This week, the Bryant community welcomed more than 50 new students to campus, including freshmen and 39 students who transferred from a two- or four-year institution. The incoming students come from across New England, New York, New Jersey, Washington DC, Virginia, Georgia, Florida, Texas, and as far away as India, China, Turkey, New Zealand and Cambodia. Twenty-six percent will commute to campus for classes and participation in student life; 21 percent are student-athletes.

Organized by Bryant’s Student Events and Orientation Programs staff and energetic student Orientation Leaders, the Bryant introduction for new students included an overview of academic life, a review of Title IX: Empowering Students to Stop Power-Based Personal Violence, and an introduction to the outstanding resources of Bryant’s Amica Center for Career Education. The new Bulldogs have selected Bryant as the university where they will complete their bachelor’s degree at a time when a Bryant University diploma has never had greater value.

Bryant University President Ross Gittell, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Dr. Inge-Lise Ameer, and Interim/Associate Provost Wendy Samter, Ph.D., were all on hand to welcome the new students during Orientation programs held Wednesday. Provost Samter encouraged the students to do three things.

“First, embrace all of the academic opportunities that come your way. I highly recommend that you get involved in some type of research with a faculty member. There is no better way to experience the thrill of discovery, to learn from a talented mentor, and to get a good letter of recommendation upon graduation,” she said.

Provost Samter also advised the new students just starting their Bryant journey to, “take advantage of all the student life activities Bryant has to offer. Connect with different people and challenge yourself with new ideas… push yourself out of your comfort zones. Being open to the world around us is where transformation begins, where learning happens, and where community is built.”

Both President Gittell and Provost Samter reminded students of the abundant resources the University provides to support student achievement and success, including counseling services. “We pledge to do everything we can to make your time here the best years of your life- but you must have the insight to know when you need help- and the courage to ask for it,” Samter said.