By By Abner Bruno
The University kicked off the semester with its third annual new student convocation, formally welcoming freshmen and introducing them to faculty and administration.
Ben Solis, president of the Student Government Association, stressed the importance of faculty members helping students adjust.
“The faculty’s number one reason for being here is to help make your transition successful both academically and socially,” Solis said.
Carol Ferrand, professor of speech-language-hearingsciences, who spoke on behalf of the faculty, noted that the staff is punctual, dependent and always available to assist students.
“This is a challenging, exciting and rewarding time,” Ferrand said. “The faculty is eager to participate in the process.”
Students at the convocation said they were taken aback by the sheer number of staff members available to assist them. Many freshmen like Kate Ciallo and Kasey Szewczak, both print journalism majors, attended because they were told it was mandatory. To their surprise, they gained helpful information and left relieved to know they could depend on the faculty. “I didn’t realize the number of staff that is available,” Ciallo said. “Everyone seemed so welcoming.”
“The professors did seem nice and helpful,” Szewczak said. “The convocation did a good job of introducing students to the school and what to expect from professors.”
University President Stuart Rabinowitz delivered the convocation address, highlighting the strengths of the University’s liberal arts program as well as what he calls the University’s “rich and full” college life.”The liberal arts program teaches you to write and analyze, to speak and create,” he said. “It is the very best prep for any occupation you might pursue.”
He reminded students they are responsible for all their choices and should cherish their coollege experience.
“Do not waste this time, relish and revel in this opportunity,” Rabinowitz said. “This is your turn to discover who you are and who you’ll become; don’t let the fear of the unknown deter you.”