By Will Poladian, Staff Writer
After having to go online last year due to COVID-19, St. Bonaventure University is planning on returning to in person orientation. The orientation will include an overnight stay in the residence halls. There are three, two-day sessions in July: 12-13, 15-16 and 19-20. Each session will conclude with a lunch at 1:30 p.m. on the second day.
“We are planning to have orientation in person with an overnight – exactly the way we used to host orientation prior to 2020,” said Sarah Barnard, the assistant director of the Student Success Center and summer orientation director.
This year’s orientation will look like did in the past but with a few tweaks.
“Orientation will look just like it did prior to 2020, but we will most likely have smaller groups and people will wear masks,” said Barnard.
The online orientation setup from last summer will not be coming back anytime soon.
“The online orientation served its purpose, but you can’t beat being on our beautiful campus,” said Barnard. “Also, it is much easier to make friends and meet people when you are actually on campus.”
There will be tons of time for families and students to become adjusted and learn about their new school.
“We have a lot of programs for both students and families. For students: academics, transition to college, student life information – such as policies/ getting involved, one-on-one appointments with faculty, financial aid/student billing presentation and lots of social activities,” said Barnard. “The social activities include getting to know your orientation leader and your group, night time activities – like a bonfire, food, games and more.”
The All Bonaventure Reads initiative will select a book to present to new incoming students at orientation. The students then will have to read that book and write an essay as their first assignment at Bonaventure.
The orientation team is all planned with their coordinators Grace Weber and Charlie Randall, juniors, leading the way for the new faces on Bonaventure’s campus come next fall.
“The orientation team has been hired and I am looking forward to working with this excellent bunch of students,” said Barnard.
There is excitement for the next class of Bonnies.
“I think incoming students will be excited to come to campus and spend time here – and we can’t wait to have them,” said Barnard. “I am looking forward to having students spend time on campus and start to get to know their future home of the next four years.”
poladiwj20@bonaventure.edu
