Four women outside at 2023 Orientation
Incoming first-year students participated in a series of ice breaker activities as a way to build relationships with their new classmates. With a 70-degree day on Monday, several orientation groups made connections under the campus’s trees. From left, Samantha Venuto ’27, Shelby Anderson ’27, Ava Norton ’27, and Dasani Stewart ’27.
Welcoming the Class of 2027: Scenes from New Student Orientation
Jun 29, 2023, by Emma Bartlett
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Throughout June, incoming Bulldogs visited Bryant for New Student Orientation where they connected with peers, faculty, and current students. Here are some of the snapshots capturing this year’s Orientation. 

Student signing into Orientation in Fisher Center.
Excited to meet new people, incoming Marketing major Sydney Amaral ’27 checks in for the fourth New Student Orientation session on June 26. On Monday morning, first-years and their families filled the Michael E. and Karen L. Fisher Student Center where they chatted and enjoyed breakfast pastries before the day’s activities commenced.
Madan shakes hands with parent beside incoming student.
During the opening welcome session, Inge-Lise Ameer, Ed.D., vice president of student affairs and dean of students, asked first-year students to lean in and get to know the people around them. She then invited families to spend a few moments saying hello to someone new and welcoming them to Bryant. Here, Madan Annavarjula, Ph.D., dean of the College of Business and professor of International Business, welcomed Ben Hurd ’27 and Lindsay Hurd to campus.
Orientation leaders dancing in MAC
Orientation leaders concluded the opening welcome session in song and dance with their own take on Lady Gaga’s “Applause”; they gave first-years advice on not crossing under the archway before graduation and promised to teach them how to find their way around campus.
CAS's Professor Williams speaking with incoming student
Faculty and staff shared their love for learning with the Class of 2027 during an academic fair devoted to Bryant’s disciplines. History, Literature, and the Arts lecturer Zhongyuan Williams was one of the many Bryant community members excited to share their passions with the incoming class.
Three women talk with Laura Beaudin at academic fair
Bryant University wrapped up its final New Student Orientation on June 27. Throughout the four sessions, members of the Class of 2027 connected with fellow students, faculty, and staff, built course schedules, and learned about campus resources and opportunities.
Orientation leaders walking with first-years
The two-day overnight orientation experience introduced students to the campus’ residence halls, dining halls, and taught students how to navigate campus. Incoming first-years were placed in small groups led by current Bulldogs.
Gabriel Mullings speaks into microphone
“This is a new chapter for them,” Gabriel Mullings ’25 told parents during a panel discussion on how families can support their students as they transition from high school to college. Four seasoned Bulldogs spoke of the importance of giving students the space to discover who they are while also checking in regularly.
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