“Now, I’m really looking forward to coming to school here,” said
Michael Stuart an incoming freshman and member of the first group
of students attending the New
Student Orientation at St. John’s University. The 2008
Orientation sessions, which began on June 23 for the Queens campus
and July 15 for Staten Island, are an opportunity for new students
to tour their campus; participate in community service activities
with their peers; and establish lasting relationships with
Orientation Leaders and fellow class members as part of their
introduction to the University.
Photo Gallery The Orientation sessions, which will continue throughout the
summer and end on August 23, are an opportunity for incoming
students to learn about St. John’s college life. “Everyone is very
friendly. I’m enjoying being here, meeting new people and
experiencing new things,” said Chris Strobel a future member of the
St. John’s freshman class. Before arriving for Orientation, every student was asked to read
Krista Tippett’s novel, Speaking of Faith—Why Religion Matters
and How to Talk About It. “We chose this book for our students
to read because it speaks to individuals of all religions and will
give everyone a common base and understanding of the University’s
mission,” stated Julia Upton,
RSM, Ph.D, Provost of the University. The students experience
the words of the Vincentian Mission during Mission Day—when they
participate in community service at service sites throughout New
York. “I chose St. John’s because I want to get involved in
community service,” said Strobel. Mission day ends with a cruise along the Hudson and East Rivers
on the Spirit of New York Cruiseline. The cruise is an opportunity
for new students to dance to a variety of music, eat American
cuisine, meet their peers in a relaxing stress-free setting and at
the same time be introduced to the beauty of New York City. “Orientation sets a high bar for all of our programming here at
St. John’s. It is an indication of what students can expect once
they get here” said Rev. James Maher,
C.M., D.Min., Vice President for Student Affairs. Every
Orientation session concludes with Technology Day – a day where
students receive their very own ThinkPad
laptop and Storm Card ID,
which will give them access to every building on campus. Students
also learned about staying connected through the St. John’s
wireless network, which will give them internet access from
any location on campus, including classrooms, study halls,
libraries and residence hall lounges. Welcome to St. John’s!
The New Student Orientation has proven to be a wonderful way for
students to learn about St. John’s student life, academics and
community service, but the welcome to St. John’s does not end
there. All students will be welcomed as new members of the St.
John’s community at this year’s New Student Convocation on August
26. For more information please call the New Student Orientation
office at (718) 990-5353. |