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"Together We Unite"
New Student Orientation Program helps students and families prepare for the journey ahead

By Andrew Whitney

The academic year began with a four-day New Student Orientation Program. This program sets Villanova apart from other institutions by offering intensive programs designed to prepare new students for the rich educational opportunities and life experiences that await them at Villanova. The knowledge and familiarity gleaned from the program reduces the time and stress normally associated with transition in a student's life. The goal of welcoming new students is reflected in this year's theme, "Together We Unite as Villanova Blue and White!"

August 22 marked the opening day. After meeting with orientation counselors, students and their families proceeded to the Grotto for the welcoming address. Speakers included members of the University administration and the chairman of the Orientation Committee. Later, Father Dobbin presided over the welcoming Mass. After the Mass, students and their families enjoyed a picnic on Mendel Field. The families departed at 7 p.m. following the picnic.

The focus of Thursday evening's activities were geared to familiarizing students with their new surroundings. The program included a slide show of the Philadelphia metropolitan area and a tour of campus. The day ended with floor meetings for residents.

Friday morning was devoted to academics. Each College held a separate program to discuss the policies and expectations of its program. The afternoon again focused on issues pertaining to student life. Orientation groups rotated between five different presentations: New Student Concerns, Dangerous Liaisons, A Choice That Matters, Augustinian Connection, and a program to familiarize new students with Public Safety, the Wildcard system and VEMS. After a full day, students were entertained by comedic duo Jim Gaffigan and Steve Byrne.

Saturday began with more academic programs. Each college again met separately. The afternoon consisted of more presentations. The Carnival was held in the Pavilion due to rain. This event had traditional carnival-type games, as well as food and beverages. The night=s entertainment was titled AA Night on Nova Island. These events shared a tropical flare.

Sunday's agenda consisted of more presentations. Many were the same as Saturday=s, with the exception of Villanova Athletics: Become Part of the Tradition. A community Mass took place in the afternoon. This was followed by another picnic. The culmination of the orientation program was the commissioning of the Class of 2006. Men's basketball head coach Jay Wright and former Villanova communications professor Dr. Richard Jackman provided closing remarks.

Each year, Villanova's outstanding Orientation Program depends on all of those that work so hard to put it together. Kelly Eastland is the director of the New Student Orientation Program within her role as assistant for Special Projects. The Steering Committee Orientation student chairperson Chris Knoerlein; Program administrative coordinator Matt Duffy; the administrative assistants; the orientation counselors; the University administration; Dining Services; and the outside speakers, as well as Eastland are all deserving of a great deal of credit for the program's overwhelming success.

	Villanova Magazine - Fall 2002 Edition
Homepage Back Summer 2003 Archives	Villanova Magazine - Fall 2002 Edition
Homepage Back Summer 2003 Archives		"Together We Unite" New Student Orientation Program helps students and families prepare for the journey ahead By Andrew Whitney The academic year began with a four-day New Student Orientation Program. This program sets Villanova apart from other institutions by offering intensive programs designed to prepare new students for the rich educational opportunities and life experiences that await them at Villanova. The knowledge and familiarity gleaned from the program reduces the time and stress normally associated with transition in a student's life. The goal of welcoming new students is reflected in this year's theme, "Together We Unite as Villanova Blue and White!" August 22 marked the opening day. After meeting with orientation counselors, students and their families proceeded to the Grotto for the welcoming address. Speakers included members of the University administration and the chairman of the Orientation Committee. Later, Father Dobbin presided over the welcoming Mass. After the Mass, students and their families enjoyed a picnic on Mendel Field. The families departed at 7 p.m. following the picnic. The focus of Thursday evening's activities were geared to familiarizing students with their new surroundings. The program included a slide show of the Philadelphia metropolitan area and a tour of campus. The day ended with floor meetings for residents. Friday morning was devoted to academics. Each College held a separate program to discuss the policies and expectations of its program. The afternoon again focused on issues pertaining to student life. Orientation groups rotated between five different presentations: New Student Concerns, Dangerous Liaisons, A Choice That Matters, Augustinian Connection, and a program to familiarize new students with Public Safety, the Wildcard system and VEMS. After a full day, students were entertained by comedic duo Jim Gaffigan and Steve Byrne. Saturday began with more academic programs. Each college again met separately. The afternoon consisted of more presentations. The Carnival was held in the Pavilion due to rain. This event had traditional carnival-type games, as well as food and beverages. The night=s entertainment was titled AA Night on Nova Island. These events shared a tropical flare. Sunday's agenda consisted of more presentations. Many were the same as Saturday=s, with the exception of Villanova Athletics: Become Part of the Tradition. A community Mass took place in the afternoon. This was followed by another picnic. The culmination of the orientation program was the commissioning of the Class of 2006. Men's basketball head coach Jay Wright and former Villanova communications professor Dr. Richard Jackman provided closing remarks. Each year, Villanova's outstanding Orientation Program depends on all of those that work so hard to put it together. Kelly Eastland is the director of the New Student Orientation Program within her role as assistant for Special Projects. The Steering Committee Orientation student chairperson Chris Knoerlein; Program administrative coordinator Matt Duffy; the administrative assistants; the orientation counselors; the University administration; Dining Services; and the outside speakers, as well as Eastland are all deserving of a great deal of credit for the program's overwhelming success.