Campus news
The College Welcomes New Students to UB
Laura Brown, success coach in the College greets new students at Academics Day in the Center for the Arts atrium. 📸 Photographer: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
By GINA CALI-MISTERKIEWICZ
The University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences officially launched the 2025–2026 academic year with a welcome on August 22, 2025, for more than 1,200 new and transfer undergraduate students. The College joined the broader UB community in celebrating Academics Day, part of Welcome Weekend, a signature event that marks the beginning of the academic journey for incoming undergraduate students.
“Welcoming new students to their academic home in the College of Arts and Sciences is one of the most energizing and fun moments of the year,” said Anne Mecca, associate director for admissions and student services.
The event kicked off with a talk by Lance Rintamaki, associate professor in the Department of Communication, who opened the event with insights on strategic thinking and its role in student success.
“Wingin’ It LIVE:” A Buffalo-Style Welcome
No UB welcome would be complete without chicken wings and a little humor. “Wingin’ It LIVE,” hosted by Nick Henshue, teaching associate professor in the Department of Environment and Sustainability and Zach Carr, assistant teaching professor from Department of Communication, brought laughter and real talk to the table. The session offered a lighthearted yet insightful look at transitioning to college life, complete with one of Buffalo’s favorite foods.
Zach Carr and Nick Henshue raise their wings in a celebratory cheer on stage. 📸 Photographer: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
Support That Starts on Day One
The program wrapped up with a focus on student support. College Success Coaches Laura Brown, Erin Edson-Territo, Evan Kennedy and Megan Ziolkowski shared tips, resources and encouragement to help students thrive from day one.
New students gathered in the Center for the Arts Atrium to meet with faculty and staff from academic departments and connect with College Ambassadors. With a diverse student body and a wide array of programs spanning the arts, humanities, natural sciences, mathematics and social sciences, the College is poised for a year of innovation, interdisciplinary learning and community engagement.
“Academics Day is designed to help students feel connected, informed and inspired from day one, Mecca said. “We want every student to know that we’re here to support them every step of the way.”