Shorter classes usher in fall

By Kristen Parrish

Changes in this year's welcome weekend activities and extension through Monday brought mostly positive reviews from students and staff.

In addition to giving students a chance to move in, welcome weekend activities this year included RLC meetings, a "New Beginnings" presentation from University President Paul Locatelli, S.J., and a closing mass and reception on Sunday. Classes were shortened on Monday, with a barbecue on Bellomy Field, a university Convocation in the afternoon and a concert at night featuring alternative band Slightly Stoopid.

"The weekend truly was a celebration of Santa Clara University," said AS President James LaCamp.

The goal of the welcome weekend activities were to "reflect the core dimensions of a Santa Clara education," said Center for Student Leadership Assistant Director Timothy Haskell.

"I think the events of the weekend from the Mass of the Holy Spirit, university convocation and the concert all achieved that in some way," he said.

Freshman Virginia Kerrigan had a positive welcome weekend experience, and especially enjoyed her RLC events.

"The RLC meetings were really fun and laid back," she said. "Everyone was really helpful and willing to answer questions."

While Kerrigan was impressed with the RLC meetings, she and fellow freshman Sarah Merry agreed that some things were repetitive, such as the alcohol meetings. Both said that there were so many discussions about alcohol that it was overwhelming.

Kerrigan and Merry also regretted not having more opportunities to meet people outside their own RLCs.

"I wish there was a chance to meet up with other freshmen," said Kerrigan. "It seemed to be a little segregated into RLC groups."

While the Monday evening concert was free for admission, students were required to attend the university Convocation ceremony in order to get tickets, something many students believed to be unnecessary.

"I went only so I could get a ticket and it felt like a waste of time," said senior Courtney Branich. "I think the concert should be open to everyone regardless of whether or not they went to the convocation because some people are still getting settled into the new year and have a lot of things on their plate."

"I think it's a good idea to get students involved but I had previous engagements during the day so I couldn't get a ticket -- I think there needs to be a better method so that everyone could go see the concert," said senior Jenna Smith.

Still, organizers were happy with how the weekend played out.

"The community really came together to celebrate past accomplishments, share stories, and become ready for the new year," said LaCamp. "Perhaps most importantly, we welcomed the new students into the community."

Organizers were also pleased by the energy of the freshmen, the largest incoming class in Santa Clara history.

"There is a dynamic mix of religious, racial and socioeconomic diversity -- the class as a whole is energetic and eager to be a part of the university," said Haskell.

Contact Kristen Parrish at (408) 554-4546 or at knparrish@scu.edu