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Isabella Cimino ’27 stood in the Maxcy Quad with several of her new peers as they introduced themselves and got to know each other. They were smiling and laughing, enjoying being on campus and being new members of the Charger community.

Cimino, who will begin her classes at the University this fall, is excited be a part of Charger Nation. She’ll be joining old friends – her best friend will be her roommate – as well as new ones. She met many of them at a recent session of the University’s Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR) program, which enables incoming students such as Cimino to connect with their new classmates.

“The icebreakers we did were a great way to get to know new people,” said Cimino, an incoming psychology major from Brooklyn, NY. “It’s fun to get to know new people before starting school. I’m happy about the small class sizes because I’m a one-on-one learner.”

‘Get involved and get passionate’

Cimino was one of the many new Chargers who came to campus in June and July for SOAR. Designed to offer students a seamless transition to the University, the program provides incoming students with important information and a fun and immersive introduction to the University. SOAR covers everything from the many academic and student-life opportunities and resources at the University to creating students’ Fall semester class schedules.

New Chargers were greeted by current students and staff, who offered information, enthusiasm, and a warm welcome.Sheahon Zenger, Ph.D., interim president, addressed the new Chargers, urging them to take advantage of everything the University has to offer.

“Get involved and get passionate,” he encouraged. “Every day is the beginning of the rest of your life.”

‘I felt secure’

Students’ families also attended the welcome held in the University’s Beckerman Recreation Center. It was an opportunity for them to learn more about what their students would be doing during SOAR, as well as the many opportunities and offerings available to their students as Chargers.

For many parents such as Edgard Torres Zayas, dropping off their students was emotional as well as exciting. He and his family, who hail from Puerto Rico, were at SOAR with their student Andrea Torres Cruz ’27, an incoming homeland security major.

“It was difficult, as a parent, to see your child in a different environment, since she’s always been with us,” he explained. “But I appreciate the security at the University of New 51����. Being on campus and dropping her off, I felt secure, and that made me feel more calm.”

‘Everyone has been very welcoming’

Students had a fun program ahead of them at SOAR. Activities included karaoke, a pool tournament, and making smores. It also included a teatime event, something previous students had asked for specifically, which enables students of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community to meet with staff and current students.

Many current students were there to welcome their new classmates, serving as Orientation and Transition Leaders (OTLs). Dedicated to building community and ensuring that new students feel welcome and included, OTLs led group activities and helped ensure that everyone had fun. The OTLs will also serve as a resource for the incoming students throughout the Fall semester.

For Logan Mason ’25, serving as an OTL was particularly exciting because his own SOAR experience was held virtually during the pandemic. He was looking forward to helping to create a memorable and inclusive in-person SOAR experience for his new classmates.

“Being a part of SOAR in person was very interesting for me, since my own experience was so different,” said Mason, a criminal justice major.“I was excited to be here. Working with the other OTLs was great, and I felt a bond with them. It was so much fun to welcome our new students.”

During SOAR, new students say they did indeed feel welcome – and excited about officially beginning their time as Chargers. Samuel Allen ’27, who will study criminal justice, is excited to attend football and baseball games on campus. He says his SOAR experience immediately put him at ease.

“I was nervous to meet new people, but being in small groups makes it a lot easier,” said Allen, of Selden, NY. “Everyone has been very welcoming, and the campus is gorgeous.”