During each two-day session, which includes an overnight stay on campus, orientation gives new Quinnipiac students the resources, tools and support to start strong, stay engaged and take on the shared responsibilities of being part of the Bobcat community.

Hannah Cranston, senior director for campus life, helped welcome new Bobcats and their families to the Mount Carmel Campus for the second of six orientation sessions on June 11. Each year, Cranston shapes the orientation experience for students and their families.

“Every session, whether students are learning about campus resources, meeting faculty or spending time with fellow Bobcats, is intentionally designed to help them start building the relationships that will shape their college experience,” Cranston said.

It’s also a pivotal time when new friendships and connections can be forged.

“One of my favorite parts of Orientation is watching students arrive not knowing anyone and leave with a group of people they can't stop talking about. Creating those meaningful connections is exactly what we set out to do, and it's what makes the experience so rewarding,” said Cranston.

First-year students Lucas Boness and Billy Seaver discovered several common threads between them while checking in on the first day of Orientation at the Recreation and Wellness Center. Boness, an Andover, Massachusetts resident, plans to study business and Seaver, a Worcester, Massachusetts resident, will study finance.

“I went up to him and introduced myself,” said Boness. “We’ve been talking about what we like to do for fun, like sports, and we both like playing golf.”

Seaver said the main reason he wanted to attend an orientation session was to make connections.

“I think it’s a good way to meet people and maybe find a roommate,” said Seaver.

Brooke Gillespie traveled to Quinnipiac all the way from Phoenix, Arizona to build new friendships and get to know more about her new academic home.

“Because I’m from Phoenix, I don’t really know anybody, so I’m hoping to make more connections and to just meet people. It’s also going to help me get any questions I have answered,” said Gillespie.

Gillespie plans to make the most of her four years at Quinnipiac by earning a bachelor's degree in marketing and master’s in business administration through the university’s accelerated dual degree 3+1 program.

“Quinnipiac had everything I wanted, and with the 3+1 program on top of that, it hit all the marks for me. I came here for a visit last fall and again in the spring, so it kind of feels familiar to me. It’s not too big or too small — it’s just the right size. I love the location because it’s close to New York and Boston, and I like how friendly everybody is,” said Gillespie.

Gillespie is excited to be joining Quinnipiac’s living-learning residential community, the Grove, as part of her academic journey.

“I feel like she’s going to be safe and happy,” said mom Quincy Gillespie. “Coming from Phoenix, it’s a much smaller environment. Even though Quinnipiac isn’t a large university, I think it’s perfect for her. It will allow her to be very involved on campus, and with the multiple activities that are available, I think it’s going to be really good for helping her to build community here.”

New Jersey resident and new Bobcat James Morino hopes to build community as a sports communications major and by playing with Quinnipiac men’s club ice hockey team.

Morino said his visit to Quinnipiac’s state-of-the-art School of Communications helped clinch his college decision and will leverage his career opportunities.

“I feel like everyone works together and they give you the best support possible. I think it’s a great opportunity for me,” said Morino.

Dad Robert Morino said he felt Quinnipiac was a great fit for his son.

“There’s a great sense of community. The size of the school, the class sizes, the professors that we’ve met — everyone’s been amazing here,” he said.

Monique Drucker, vice president and dean of students, said each impactful orientation session helps new students experience their first meaningful connection to the Bobcat family.

“It’s about feeling a sense of belonging and that ‘This is where I’m supposed to be,’” said Drucker.

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