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TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2010
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THE JUSTICE
THE JUSTICE
ORIENTATION 2010
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TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2010
ORIENTATION 2010
FIRST-YEARS OR NINJAS?: A game known as Ultimate Ninja was taught to many of the orientation AIDE groups following the first-year barbecue dinner on Sunday. Groups filled all parts of the Shapiro Campus Center as rain continued during orientation. Shouts of different group meeting games could be heard as students spent their first few hours at Brandeis after parents’ departures.
Move-in ran smoothly and activites kept the new first-year students engaged and smiling despite the rainy weather By HILLEL BUECHLER JUSTICE EDITOR
The roughly 850 newest members of the University community casually strolled onto campus over the last few days—along with their carloads of carefully (or perhaps carelessly) packed clothing, books, writing utensils and all those other random items that students pack into their dorm rooms. After smiling for their student ID photographs in what were likely some most unfortunate poses then acquiring those soon-to-be-beloved baby blue cards, the Class of 2014 spent the day unpacking and
very willingly bidding their parents, guardians and siblings farewell. With shiny, new mailbox keys in hand, the first-years headed over to purchase what they naïvely felt were appropriately priced college books at the Brandeis Bookstore. Following “Brandeis Beginnings,” the official Brandeis welcome ceremony, presented by University President Jehuda Reinharz, families, drenched from the rain, dispersed and orientation groups were gathered by the overly eager 2010 orientation leaders, who were easy to spot in their blue T-shirts.
Still intent on fully comprehending the circular layout of the campus, and with food from a first-night “green” tailgate fresh in their stomachs, the first-years met the Orientation Core committee, as well as their Community Development Coordinators before heading over to the carnival. At the carnival, held in the Levin Ballroom, first-years were fed more food, such as snow cones and cotton candy, jumped in a moon bounce and danced the night away. Before heading off to bed for their first night at Brandeis, the first-years had the chance
to mingle with others living in the respective quadrangles. Awaiting these brave, new Brandesians on day two were many momentous events— the long-awaited class photo, the academic fair, continued adventures with their AIDE groups and an eye-opening presentation by Associate Dean of Student Life Jamele Adams titled “This is Our House.” Orientation continues today through early September, with a black-light party, drive-in movie, Boston Harbor cruise and many other fun events.
ENTHUSIASTIC ORIENTATION LEADERS: First-year students joined together in the Levin Ballroom Sunday night to celebrate and enjoy their first night at the University. The evening was comprised of a giant human foosball game, carnival booths, lots of sweets, dancing and a magic show performance.
FRESH FACES: President-elect Frederick Lawrence addressed students during the “Brandeis Beginnings” orientation event on Sunday. He invited students to join him in his first year at Brandeis, a remark followed by a joking reply from President Jehuda Reinharz to treat him well as he is a “special freshman” in the new class. The event also included introductions by Herbie Rosen ʼ12, coordinator of Orientation 2010, as he presented the Orientation Core committee and the showing of the class banner. The ceremony concluded with a singing of the alma mater by several orientation leaders, many of whom are members of Brandeis a cappella groups, and closing remarks by Rosen.
First-years accelerate through orientation
HEAVY LOAD: The orientation leaders had to wake up early, help first-years move in and provide activities for the new students. Still, they remained enthusiastic and perky, always willing to help a lost or scared first-year.
BIG GOODBYES: Families dropped first-years off to start their orientation after move-in on a rainy Sunday.
FIRST-YEAR FOOD: The weather moved lots of activities, like the barbecue, into the campus center.
CARNIVAL MAGIC: The magician brought up first-years as volunteers and incorporated them in his acts.
A LAST WELCOME: University President Jehuda Reinharz warmly welcomed parents and students to the University.
WATER FIGHT: The orientation leaders seemed to have just as much fun as the first-years at Sunday night’s carnival.
Photos by Asher Krell the Justice
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