentoring, financial literacy and more.
After two days of programming, Hu closed orientation by reflecting on how collaborations with colleagues from different fields have shaped his scholarship. He encouraged students to embrace this period of discovery and exploration.
