University at Buffalo (UB)
Welcoming our new students
The newest members of our UB community began their journey last month with a special day dedicated to all things College of Arts and Sciences.
Academics Day was a fresh addition to the university’s New to UB programming, which traditionally gives first-year and transfer students the opportunity to acquaint themselves with campus, explore resources and connect with others during Welcome Weekend.
“Given that these students didn’t have the opportunity to visit campus during their college search, we felt it was important to introduce them to everything the College has to offer as soon as they arrived on campus for the first time,” said Anne Mecca, assistant director for strategic programs and one of the event’s organizers.
Emceed by professors Nick Henshue, Department of Environment and Sustainability and Zachary Carr, Department of Communication the day kicked off with a presentation by Lance Rintamaki, professor in the Department of Communication, titled “Making it Count: Some Tricks for Getting the Most Out of College.”
From there, students were able to choose their own adventure by selecting from 15 short, 10-minute presentations by faculty members from across the academic sectors and students called VicTalks. Named after UB’s mascot, Victor E. Bull, the talks covered a wide range of topics aimed at displaying the breadth of the College’s offerings, research and creative activities. Topics ranged from “What I Wish I Knew as a Freshman” to “Let’s Talk About Social Justice” to “Sustainability and Community Resilience.”
In between talks, departments were on hand so students could meet faculty and College ambassadors, ask questions and learn more about degree offerings and opportunities.
“It seemed like our new students really enjoyed making personal connections with our faculty, staff and returning students – and I know they had a blast chatting with them too,” Mecca said.
The afternoon concluded with several standalone department events and the chance to participate in a campus scavenger hunt for fun prizes.