From the moment they first checked in to the completion of the closing ceremony, Quinnipiac’s newest undergraduates learned what it means to be part of the Bobcat family and made significant steps toward making the university their new academic home.

In addition to building a knowledge of campus resources, understanding schedules and learning about the skills they’re going to gain, Orientation is a time for building important connections, said Quinnipiac Director of Student Engagement Hannah Cranston.

“It’s really about building that connection and finding a sense of belonging here, and it starts at Orientation,” Cranston said. “They have a sense of connection so when they come back in August, they know someone, or they know a familiar face. They know a staff member or a faculty member they can go to if they have a question. They know their Orientation Leader is going to be someone who is going to support them through their time here.”

In advance of buckling down for her first year as a 3+1 accelerated dual-degree biology major on a pre-med track, Lindsay Anthony ’28 arrived from Massachusetts hoping to meet new people at Orientation — and she did. 

“I’m excited, because I liked meeting a bunch of new people. That was definitely my favorite thing about Orientation,” said Anthony.

Another new Bobcat from Massachusetts, Jake Cunningham ’28, said he got a lot of out of his Orientation experience.

“It was really, really fun, especially last night when we were in the dorms, because it was kind of like dipping your toe in the college experience,” Cunningham said. “We have a good group of people who just met each other and we’re already pretty close.”

As one of Bobcat men’s ice hockey’s newest players, Chris Pelosi ’28 traveled in from southern New Jersey to participate in Orientation. Pelosi said he was glad that he came.

“It was different than I expected. There were a lot more fun activities that got everyone involved. I feel like part of the family now,” said Pelosi.

New Jersey native Alyssa Mack ’28, who chose to attend Quinnipiac to study physical therapy, said Orientation gave her a head start on making new friends.

“I was really drawn in by the program for physical therapy and the fact that Quinnipiac is a place where you can find a lot of connections for your job placement — and the thing I liked most about Orientation was there was a lot group building, so I made some friends and I feel like I’m ready to come back in the fall,” said Mack.

Cranston said a lot of teamwork goes into developing intentional Orientation activities in order to shape the best possible outcomes for students.

“Orientation couldn’t be what it is without the faculty, staff, and students who are currently here to help support and welcome our new students. It’s a team effort across the board,” said Cranston.

She said the Class of 2028 will also benefit greatly from their interactions with year’s student Orientation Leader group.

“The Orientation Leaders have so many diverse backgrounds of involvement and perspectives to give to the students,” Cranston said. “Their passion and love for Quinnipiac just emanates, and that’s what we want the students to see.”

As students get to know one another during Orientation, they’re also learning about becoming part of the Quinnipiac community and becoming a Bobcat.

“It’s amazing to see the transformation that takes place in the 28 hours they’re together,” said Cranston. “By the time they leave, they feel like college students, and they’re really excited to be coming back to start their journey.”

Based on their exceptional Orientation participation, the Class of 2028 is showing tremendous energy and promise, she said.

“They are on top of it, and they want to get involved. They had a lot of questions about what they could be doing to contribute when they’re here,” said Cranston. “I really feel like this group is going to come in strong, and be excited, and take advantage of everything we have to offer.”

First Orientation Session