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New Student Orientation Days Welcome Fresh Faces to Westfield State University

Jun 26, 2024
A photo of students lining up for New Orientation Day. They gather outside of the Dining Commons in rough rows of two.

Students gathered for lunch during New Student Orientation Day.

The excitement is palpable as new students arrive at Westfield State University for the New Student Orientation. Each day kicks off at with a check-in at the newly renovated Parenzo Hall, where University leaders and President Linda Thompson will extend a warm welcome.

At 10:15 a.m., the action shifts to Scanlon Banquet Hall, where students will engage in immersive presentations designed to set the stage for their journey as Owls. This session promises to provide invaluable insights into what lies ahead.

Following the presentations, students will head to New Hall Green for a barbecue lunch at 12:45 p.m. This event will offer a chance to mingle and start forming new connections. After lunch, residents and commuters will be divided into their respective groups to receive tailored guidance on making the most of their university experience.

New Student Orientation. Families eat lunch outside next to the Dining Hall in rows of buffet tables.
Lunch for families.

The afternoon brings a fun twist with a game of Student Involvement Bingo at 2:15 p.m. in Scanlon Banquet Hall. Before concluding with a series of celebrations and department fairs on the campus green, providing new students with an opportunity to explore the diverse offerings and vibrant community at Westfield State University.

New Student Orientation. Five student leaders in blue polo shirts pose on the campus green.
Student leaders help with NSO events.

Meanwhile, families and champions will attend their own orientation schedule that is designed to showcase and familiarize what campus life at the University looks like. Families will also attend brief, informative presentations on partnerships and fostering student success before eating lunch in the Dining Commons at 12:30 p.m. Afterwards, families will then move to the Owl’s Nest, where more details on their students’ first year journey and next steps will be revealed and discussed.

New Student Orientation. A student draws for Student Involve Bingo at the end of the day.
Student Involvement Bingo.

“I am excited to announce that we will welcome nearly 400 students and family members to our campus today,” Matt Dellea, Director of Student Activities, Involvement, and Leadership said on June 26. “Today’s events will leave every student telling their friends they’re excited for Westfield State in the fall, and we will be offering an orientation that provides high level meaning on what it means to be an Owl. A special thank you to all those members of our community that will be part of our program today presenting, volunteering, setting up rooms and grounds, preparing and serving food, and simply being a friendly face for families. Today is a great day to be an Owl!”

Welcome to all new Owls! Here’s to an exciting and enriching start to your journey at Westfield State University.