July 18, 2023
Orientation at St. John’s means many things. It represents a student’s entrance into a campus community they will call home for the next four years. It introduces students and their families to a support network that will help them navigate a new landscape. Perhaps most importantly, it welcomes them into a family they will be part of for the rest of their lives.
The University conducts several single day and overnight orientation sessions throughout July and August, providing students and their parents with a raft of programs designed to provide a seamless transition to college life. Coordinated by the Division of Student Success, various departments across the University collaborate on programming, including the Center for Student Success, University Career Services, the Department of Public Safety, and Campus Ministry, among others.
Sarah Jean Kelly, J.D., Vice President for Student Success and Retention Strategy, is in her first year of overseeing Orientation University-wide, and stressed the essential and formative nature of the experience.
“They’re Johnnies now. We’re introducing them to our student leaders, faculty, administrators, and staff. It’s an opportunity for families to learn what support their students will have, which gives them a comfort level to know they will thrive and have the resources available to succeed.”
A special focus on programming for parents is an essential element for orientation. Karen Moritz Simons, Director, Parent and Family Connections, joined the University this past January, and has made outreach a central focus of her role. “I encourage parents and families to contact me with their questions and concerns so that I can best direct them to the various campus offices to find answers and support,” she noted, adding that she runs virtual meetings with them throughout the summer to put a face to her role.
Ms. Simons encourages parents to approach orientation with an eagerness to learn about the abundance of opportunities offered to their children at St. John’s and an openness to connecting with fellow parents and families. As with students, parents are given the opportunity to meet with deans of their respective School or College and representatives of student-facing departments. This year, on- and off-campus cocktail socials were added so families could connect with faculty, administrators, and staff in a relaxed setting.
Eric M. Finkelstein, Assistant Vice President for Planning and Outcomes, said, “First and foremost, it’s an opportunity to get our students on campus and engaged with St. John’s. We know when students have a chance to visit and experience the University, it’s easier for them to get engaged, so that when they arrive in the fall, they have friends and connections already in place. And it gives us an opportunity to showcase all the support services we provide. If a student were to encounter a hurdle during their first semester they already know where to go.”
Student Orientation Leaders are also critical to the success of the program, noted Samuel Baah, Associate Director, Orientation and New Student Experience, stressing that he looks for a strong group of leaders and a creative group of coordinators who will challenge the student experience.
All of these, he said, “have the potential to create an amazing experience for our incoming students. In that same way, my role is the same as my leaders: to do all I can to challenge my students so we can provide a fun, engaging, and welcoming program. Some characteristics I look for in an orientation leader are people who are open to criticism, welcoming, and willing to step outside their comfort zone.”
Orientation Coordinator in Parent Programming Alexandra Zallo, a Legal Studies major, said, “The fun thing about orientation at St. John’s is how much responsibility students are given. As an Orientation Leader, I really grew as a person and as a leader, and I enjoy working with parents. I loved my orientation experience and I just want to help guide these families on their journey.”
Samia and Bashar Chowdhury said their son Saddat came to St. John’s because of the excellent reputation of The Peter J. Tobin College of Business. “He also loves the Men’s Basketball team,” Ms. Chowdhury added. “So far, I love orientation,” she noted.
“I’m getting so much information, which is making me feel comfortable about his safety and well-being.”
“Orientation has been great. Questions have been answered before I had a chance to say them out loud,” explained Joanne Trupo, whose daughter Kristina will major in Education.
Lisa Soli’s son Nicholas, an Accounting major, visited the Queens, NY, campus last year and immediately felt at home, she said. “Today has been so informative. Everyone’s been friendly and down to earth.”
Lisa’s husband Anthony noted that his grandfather attended St. John’s when it was in Brooklyn, NY, and played football for the University. “So our son is a legacy, and we hope he feels at home here.”
Nicholas explained that he hoped to open his own accounting firm one day and thought St. John’s was the place to start that journey. “I’ve had a lot of great conversations already today.”
Benjamin Veneziano, who is currently undecided, is also a St. John’s legacy, following in his mother’s and brother’s footsteps. “I toured the campus early last year and I loved the hometown feel. Today has been great—no stone has been left unturned. And the food has been delicious,” he laughed.
Ms. Kelly stressed that while students may not remember every piece of information they receive during orientation, “they’ll know that when they’re having a difficult moment there are people on campus who will be champions for them and point them in the right direction for whatever they need.”
She added, “Orientation is one of the pillars of student success. It’s a continuum to connection, engagement, and belonging. I want students to feel like this is a homecoming of sorts. It’s their first opportunity to develop those seeds of connection and become deeply engaged members of the St. John’s community.”
Are you an incoming Johnnie? Register for an upcoming Orientation Session!