Hitting the Ground Running

By Laura Ilioaei ’23, September 9, 2022

Social events mark first week on campus for incoming students.

People scooping ice cream, at Casino night, and at the org fair

During the first two weeks on campus, staff and administrators scooped out ice cream for students, who also got to kick back at Casino Night and learn about on-campus opportunities at the Student Organization Fair.

(Photos by Laura Ilioaei ’23)

First-year and transfer students at Ithaca College kicked off the Fall 2022 semester with a series of orientation events designed to introduce them to opportunities and individuals across campus, including a student organization fair, Casino Night, and ice cream social.

At the student organization fair, they had a chance to connect with some of the nearly 200 clubs and organizations that offer a plethora of opportunities.

The newly launched IC Nature Club gives students the chance to explore IC’s Natural Lands through biweekly walks. It also aims to host nature trips off campus and immerse members in green spaces that provide a unique alternative to spaces on campus.

Learn More

Whatever their interests, students can search for a student organization that fits their goals by going to IC Engage

IC Sign is an American Sign Language (ASL) club that aims to be a welcoming environment where students can learn more about deaf culture and practice their signing skills.

“We really try to learn about the deaf community; that’s a really important part of our club. We also want to have a taste of what ASL is, its culture, and its history,” said Isabelle Marenberg ’23, the club’s vice president.

Another campus organization is IC After Dark, which provides free late-night programming for students. The group hosted a Casino Night to kick off the semester and introduce themselves to the campus community.

“We wanted the first-year students to feel a warm welcome and get to know everyone,” said Anissa Borno ’24, the club’s vice executive of marketing. “These are great ways to meet new people. It’s a way that I met new friends.”

“This is just a wonderful way to welcome back students into the community ... We’re so happy to be meeting them again. I also love watching students as they’re getting to know one another. You can see that groups are starting to form, and that students are getting more comfortable. It’s so much fun to see them getting used to the IC community."

Provost Melanie Stein

The members of the Class of ’26 were also introduced to some of the administrators and staff they’ll be spending time with during their four years at IC and had the opportunity to mingle with returning students, thanks to an all-class ice cream social, where staff and administrators such as Provost Melanie Stein scooped out some delicious treats.

“This is just a wonderful way to welcome back students into the community,” said Stein. “It’s a way of celebrating the beginning of the year. We’re so happy to be meeting them again.

“I also love watching students as they're getting to know one another,” she continued. “You can see that groups are starting to form, and that students are getting more comfortable. It’s so much fun to see them getting used to the IC community."