Monday, Aug 30, 2010
Student volunteers will help move new students into residence halls, escort them to events and serve as liaisons during their first days at Rider.
by Lauren Adams
The residence halls that line Rider University's Lawrenceville campus will open their doors to welcome 940 new resident students this weekend, but the dorms' newest residents won't have to haul so much as one bag, box or bedspread into their new homes away from home once they arrive. Instead, Rider's Bronc Buddies — about 390 upperclassmen student volunteers — will move the new students into their assigned residence halls, escort them to opening weekend events, facilitate various activities and serve as liaisons to the students throughout their first few days in the Rider community.
Move-in activities will begin on Sunday, September 5, at 8:30 a.m. and run concurrently with a Family Food Fest on the Campus Mall until 1:30 p.m.
Sunday kicks off Rider’s Fall Opening, which features three days of scheduled activities on the Lawrenceville campus, to help new students familiarize themselves with the Rider community.
“Fall Opening is both an educational and fun three-day welcome designed as an opportunity for new students to become more familiar with the campus and connect with their classmates,” explained Ira Mayo, associate dean of Freshmen.
After the students move in and enjoy Sunday’s Family Food Fest on the campus mall, a welcoming ceremony will be held at 1:30 p.m. in the Student Recreation Center, and will feature remarks from President Mordechai Rozanski. New students will also have the chance to dine with Dr. Rozanski and Student Government Association leaders at the New Student Dinner, which will be held later that evening from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on the Campus Mall. This year’s Food Fest and New Student Dinner will be a sustainable effort and will feature real silverware, recyclable cans and bottles, and eco-friendly plates.
Rider Round Up, a pep rally for new students to build pride within residence halls, will immediately follow at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Recreation Center. The night continues with Bronc Training, featuring friendly competitions and get-to-know-you activities, held from 9 to 11 p.m. in Alumni Gymnasium. Other opening activities include a comedian, off-campus trips, a new student talent show and the New Student Convocation.