On the eve of a new semester, new and incoming transfer students were welcomed into the St. Joseph’s University, New York community during its fall 2026 orientation events on the Brooklyn and Long Island Campuses.
The events, hosted Sept. 3 on Long Island and Sept. 8 in Brooklyn, allowed students to meet with administration and faculty, learn about University resources, familiarize themselves with campus and get to their fellow classmates ahead of the official start of classes on Sept. 9.
Long Island Campus
New student orientation was an all-day affair, one that began for Long Island students in the John A. Danzi Athletic Center. The morning session kicked off with a warm welcome from SJNY President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D. and Vice President for Institutional Advancement Rory Shaffer-Walsh — preparing students for all the incredible experiences that await them both during and after their time at St. Joseph’s University.
Up next were a few words from student orientation chairperson Taylor Burns, who offered a student’s perspective on life at SJNY. That called for the perfect time for students to meet their orientation leaders, who would serve as their guides and mentors for the day.
Helping students explore the ins and outs of SJNY was a panel of representatives from the University’s various departments including academic success, athletics, career preparation and professional development, counseling and wellness, global studies, student government, and student life. Any questions students pondered they were free to ask, while expressing their interest in St. Joseph’s many organizations.
After familiarizing themselves with university resources and breaking the ice with their future classmates, it was off to O’Connor Hall, where orientation leaders offered tours of the classrooms, lounges and and labs that students will spend the next four years delving into their majors, conducting research and forming bonds with faculty.
The last stop for Long Island’s new student orientation was the Student Center. In between the music, food and activities, students embarked on a scavenger hunt — learning more about SJNY’s resources at tables set up throughout the building. Campus ministry, information technology services and campus security were just a few resources students could learn more about while also checking names off their scavenger hunt list for a prize.
Later that day, incoming transfer students would have an orientation of their own in the McGann Conference Center. The evening session was all about helping transfer students acclimate to their new environment while showing them how they can make the most of their university experience.
Brooklyn Campus
Meanwhile, St. Joseph’s University orientation leaders welcomed a new group of first-year and transfer students to the Brooklyn Campus during a welcome session in the Hill Center Gym.
During that first session, both University leadership and student orientation leaders returned again and again to a few themes: encouraging new students to explore, reach out and make new friends, and take advantage of the many resources the University has to offer. Those themes would be reiterated throughout the day.
David Gonzalez, assistant vice president for student life, wrapped up the welcome session by telling students, “You will find your community here.”
Another exciting session for the new students took place during the Meet Your Major session, where students gathered in various locations in Tuohy Hall. For instance, in the main auditorium, students could sit down with professors representing majors including communication studies, history, psychology, child study and human services.
There was even a table for those who were undecided about their major. At that table, Michael Burke, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy and associate dean of student success, met with undecided students, getting to know them and their interests while explaining that, no matter which major they eventually choose, their studies will include core curriculum courses.
For instance, every first-year student will take an SJNY 100 course, which will introduce them to the academic skills needed by college students, regardless of their intended major. Professors tap into their own interests to create unique SJNY 100 courses, highlighting their expertise and continuous commitment to learning. Though their themes differ, all SJNY 100 courses emphasize careful reading and critical thinking, writing to learn, and library research skills.
After lunch in the Brooklyn Campus’ Hill Center Gym, new and transfer students met with their orientation leaders for a Campus 101 session, where they learned essential information about the campus and the upcoming academic year.
The student leaders who led these sessions not only presented information about the University’s resources and services but also offered important practical tips. For instance, student leaders emphasized that they should not to be afraid to ask for help since that’s how you’ll succeed. Another tip was to take advantage of the Career and Development Center for help creating a resume.
The orientation program ended with a campus tour and an opportunity to hang out in the Bear Cave, where new students could join their peers for games and activities.
