Leading up to the start of fall classes, incoming freshmen participated in a number of activities designed to get them acclimated and excited about making a fresh beginning at Monroe College.

There was bowling, a camping trip to Top of the Pines, a boat ride around Manhattan Island that featured food, dancing, and the best sights of New York, a picnic at Glen Island, distinguished matriculation ceremonies, and a unique experience in Manhattan called City Hunt.

“These events are fun,” said Karen Stuart, Director of the new Office of Student Development on the Bronx campus.  “But they also have the important purpose of making freshmen feel comfortable, not only with the college, but with each other,” she said.  “This is how to build camaraderie that carries over into the classroom giving them a foundation for academic success.”

Ms. Stuart noted that this year’s Matriculation ceremonies, which are a staple for Monroe freshmen, gave the students the chance to become part of the history of the college by signing a matriculation log.

“Each freshman is now part of the Monroe family,” she said.  “That means they are entitled to all the support systems available, but it carries with it the responsibility of attending every class and seeing their education through to graduation.”

On September 5 two hundred freshmen descended on the island of Manhattan for City Hunt, a fun, sometimes frantic, whirlwind day of activities in Manhattan.

Armed with digital cameras to document their progress, the students were broken into teams with a prescription of 50 things to do, things like photograph themselves “behind bars” or at the wheel of a yellow taxi.

“One of the objectives was to have our students, many who are from out of town or even from other countries, feel comfortable moving about New York City,” said Carolyn Bennett, Coordinator of Intramural & Recreational Programs.  “But one thing they discovered was how friendly the people of New York are.  Also, they established friendships with each other, which is also important to their success in college.”

The SOCA Warriors finished in first place and Team NASDAQ finished in second.