New initiatives pave the way for Saints success

Marymount has undergone significant transformations to enhance student success and growth, setting the stage for a revitalized experience in the new academic year.

Student Academic Hub and MU 101: The Marymount Experience

The Student Academic Hub is introducing MU 101: The Marymount Experience, a new one-credit course for all incoming first-year students. Led by a diverse group of Marymount staff from offices such as Advising, Athletics, Learning Services and Student Engagement, MU 101 is designed to help students smoothly transition to campus life and build lasting connections.

MU 101 will be divided into 18 sections, with 25 students in each section. The course covers key topics such as campus resources, financial literacy and time management to ensure students are fully supported throughout their first year.

"We see MU 101 as a foundational element and catalyst in preparing our students for sustained success here," emphasized Richard Hess, Associate Vice President for Business Intelligence.

The course will meet every Friday afternoon for the first 10 weeks of the semester.

Career Development and Experiential Learning

Marymount's Center for Career Development and Community Engagementis dedicated to helping students build a successful career path - from refining interview skills and polishing resumes to landing a job after graduation. On September 19 from 10 am-2 pm, Marymount and the NOVA Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce will host the National Diversity Career Expoat the Ballston Center. Attendees can connect with recruiters from various industries and attend seminars led by experts. The expo aims to match diverse job seekers with opportunities in private companies, nonprofits and government agencies.

In addition to the Career Expo, the Center has organized Career and Community Engagement Week: Pathways to Possibilities from September 16-20. This weeklong event will feature workshops, a career summit and networking opportunities, all aimed at equipping students, alumni and community members with the skills and connections needed to thrive in their careers and beyond.

"Our overall goal is to empower students and alumni not only in their career pursuits but also in their efforts to drive positive social change within the community," shared Dr. Brianna C.J. Clark-Williams, Director of the Center for Career Development and Community Engagement.

Student Engagement

Marymount's Welcome Weekincluded various events to help new students adjust to campus life, make connections and explore available campus resources. These include Night Mini Golf, Karaoke, dorm mixers, Grocery Bingo and the much-anticipated Labor Day Barbeque. One student favorite, the annual Battle of the Halls event, is slated for early September and will feature fun games and challenges to build camaraderie.

The Office of Student Engagement is also launching a professional development pilot program this September to expand educational opportunities for student club leaders and equip them with essential skills. Each week will focus on key topics such as brand identity, event planning, risk management and more.

"We're optimistic this series will offer professional development opportunities while also helping them host stronger club events and grow their membership," said Stephen Esposito, Director of Student Engagement.

Health and Wellness

Marymount's Office of Health and Wellness is preparing for its annual Wellness Day on September 25, which will consist of several events with free prizes, food and fun activities related to wellness. Highlights include watercolor painting, a free Taekwondo class, trivia, a doggie de-stress activity, an ice cream social and more.

Wellness Day will also spotlight important themes and facts about sexual and mental health, with collaborations from The National Alliance on Mental IllnessandDoorways.

"I am hoping participants have a fun and engaging experience, and walk away with pertinent information and support regarding their health and well-being," said Nishan Oliver, Assistant Director of Community Health.

Pep Band and Chamber Singers

Dr. Juan Megna has been hired to lead the new Marymount Pep Band as its inaugural director. Specializing in Latin-American music, he has recorded with numerous U.S. and international artists and has a repertoire of original tunes blended with jazz, Argentinian and Afro-Brazilian rhythms. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Percussion with an emphasis in Jazz Performance from George Mason University.

"I aim to broaden their musical horizons beyond traditional pep band repertoire," Megna explained. "This approach not only enhances their technical skills but also deepens their appreciation for global musical traditions, making their experience both educational and enjoyable."

Meanwhile, Marymount's Chamber Singers have been active this summer with a notable performance at the National Archives on July 4. During the upcoming academic year, they are slated to perform at Marymount's annual Christmas Tree Lighting in December and the opening Mass of the American Catholic College and University Symposium in February 2025, which brings members of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universitiestogether to discuss key issues in Catholic higher education.

Both the Chamber Singers and Pep Band are offered for academic credit. For students who have completed the full 18-credit course load, they can be added for no additional cost. Interested participants can contact Dr. Kimberly Hessfor more information.

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