The View From Student AffairsA Blog by Fr. James Maher, Vice President
for Student Affairs
Posted by: Fr. James Maher | July 8, 2008
On June 23rd we began meeting our new students for the first of
many Orientation
sessions that we are conducting throughout the summer. As
usual, I am struck by the sense of enthusiasm, hope and optimism
that each new student brings to our University. Each student
arrives with the successes and sometimes with the anxiety of
entering a “larger pond” than their smaller high school environment
provided. As I speak at the first morning session I know our
entire staff in Student Affairs shares the same hopes which I have
for you. We want to do everything within our ability to help
you have the most satisfying experience you can possibly have at
St. John’s. Be assured we will.
While most people in the world make their New Year’s resolutions
in January, in the academic world, many of us reserve our
resolutions for the start of the Academic Year. This year we
will excel in our studies, and really learn new things. This
year we will make connections with new, interesting and thoughtful
people. This year we will exercise and take better care of
ourselves. This year we want to serve other people who are
less fortunate than us. What resolutions will you make as you
begin a new school year?
In Student Affairs it is our
responsibility to show our students opportunities for achieving
these resolutions. Do you want a more fulfilling college
experience? Here are some suggestions for getting
started:
- On Thursday, August 28, 2008 the Staten Island
Campus kicks off the new semester with a Freshmen Barbecue. What a great
way to meet other people on that campus!
- Come to the Queens Campus
Activities Fair or the Staten Island Activities Fair
to discover opportunities to join clubs and organizations and
become more involved in the life of the campus. Each
program is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9,
2008 on the respective campus.
- After classes have begun, students will be invited to
participate in various ‘Welcome Back’ activities. The programming
series signals our “welcoming” to new and returning students of our
campus community. Student organizations and university departments
host programming which is interactive, traditional, and fun. Some
examples include L.E.A.D.
leadership sessions, a cookout before a
Women’s Soccer game, an Experience New York (ENY) trip to see
Young Frankenstein on Broadway, the Latin Heritage Celebration, and
a Poverty Walk.
- Join us for Wellness Week Activities on Sept 30-Oct 2,
2008. There will be games, prizes, food and time to check
out all the fun ways you can plug into a healthy, balanced
lifestyle at St. John’s.
- Homecoming & Family Weekend is the formal campus welcome
and splendid autumn tradition offering programs of fun, tradition,
and activities for the whole family. This annual campus event
will take place October 8-11, 2008 and will
include a carnival, athletic events, and several types of
performances.
- Once the fall semester begins, Shuttle Buses will make it easier for
all students to participate in programs on three campuses and in
New York City.
Watch this blog and St. John’s Central for more opportunities as
the semester draws closer. On behalf of the entire Division
of Student Affairs I welcome you to your new home, St. John’s!
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