They’re back! SUNY Morrisville welcomes new, returning students with Mustang energy

As vehicles approached the entrance to Mohawk Hall on the SUNY Morrisville campus, there wasn't a lack of hands reaching out to help.

Members of the Mustangs football team, clad in matching green jerseys, were at the ready to move freshmen into their new residence halls during the college's Welcome Weekend, which started with freshmen move-in Thursday, Aug. 22.

"We are excited to welcome a new class and start another exciting semester preparing students to meet their academic goals and start a new chapter in their lives," said Caleb McGuire, director of admissions.

Volunteers, welcome crews, faculty and staff energetically assisted students, parents and their families, guiding them through the process as the campus prepares for its Fall semester, which started Monday, Aug. 26.

"This was a team effort," said Monica Grau, vice president for student affairs. "Kudos to all who planned move-in and have worked all the aspects of the onboarding of our new students. Welcoming them to campus with excitement and organization provides them with a sense of place and belonging from the get-go."

There was plenty of that spirit throughout the weekend, which also included new student orientation.

Members of the Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) and Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) at SUNY Morrisville were handing out green shirts emblazoned with "SUNY Morrisville Welcome Crew," to volunteers.

"It's an exciting day to welcome new students and that is very important," said Abigail Gracey, a first-year individual studies student and part of the college's ASAP/ACE program. "I want them to feel welcome and to feel the energy of the campus."

The program's spirit has been visible since last spring, when it welcomed a cohort of 27. This fall the number grew to 191.

"With the addition of ASAP with ACE, we are able to expand services and support to many more students this year," said Michael Duignan, director of ASAP/ACE. The new program provides a range of financial, academic and personal support, including intensive academic advisement and career counseling, as well as cost of attendance and textbook awards with a monthly financial stipend.

"Many of these students felt the need to give back, help support move-in, and provide support to new students," Duignan said. "Watching new students only here a few days earlier, paying it forward to new students by helping with directions, putting schedules together and welcoming students on Thursday is a testament to the confidence they are building and the connections they made."

Athletes from the college's football and cross country teams rallied in many ways to assist students and families with navigating the campus grounds for the first time.

Brendon Levac, assistant football coach and 2021 business administration graduate, was leading a group of football players moving new students into Cayuga Hall. Levac fondly remembers his freshman year and leading the Mustangs football team as its quarterback through the 2017-2021 seasons.

"I was on the other side once, too, and this is why we are happy to help," he said of the team or more than 100 assisting with move-in day.

Justin Anderson, an exercise science student from Queens, was among them.

"I am here to help the new freshmen," he said. "I have already carried in five refrigerators and so many mirrors. They give me the heavy stuff," he said joking about his 6'2" stature and size.

Vehicles filled with comforts of home, the usual bedding, microwaves and photos, were emptied quickly thanks to so many volunteers, with additional assistance from the college's University Police, facilities, admissions and campus-wide advising staff.

Mustang Mentors added to the day's efforts. Forty in all, hit the ground running, completing more than 15 hours of in-depth training, and connecting with each of their assigned mentees.

Through a revamped program, Mustang Mentors will be reaching out to their group of mentees on a weekly basis for the first six weeks of the semester to offer tips, set up small group events and to join in at campus events and activities.

"During move-in, our mentors were cheering on our families as they help their students move in - decked out in Morrisville gear, pom-poms, bullhorns and much more," said Isabella Lambert, who heads the group. Many of them wanted to help far beyond their required hours. Their enthusiasm was absolutely infectious."

"I'm also new and I knew this would be a great experience and I can relate," said Kaitlyn Ortlieb, a Mustang Mentor and natural resources conservation student from Michigan.

The Welcome Weekend and new student orientation included a variety of activities for students, including open mic night, games, connections with mentors, music, a mechanical bull, beach volleyball and a sustainability workshop.

Members of this year's class hail from China, Portugal, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, five Canadian provinces and 22 states, including Alaska.