Incoming students welcomed at Silicon Valley campus
by Meredith Hutcheson. Photos by Scott Chernis for Northeastern University.
Last week, orientation events began on the Silicon Valley campus. With many incoming students relocating from throughout the world and the U.S., the start of each new semester is an opportunity to welcome new arrivals to both Northeastern and the Bay Area.
10 years in Silicon Valley
As Northeastern in Silicon Valley hits its 10th academic year in the region, it also marks its fifth since moving into its sky-high space in downtown San Jose.
“The campus is designed to be a home away from home for our students,” said Seblewongel Ayalew, Associate Director of Operations. “We really encourage them to make the most of the facilities and the amenities. There are indoor and outdoor spaces for eating, studying, and socializing; we have a fitness center, game room, and a beautiful courtyard. And of course ample space for meetings, individual workspace, and collaborative projects.”
Students at the fall student orientation
At the orientation, Regional Dean Caroline Simard welcomed students and introduced the teams that comprise their local touch points outside of the classroom. Presentations from Student Services, Health & Wellness, Global Learner Services, and Career Development helped to outline the ways that Northeastern in Silicon Valley addresses holistic student support.
Regional Dean Caroline Simard
Amongst all the academic and career planning that comes along with beginning a graduate program, students were encouraged to familiarize themselves with the campus wellness resources. Samantha Aldana, Wellness Program Specialist, provides one-on-one consultations with students to help navigate a wide range of issues that can throw up roadblocks to success—in wellness areas as diverse as emotional, spiritual, physical, financial, and more.
Wellness Specialist Samantha Aldana
Building networks for life
Student leaders will also be highly involved in the welcome activities calendar this fall. Campus Student Interest Groups (SIGs) are one of the key places that students build social relationships outside their program cohorts, as well as interdisciplinary professional connections. On September 18, the Student Involvement Fair will help new students find and join groups they’re interested in—or learn about starting their own.
“There is the opportunity for students to start organizations based on shared passions or interests,” says Karen Chang Pryor, Director of Student Services. “Those can be academic things like research projects, or it could be something as simple as, ‘I really love hiking and I want to have other students join with me.’ The student interest group community is really driving a lot of new events and programs, and they add a lot of diversity in terms of types of opportunity to engage on campus.”
Student Services Director Karen Chang Pryor
The Student Ambassador team, a group of student leaders employed by the Student Services division, is also planning a series of social events to help people connect with their new community. With pub nights, info sessions, cultural events, and even speed friending, there will be many chances for students to create ties across programs and class years.
A global community in California
There is also a full schedule of events focused on introducing U.S. culture and systems to students who are arriving from other countries.
Like the population and workforce of Silicon Valley itself, incoming Northeastern students hail from all parts of the world. India and China, which both have thriving expat and diaspora communities in the Bay Area, are the most-represented countries. The full mix includes students from Malaysia, Comoros, Poland, Vietnam, and Ireland, amongst many other nations.
Northeastern’s Global Learner Support (GLS) division, represented locally by GLS Specialist Huayra Hnatko, offers a busy schedule of events throughout the year. In the next few weeks, students will be able to join practical sessions, like an introduction to the U.S. healthcare system; there will also be plenty of fun cultural activities, like country line dancing with CityDance San José.
Current international students also play a key role in welcoming the new cohort through the Global Student Mentors program, which pairs volunteers with incoming students. These connections offer advice and a sounding board based on their own experience as the newer student settles into their program and life in California.
Excitement for the new academic year
With events planned throughout the month, new students will continue to get to know the campus and community. But last week’s sessions were an exciting kickoff and a chance to start building connections with the newest members of the Husky family.
“Our team had a great time meeting all our new students and welcoming them to campus,” said Karen Chang Pryor. “It was awesome seeing the energy of the group and we are excited to hit the ground running this fall term!”
Seblewongel Ayalew hopes the students have taken home the message that the campus team is invested in their success.
“We want to ensure that your time at the Silicon Valley campus is not just about coursework but also about creating lasting memories and forging meaningful connections,” she said in a message to new students. “We’re excited to see you on campus and witness the incredible contributions you’ll make to our community. Your unique perspectives and talents will enrich our campus life, and we can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve during your time here.”
