Thinking Ahead – to YOUR Summer Orientation

The beginning of summer generally means lazy days, beach days, vacations to exotic and not so exotic places, and perhaps a summer job?! However, the past few weeks at Bentley University we have been fortunate enough to welcome many students from the class of 2019 to campus for Summer Orientation. This is when the student affairs staff and the Bentley community familiarize the newest additions to our community, and their parents, to the campus (residence halls, academic buildings, etc), the academic opportunities and support systems available and the variety of services now at their fingertips as official members of our community.

What is Summer Orientation? Great question. It’s three days and two nights of workshops, group bonding, class selection, a residence life experience, and the opportunity to explore all of the facilities and services at the university. It’s almost as if we have our own version of summer camp that ends a bit too soon, with the promise of a reunion in just a few short months (also known as the beginning of the fall semester).

Summer orientation is just the beginning, it reminds me of one of the many reasons why I love admissions. All of the hard work each of our new additions did throughout their four years of high school and the time we in the admissions office spent crafting the incoming class comes together for the first time. We get to celebrate our continued traditions here at Bentley. Our sleepy summer campus is vibrant again for six whole days.

Thinking ahead – this could be you. A year from now once you have finished the arduous, but rewarding, task called the college application process, you could be one of the many we welcome to Bentley’s campus for the summer orientation for the class of 2020. Simple enough. My advice to you – when the application process becomes challenging or you become nervous about getting in, just envision yourself at YOUR Summer Orientation because even though the process can be a bit daunting your orientation is right around the corner and you too will be a first year college student.

Taking Advantage of Summer

Summer is the most unique time for us here in Admissions. The frenzy and fun of the application reading season and selection process is behind us, the new class has been selected and is eager to start at the end of August, and the hustle and bustle of another fall travel season awaits us in September. This is the time that we admission folks get to plan fall travel and enjoy the talent of our colleagues. We are always striving to figure out ways to improve upon our successes from the previous year, learn new tools of the trade, take some vacation days, and enjoy the warm weather on campus by taking our lunches to the picnic tables outside. The university campus crew can begin all of the renovation projects that help to enhance learning and brighten the experience for the next school year. Summertime is when we learn about the new and exciting things our friends across campus are coming up with and how we can also take part in the broader community.

Now – I’m sure you’re wondering what this means for those of you who want to visit…and don’t fret, summer is a perfect time for you to come and visit us. In fact, we are excited and awaiting your arrival – it’s one of the highlights during this time of year. With the extended hours of summer days, we are able to offer you insight into our process and give you tips before you begin your common application and essays. During the summer we offer information sessions and tours for students and families Monday through Thursday through mid-August and have self-guided tours available on Fridays! Our student ambassadors will take you on a tour and you can sit in on an information session with an admissions officer to learn more about the unique programs and community that make Bentley University so special. We also offer interviews Monday through Thursday during the summer, which allow us to learn more about you and offer you a more in-depth personal conversation about Bentley. Having visitors like you come to campus definitely makes the summer in the Watch City a more interesting place.

While on campus you should take a picture of yourself, your family, or your tour group using #FalconPix and see what happens. Enjoy your summer and be sure to visit Bentley! We will be here, looking forward to seeing you around campus!