Lindsey Gooding
Staff Writer

Even though this year’s freshmen class was relatively small, there was nearly a 100 percent turn out for this year’s orientation events.

The fun began Aug. 30 with freshmen orientation. This gives new students the opportunity to learn about the University of La Verne and meet other students going through the same experience.

“There was a lot of positive feedback from the students,” Connie Elejalde orientation week leader said.

The program was conducted in four days.

The first day was move-in day. It was an opportunity for incoming freshmen to familiarize themselves with their new surroundings, meet their resident assistants and their new roommates. It gave students a way to get acquainted with housing, as well as the rules of residential life.

The second day of orientation was aimed toward commuters and resident students.

During the day new students were welcomed by faculty, staff and students.

Campus tours were given followed by a student service fair where academic advising and skits that were put on by several orientation leaders.

The night ended with a scavenger hunt, which was a big hit with the new students and a lot of fun for everyone involved.

“It was fun seeing everyone run around trying to beat the other team,” freshman participant Stacey Serrano said. “Plus, I was on the winning
team so that was exciting.”

Orientation tradition continued at Camp Mountain Chai at Alpine Meadows. The camp had lodging, a swimming pool, dining hall and a
ropes course.

“I really enjoyed the rope activities,” Serrano said. “I like the one that had a long rope and a bunch of knots that we had to undo using only one of our hands. That’s when we really worked as a team.”
This overnight experience gave the students a chance to get away and focus on themselves and their goals for entering college.

The unique atmosphere and team building activities were great ways for the students to bond with one another as well as the staff.

“The bulk of the program was similar to last year’s,” said Chip West, director of student life. “However, we had a new ropes course that was stellar. The outcome was 100 percent.”

At camp students were separated into two teams. While one team listened to speakers, the others participated in self-challenging activities.

“Everyone was involved,” freshman Maricarmen Zavala said. “It was a nice way to get to know the other students.”

The next day the teams switched activities so that everyone had a chance to participate in each event.

The excursion included a bonfire and a late night dance. Students returned to ULV late afternoon on Saturday.

The last day of orientation was an open day of fun.

Students and their parents were invited to go to Magic Mountain for a day of roller coasters or to go to Catalina and lie in the sun or shop in downtown Avalon.

Students were able to settle in, make friends, set goals, learn about ULV life and become more comfortable and confident in their new setting.

Lindsey Gooding can be reached at gryde4ever@yahoo.com.