Emerson welcomes class of 2016

Emerson welcomed more than 900 new undergraduates to campus August 27-31 for Orientation 2012: Expression Amplified. Orientation leaders greeted students and their families curbside in typical Emerson style, with music, singing, and dancing, as they arrive to move into the residences.

“We want to engage students and their families with the school’s creative, collaborative culture right from the start,” says Associate Dean of Students Sharon Duffy, who coordinates the work of the Orientation leaders as well as a week of orientation activities to help acclimate students to the campus. “Emerson’s unique move-in day is a wonderful tradition. I have a record number of student applicants who apply every year who want to serve as Orientation leaders. It is quite a desirable leadership position for our undergraduate students!”

More than 150 Emerson students volunteer to be Orientation leaders each year and train to be a part of the team. As the new undergraduates arrive on campus, teams of Orientation leaders sing and perform synchronized dances, chant the students’ names, help them unload their cars, and escort them to their rooms.

“We want to engage students and their families with the school’s creative, collaborative culture right from the start. Emerson’s unique move-in day is a wonderful tradition.”

–Associate Dean of Students Sharon Duffy

Once the new students  moved in, they participated in an Orientation packed with activities. This year’s schedule included a performance by Emerson alumnus and slam poet George Watsky ‘10, a talk by “The Dating Doctor” David Coleman, the annual OL welcome dance, and several events to help students acclimate to life at Emerson, such as open houses at various campus locations like the library and WERS, and academic department meetings.

Emerson’s Orientation program helps students connect with their peers and familiarize themselves with the campus. It also introduces them to campus culture and exposes them to co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities.