SHU Hosts Pre-Fall Programs for First-Year Students

New students offered a jump start on their college education

Many first-year students at Sacred Heart University had the opportunity to move into their residence halls a week early to participate in pre-fall programs. There were 10 unique programs that gave students opportunities to establish friendships with those who have similar interests and to familiarize themselves with campus before classes started.

Programs included acclimating to biology, for students interested in science; a week of wellness, which enabled students in the College of Health Professions to explore the seven dimensions of wellness; behind the curtain, for freshmen passionate about theatre arts, and community connections, which gave students a chance to immerse themselves in service through the office of community engagement.

Annie Johnson, office of community engagement director, helps run the community connections program. “Community connections has been a flagship pre-fall program for more than 20 years and offers first-year students the opportunity to explore the larger Bridgeport community,” said Johnson. “Each evening, the students tackled tough social justice questions during critical reflection activities. We aim to inspire our students to gain an understanding of themselves and deepen in them a sense of social responsibility.”

Other pre-fall programs included dance intensive, an introduction to SHU dance professors and classes; geektastic, in which School of Computer Science & Engineering students participated in hands-on coding and engineering activities; mind your business, which provided exposure to life as a student at the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology, and nursing, the heart of healthcare, an opportunity for students to establish an early connection to the Dr. Susan L. Davis, RN, & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing.

Finally, there was SHU: start to finish, for students to learn SHU basics and boost their career development skills; and start strong, a program run by the office of student advising & success to help freshmen prepare for a successful first year of college.

Applications for the pre-fall programs become available each May and are due by the end of June.

Pictured above: Community Connections