Welcome From O-Core 2011
Hello Gonzaga Families!
We are Orientation Core, a group of five students dedicated to planning the New Student Orientation. To prepare both you and your student for this important transition to Gonzaga, we are in the final weeks of planning this event. Orientation offers something for the whole family. Orientation Weekend (Fri. Aug. 26th – Mon. Aug. 29th) will introduce your student to their new home at Gonzaga. Students will get to know campus and the surrounding community, meet new students, learn about the many resources they may access, and find ways to get involved both inside and outside of the classroom. There is a wide variety of activities and workshops for parents and families, too.
Each year our Orientation Core chooses a theme that serves as a guiding star for the week. We encourage all students to embody this theme, “Make Your Mark,” in their daily lives, during their time at Gonzaga, and after they graduate. Gonzaga’s community and traditions will undoubtedly leave its mark on every student, but we ask how will the incoming class leave it’s mark on Gonzaga?
In correlation to the theme all new students have a required-read which they need to read prior to arrival at Gonzaga. This year’s book is “Tattoos on the Heart” by Father Gregory Boyle. Jesuit Gregory Boyle is a Gonzaga alum and founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, California. Father Greg impacts the lives of those around him and continues to leave a lasting positive mark on the community.
Our hope is to make the transition to college as smooth as possible for students and their families. We have both old traditions and new activities as part of the weekend which are designed to help your student settle into college life and to prepare the whole family for this transition.
Fully detailed itineraries will be available at Orientation Station Friday morning, August 26th. Friday is focused on moving, unpacking, running errands, and getting settled at Gonzaga. Throughout Friday and Saturday we have several events planned for parents such as an address from President McCulloh, a wine and cheese social, and parent seminars that cover a variety of topics. On Sunday there is a reception hosted by the President and a great Welcome Mass to follow. After the welcome mass we ask that all families head home at 3pm.
Orientation comes to an end on Monday, which is geared towards academics. Students will attend an academic convocation, meet their advisors, and attend an academic discussion panel. Then classes start the next day!
Please feel free to email Orientation Core at orientation@zagmail.gonzaga.edu or call us at (509) 313-6872, and check out more information at www.gonzaga.edu/orientation. Also, the family website has is a good go-to for any concerns or further information on this transition for your family, or you can email parents@gonzaga.edu.
We look forward to meeting you all at Orientation!
Orientation Core
Loraine, Matt, Amanda, Kristin, and Erin