Rowan Readies Freshmen

Rowan University faculty, administrators, students and staff welcomed hundreds of incoming freshmen June 22-23 in the first of three multi-day sessions geared toward making newcomers feel welcome and ready for September.

Carol Gruber, Associate Vice President for Student Engagement, said most of the Class of 2013, some 1,700 students, was expected at the sessions June 22-23, 24-25 and 29-30.

"This is the largest incoming class in the history of the University," Dr. Gruber said. "We're very excited."

Split from their parents (for whom a separate roster of activities was planned) incoming students shuffled about campus, to and from residence halls, the Chamberlain Student Center, and individual colleges, where they met deans, faculty members and other like-minded majors.

Among the many sessions the first day was one titled RU Ready to Step Up and Reflect, a session aimed at guiding incoming freshmen toward making good choices and avoiding bad ones.

Dr. Gruber said while some emphasis was placed on avoiding alcohol, drugs and irresponsible sexual behavior, the session had a broader focus.

"It's about making the right choices in your life - staying healthy, participating, being involved," she said.

Brielle Scott, 17, an elementary education major from Medford Lakes, said she was drawn to Rowan for its historic reputation as a strong teaching college as well as by recommendations of a sister who preceded her to campus and a cousin who will join her.

As for the orientation?

"So far, so good," she said. "I like that we get to stay in a dorm and get to meet a lot of people. They gave us a fake syllabus and schedule to prepare us and that will all help come September."

Tom Kelly, 18, an engineering major from Wall Township in Monmouth County, said he was torn between Rowan and Rutgers, which would have been closer to home.

"I like that Rowan is smaller with smaller class sizes," he said. "I also like that here they have professors teaching all the classes, not teaching assistants."

A lot to do in two days

The busy orientation schedule included a mix of fun and fact-based activities all designed to prepare incoming students for a smooth transition from home. Included among them were academic success workshops, a major/minor fair, comedy routines, dining breaks, and various interactive opportunities for new students to mingle.

"Over the course of two days we try to provide many opportunities for students to meet other students as well as faculty and administrators," said Joanne Damminger, Director of Student Transition and Leadership Programs.

While students ambled about campus and, hopefully, met some new friends, they were also advised on what to expect academically.

"One of the things we stress is keys to academic success," Dr. Damminger said. "They learn, for example, what makes for good study habits, how much they should be studying per credit hour. The answer, by the way, is two to three hours. If they're taking 15 credits they should be studying at least 30 hours per week. It's really just like a job."