Pace Paw Print

There were plenty of opportunities for sophomores to keep busy in the Gottesman Room last Wednesday, where the Sophomore Kick-Off event was held.

The event, sponsored by Pace's Center for Academic Excellence (CAE), from noon to 2pm had representatives from many different organizations around campus who each bought activities and/or information for the student's benefit.

Allyson King, the Associate Director of Academic Resources for CAE said the Kick-Off was intended to welcome back second year students.

King said some student feedback from last year reflected a decrease in enthusiasm in some students after freshman year.

"A lot goes on freshman year," said King. "We don't want students to taper off."

Several campus organizations had tables set up for browsing students to look at. Some organizations included Alpha Lambda Sigma, athletics, student advisement, the environmental center and voter empowerment, where students could register to vote. There also was a self-help garage sale, where books giving advice to students in areas such as love, studying and living away from home could be purchased for around one dollar, or in some cases, less.

Each organization had a unique approach to engaging students.

Co-op and Career Services, for example, had, in addition to informational brochures, personality tests to suggest what careers might work best for students. Outreach had students set up homework kits for under privileged students in the area.

Samantha Fino, a sophomore communications and media arts major, took advantage of the co-op information while attending the event.

"As a sophomore all that career information starts to become even more important to choosing classes and starting to really decide on a major and what career path you want to take," she said.

However, she said the environment of the event made the information easier to take in.

"It's in a fun setting where it doesn't feel as overwhelming as looking up all that information yourself," Fino said.

King said this activity was partially designed to get students thinking about civic engagement, which is required for graduation.

In addition to the abundance of activities inside, food and beverages were also provided to the students outside, while WPAW student radio provided back round music.

King said she thought the Kick-off would help promote the student radio station, which she said many students probably didn't know about.

Raffles were also drawn frequently during the event, giving away prizes which included gift certificates to local stores and restaurants.

Jenna Hyla, a sophomore nursing major, heard about the event from a friend in Alpha Lambda Sigma.

The raffles and free food helped to convince Hyla to attend the event. "It's nice," she said. "I think it's a good idea."

Nicole Paladino, also a sophomore nursing major, also attended the event.

"Especially if you commute, it's a great idea to meet people at your level," she said.

King said the event was "a huge success," thanks to the 125 students who engaged in the abundance of activities.

Article Tools