Orientation Brings Excitement and Optimism for New Johnnies

Unbridled enthusiasm fills the summer air on St. John’s University’s Queens, NY, campus during July and August as New Student Orientation is held for incoming students and their families. 

The University community—including orientation leaders and coordinators, faculty, administrators, and staff—welcome new Johnnies with vigor and zest. It is not uncommon to hear loud music that encourages spontaneous dancing or singing, and the mood is infectious.

St. John’s conducts several orientation sessions for incoming freshmen and transfers, providing students and their parents with a raft of programs designed to facilitate a seamless transition to college life. Coordinated by the Division of Student Success, various departments across the University collaborate on programming, including the Center for Student Success, University Career Services, the Department of Public Safety, and Campus Ministry, among others.

Sarah Jean Kelly, J.D., Vice President for Student Success and Retention Strategy, observed, “I think what’s critical for students and their families is that orientation gives them a sense of who we are as an institution, what we offer them, and how they can access our resources, while feeling like this is a place they can thrive. They have champions in their corner.”

She continued, “Orientation is the first step in paving the way toward student success. They know they have supporters in various offices across campus who are ready and looking for an opportunity to offer support, counsel, and advisement. It shouldn’t be daunting for them.” 

Ms. Kelly spoke highly of the orientation leaders and coordinators who serve as incoming students’ first point of contact. “They are extraordinary. They allow new students to see themselves in our student body and what their pathways can look like.” She added that many orientation leaders stay connected to students in their groups long after orientation has ended, becoming peer mentors.

Teresa Delgado, Ph.D., Dean and Professor, Theology and Religious Studies, St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, served as keynote speaker for all student orientation sessions. Dean Delgado told students that having anxiety about any new experience is normal. 

“I had the same feeling when I joined St. John’s,” she recalled. “Two years ago, I was in your shoes as I stepped into a new place. I worked through those anxieties and fears—and you will, too.” 

Dean Delgado told students that she lost her husband in 2022. “It’s a testament to the people and the love that surrounded me, and the love and community that was built at St. John’s, that lifted me up. That is not an exception to the rule. That is the rule here for you at St. John’s.”

She added, “You’ve got to have your people. You have to build your circles. There are ways that you can actually do that. It takes some courage. You have to get out of your comfort zone. It does not just happen. You have to make an effort. But you can do that because you’ve already made the effort. You have already taken a courageous step because you’re here.”

Elise L. Faulk ’22C, ’24GP, Associate Director of New Student Orientation, noted that this year saw some programmatic changes in the orientation experience. “This year, we were excited to revamp the single-day sessions to be even more fun for students. In one day, students can connect with departments through redesigned sessions, win even bigger prizes, and end the day with our Johnny Social.”

She added, “Three things make for the best orientation experience: exciting sessions, friendly orientation leaders, and a St. John’s family dedicated to making students feel connected. We are genuinely excited to meet our new students.”

Karen Moritz Simons, Director, Office of Parent and Family Relations, noted that for the first 18 years of their child’s lives parents were in the front seat, guiding them on their journey. “This summer, it’s time to switch those seats. It’s time for your student to sit in the front and start making the decisions about where to go—but they’re going to do it with you alongside them or behind them in the back seat, providing the power and the guidance on your path here at St. John’s.”

She added, “What I really hope is that by the end of the day that we spend together at orientation, your takeaway is that there’s an extensive support system here for you and your student to ensure their success on that path at St. John’s University.”

Marketing majors and natives of Buffalo, NY, Gianna Miceli and Bella Vega came to St. John’s to have a New York City experience. “I love the community here,” Gianni remarked. “I love the music they’ve been playing all day. It creates a festive atmosphere. Everyone seems so happy,” Bella added.

Keira Fleckenstein, a Public Relations major from Philadelphia, PA, loved the exuberant orientation experience. “I see a lot of smiles. This is a place I can get used to. This is a real community.”

Valley Stream, NY, native Adrian Rodriguez, who is currently undecided on a major, said, “I love the games we’ve played with our groups. They’re interactive, fun, and really help break the ice.” 

Christian Diaz, a Cybersecurity Systems major from New Hyde Park, NY, said, “The orientation leaders are great. They really make us feel welcome.”

Orientation Leader Antwon Colin, a rising senior and Criminal Justice major, said, “I have a passion for helping others and I had a great orientation experience, so I decided to join the ranks. I came in the year after the pandemic, and even with all the social distancing, our leaders did everything they could to make it engaging and fun.”

“One of the things that has been made clear to me,” Ms. Kelly explained, “is how many people we have who are deeply committed to our students, and how wonderfully supported they are at St. John’s.”