“One of the greatest strengths of this university is the network of faculty, staff and student leaders and peers who are committed to helping you succeed,” said Monique Drucker, vice president and dean of students. “Some of the most meaningful growth happens when you are willing to embrace the unfamiliar. You will leave this university with a degree, but my hope is that you will also leave with lifelong friendships, unforgettable experiences, a stronger sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of yourself. We are honored to be a part of it alongside you.”

Packed with information, activities and experiences, orientation begins with the Resource Fair, where information tables and representatives are available to answer any questions on Quinnipiac’s wealth of diverse student activities, interests and support programs.

Gathering with some new acquaintances during the Resource Fair on June 8, Isabella Diep of East Lyme, Connecticut said she’s planning to study biology and wants to go into nursing. She said friends who are currently attending Quinnipiac, as well as friends who are Bobcat alumni, all gave their experience high marks.

“I heard a lot of good things,” said Diep. “I feel like Quinnipiac is going to give me a good foundation, especially for graduate school. I know it has a good nursing program, so it’s definitely going to help set me up for that.”

As someone who visited Quinnipiac more than once while exploring university choices, Diep said she’s also excited to soon be living and studying on the Mount Carmel Campus.

“Quinnipiac has always been one of my top choices. I love the campus. The first time I was here was two summers ago, and then I came back last summer and went to all of the information sessions. I was here a lot.” Diep said.

Adrianna Caceres of Wallingford, Connecticut, also visited Quinnipiac during her college search.

“I took a tour last year and I loved it,” said Caceres.

She plans to study civil engineering at Quinnipiac’s School of Computing & Engineering.

“I really like the program here. It’s amazing,” Caceres said. “They have a Society of Women Engineers chapter here, which is really cool, because not a lot of universities have a club for women in engineering. I think it’s really important to embrace women in technology and STEAM, so that’s another reason why I chose Quinnipiac.”

Deyala Mashni of Watertown, Connecticut said she was looking forward to undertaking her academic journey at Quinnipiac.

“I chose Quinnipiac because it has all the options for me, including a good law program for when I finish my undergrad. From all the schools I looked at, Quinnipiac really stood out to me. It’s going to give me a good base on my education and help me move forward with my career in the future,” said Mashni.

Her mom, Diana Mashni said she feels Quinnipiac was a great choice for her daughter, and that attending orientation was a great decision for both of them.

“She wants to study political science, and through research we found that Quinnipiac has a great continuing law program, so we felt that Quinnipiac would be the best choice for her,” said Mashni. “I think the orientation will be a great learning experience for her. This is my first time being inside the university and walking around the campus, and so far, it’s been a great experience.”  

Watching the hub of activity at the Resource Fair in the Burt Kahn Court, Chief Experience Officer Tom Ellett pointed out how groups of students were already starting to gather and create connections.

“Right now, you can see the students are starting to grow into circles, which is showing the impact orientation can have in creating some relationships they can have over the summer before they get here in August. What it says is that humans need that pre-test of finding their ‘peeps.’  I think we do a really good job of doing that, by giving students a way to engage in small groups through the orientation process,” Ellett said.

Ellett also manages orientation’s family programming.

“In our parent sessions, we talk quite a bit about transition,” Ellett said. “It’s a chance for those who’ve gone through it to share with those who are a little nervous about the transition and what to expect, and so there are some friendships which begin to bud among the parents.”

The optional parent sessions also help participants to learn a little more about one another, discuss their expectations and share what they hope to see their students gain from their Quinnipiac experience. Ellett invites families to partner with the university to help their students succeed and grow independently. He also shares how encouraging students to forge connections at Quinnipiac can be crucial to assisting with their successful transition to college life.

As a student athlete, Macy McGuffin, an Ohio resident, is arriving with at least one strong connection – her new team, said her mom, Angela McGuffin. Macy McGuffin plans to study psychology as she continues her athletic career with Quinnipiac’s powerhouse acrobatics and tumbling team, which clinched four individual national championship titles this past season. McGuffin’s mom and her dad, Bob McGuffin, traveled with her to Quinnipiac to attend orientation.

“I think it’s a beautiful campus. It’s well-maintained and balanced, and I feel that she’ll be safe here,” said Angela McGuffin. “I think that she is going to have a great experience and hopefully she thrives.”

Heading across campus to the university welcome held in the SITE auditorium, Ramin Qurbani of Middlebury, Connecticut said he was pleased to be joining Quinnipiac’s Honors Program as a member of the computer science accelerated dual-degree (3+1) program. Qurbani said Quinnipiac stood out in his college search due to the opportunity to earn his bachelor's degree and master’s degree in a four-year period.

“Other schools didn’t have that,” said Qurbani. “I think this will be a good school and the 3+1 program will help me in my career.”

Drucker and Senior Director for Campus Life Hannah Cranston provided the morning’s university welcome to families and students. Cranston noted that the incoming Class of 2030 is made up of approximately 1800 members.

“Think of orientation as your launchpad,” Cranston said. “Over the next two days, you’ll get the tools, connections and support you need to hit the ground running. By showing up and being present, students will discover how to thrive academically, tap into resources that fuel their growth and embrace the values and responsibilities that come with being part of this community.”  

Cranston also introduced Quinnipiac’s student orientation leadership team which trains and oversees Quinnipiac’s dynamic group of student orientation leaders. During orientation, incoming students interact in small groups led by orientation leaders, while also coming together as a class for special programming, events and activities.

First-time student orientation leader Edison Tan ’29, a sports communication and film, television and media arts double-major, said his orientation experience was memorable and impactful.

“My two orientation leaders that I had coming in as a first-year student were phenomenal, and I just had such a great experience. I felt that pride in my decision to come to this institution,” said Tan. “At orientation, you may not remember all the names of the people who are here to help you, but I hope you’ll remember they way they make you feel. I want the people I meet here to remember how I made them feel and the pride in their decision to come to Quinnipiac.”

In Focus