Welcome New Spring Semester Zags to Gonzaga University
By: Kelly Alvarado, Manager of First Year Experience Programs
During the Spring Semester, First Year Experience Programs welcomes another amazing group of new Zags into our community at Spring Orientation which will be Tuesday, January 17, 2017 in the Hemmingson Center. First Year Experience Programs manages and plans Spring Orientation in partnership with Transfer, Veteran and Returning Adult Student Services. The goal of Spring Orientation is to make sure students feel like they belong to our community and to help make the first week on campus as smooth as possible. New students, during a one-day orientation, will experience small groups led by current student orientation leaders, attend sessions about on-campus services and resources like health and wellness and career and professional development and learn about the academic experience.
Here is a checklist for a successful Spring Orientation Experience:
- Register for Spring Orientation – DUE: January 11, 2017
- Submit your ZAGCARD picture – DUE: January 12, 2017
- Submit your health forms – DUE: January 4, 2017
- Review the Spring Orientation Website for more information.
- Check out some advice from current students on how to transition to Gonzaga.
Move-In Day by Josh McGuire, Human Physiology, Class of 2018, San Diego, California
The move in experience is more than just putting stuff into your room; it is more of a prolonged goodbye with your family and an extended greeting to the students living near you. I checked into my residence hall with my Resident Assistant (RA). I was nervous meeting him for the first time because I knew that he was in charge of the residence hall. However, instead of looking at him as a person of authority, I learned to see him as a peer and guide. He is there to help you with any problem you may have and has the resources and knowledge to direct you in the right direction.
Small Groups by Salvador Gutierrez-Barcenas, Physical Education: Fitness Specialist, Class of 2019, San Jose, California
You will develop many friends, relationships, and families during your time at Gonzaga. One of the first families you will make is with your small group during Spring Orientation. You will be assigned a small group leader, who is an upper-class student, so think of him or her as your guide to Gonzaga.
Introverted or extroverted, your small group leader will make sure that each and every one of the small group members feels safe, comfortable and a part of the family. You will laugh, discuss, maybe even cry with your small group, but that is all part of the transition to becoming a Zag. For example, my small group would meet throughout the academic year to get frozen yogurt and talk about new things that were happening and how our transition was going. This is a group that you will grow with and will always have to help you.
Making a Successful Transition by Melissa Mickey, Math Major (Secondary Ed Cert Track), Class of 2018, Kinnelon, New Jersey
For any students who are nervous about starting a new college experience, the best advice I can give you is this: Keep putting yourself out there. Join clubs, meet new people and take advantage of the opportunities GU has to offer. If you do that, with some patience and perseverance, everyone can find their place here.
Each Zag story will be unique when your student walks on campus. We look forward to supporting your spring semester new Zag in their transition to Gonzaga. Remember, orientation is a process, not an event. First Year Experience Programs is always available to help connect your Zag to resources and services even beyond spring orientation. Feel free to contact us at (509) 313-4016 or firstyearexperience@gonzaga.edu. See you soon!