The fall semester is right around the corner and once again the Rutgers community will welcome a new class of first-year students into the University family.
In order to facilitate the transition process toward the independent college world, the University created an organization that specializes in aiding and assisting incoming students.
The University's New Student Orientation program begins Saturday, August 30 and continues through Sunday night. Special programs and activities are held throughout the week and conclude with Scarlet Knight Days. These are utilized throughout the first week of classes to help new students adapt to and familiarize themselves with the University. They also provide a social integration for students through group gatherings and movies.
"The first few days at Rutgers orientation are jam-packed with fun activities as well as important educational sessions to help acclimate new students to the resources available at Rutgers," said Virian Serei, the NSO coordinator for Douglass campus. "New students should expect a president's convocation to welcome them to Rutgers University as well as a great campus hunt to get them acquainted with all five campuses."
Convocation is where new students will be officially welcomed to the University by a cast of the University's top brass, such as deans, with members of the Board of Governors and faculty, said Jon Buchalski, the NSO coordinator for Livingston campus.
"[Recreation services is also hosting] 'the Throwdown' that includes games and competitions to determine which groups and [residence halls] are the best," said Buchalski, a School of Engineering senior.
Orientation leaders such as Serei and Buchalski dedicate themselves to help new students adjust to life at the University by encouraging participation as well as introducing them to faculty and staff, according to the New Student Organization Web site.
Julie Traxler, the dean of first-year School and Arts and Science students, stressed the necessity to get involved with the many activities the University offers.
"[By getting involved] students can better adjust to their peers and ease the transition from high school to college by finding oneself and discovering new interests," she said.
With the consolidation of the colleges one year ago, the orientation programs are the same across all campuses, but there are so many events that each student's experience is unique, said NSO coordinator Kerrie Tiedemann, a Cook College senior.
"The first few days are full of energy and can provide a range of emotions," she said. "But it is a great time to get to know other first-year and upper-class students."
Tiedemann said the best advice she could give students is to be open-minded.
"No matter where any new student is coming from, Rutgers provides all kinds of new experiences, opportunities and ideas," she said. "It is a great time to really discover and redefine oneself."
Staci Brezinski, a Cook College junior, remembers her first days on the Banks.
"The orientation helped so much, and it truly is important what they say about joining clubs and organizations," she said. "I can't stress enough how much that helped me meet new friends and peers."
Incoming transfer student Michael Corona said he is excited about joining the University community.
"I can't wait to begin and see all the great things the University has to offer education-wise and socially," Corona said.
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