Amazing Orientation Educates New Student-Athletes

by William Herr, Graduate Assistant for Student Development

The St. John's University Department of Student Development for Athletes hosted New Student-Athlete Orientation, August 29. The new student-athletes experienced a day-long program that helped them become accustomed to the life of a St. John's student-athlete.

The student-athletes were assigned to orientation teams, different from their athletic squads, in an attempt to ensure social development among the new student-athletes. Each orientation team was led by two upper-class student-athletes who volunteered his or her time to help out the incoming class.

The student-athletes were greeted by a number of university administrators, most notably, University Provost Dr. Julia A. Upton, R.S.M., Director of Athletics Chris Monasch, and Associate Vice President of Academic Support Services Dr. Nancy S. Kaplan. They welcomed the student-athletes with open arms into the St. John's family.

The day started with a faculty panel, which gave the student-athletes the opportunity to listen to members of the university faculty. The faculty gave the student-athletes tips on how to be prepared for the rigors of a collegiate academic schedule, as well as show their support towards the athletic endeavors of the student athletes. Student-athletes were also given the opportunity to ask questions of the panel.

After the faculty panel, student-athletes were broken up into four groups for rotating breakout sessions. The four topics discussed were Community Service, Responsibility & Accountability, Personal Development and Career Development. These sessions were a brief introduction to the role of a St. John's student-athlete off the court/field.

Afternoon programming included the Division of Academic Support Services presentation on available resources, academic integrity, developmental advising, keys to success, and the academic policies and procedures.

Throughout the day, the student-athlete leaders shared their experiences with the incoming class. They shared what they have learned and how they have developed during their time at St. John's. The upperclassmen touched on the importance of study hall, managing time, and maintaining a social life outside of athletics.

The highlight of the orientation was the First Annual "Amazing Race". The orientation teams were each given a task list that was to be completed in one and a half hours. The focus of the tasks was to get the student athletes to gain knowledge of the university campus, as well as the location of the available services that were being discussed throughout the day.

The new student-athletes, as well as the orientation leaders, were invited back in the evening for a welcome dinner to wrap up the day. Coaches, Deans, department heads and professors were invited to mingle with the new student-athletes. A delicious buffet dinner was served, and the winning team of the Amazing Race, the "yellow team," won the right to be called to the buffet line first!