From Thursday to Sunday, August 19’22, The New School buzzed with activity and excitement as freshmen and other new students arrived on campus. More than 1,000 freshmen and about 2,000 parents and family members attended Welcome Weekend, which featured information sessions, campus walking tours, and the opportunity for students to take care of last-minute business before the start of classes. New School Student Services’ Office of Student Development and Activities organized Welcome Weekend’s events.

The weekend also included activities that introduced freshmen to their orientation leaders and classmates, and the larger New School community. In addition to exploring New York City, students participated in university events such as the Jazz Coffeehouse, a scavenger hunt, and an ice cream social. Welcome Weekend culminated with the annual Sunday evening boat cruise around lower Manhattan. Freshmen students listened to music, danced, and won raffle prizes as they took in breathtaking views of the city’s skyline.

Monday, August 23, marked the beginning of the weeklong New Student Orientation program for both undergraduate and graduate students. The orientation focused on registration and offered important information about university resources including the libraries, academic technology, and the Writing Center. Evening social events and workshops covering topics such as sustainable dining on and off campus, green living, and volunteering in New York City provided students the opportunity to mingle while they received tips on how to enrich their experiences at The New School.

Opening-of-school activities concluded with the 14th annual Welcome Back Block Party, which immediately followed Convocation on Thursday, September 2. The block party is one of the largest and most popular university events; more than 2,000 students, faculty, staff members, and 12th Street neighbors attended this year. Guests enjoyed delicious food and visited information tables with representatives from more than 20 student organizations, university initiatives, and volunteer organizations. Highlights of the block party included henna tattoos, caricatures, photo booth pictures, table tennis and foosball, and live music performed by New School Jazz students.

Shannon Logan, director of the Office of Student Development, says, Students, along with faculty and staff, are the pulse of this diverse university. This time of year is a wonderful opportunity for new beginnings, so get involved and stay involved!,