Bryn Mawr’s newest tradition, Welcome the First Years, will be held on campus from February 17-20, 2016.
Traditions Mistresses and the Traditions Committee are now sharing details of the new tradition with students via a series of dorm-specific meetings. The goal of Welcome the First Years Week is “to welcome all new members of the College and to reaffirm the community’s commitment to unity and inclusiveness,” wrote the Traditions Mistresses. “It is about showing first year students that they are free to be themselves in our community.”
The new tradition features both individualized activities and group events, including:
Wednesday
- Cloisters Sing, where students enjoy hot chocolate and sing songs not typically heard at Step Sings
Thursday
- Dorm Dress-up Day, in which students wear costumes based on dorm themes
- Thomas Performances, where new students perform rehearsed dances and skits
- Athena Awards, which celebrate the unique qualities of each Bryn Mawr student
Friday
- Staycation in Thomas Great Hall, where new students relax and bond with upper-class students
- Goodhart Performances, where groups of new students perform rehearsed pieces
- Bedtime Stories, in which seniors read their favorite stories to new students
Saturday
- A celebratory brunch, in which all students gather as a community
President Cassidy praised the student Traditions Mistresses and Traditions Committee that designed Welcome the First Years in a message sent to all students.
“This new tradition makes visible the sustaining support that students give to one another,” said Cassidy.
Students are encouraged to direct any questions about the new tradition to the Traditions Committee. Alumnae/i who want to participate in welcoming new students can sign up for club events by contacting Nancy Schmucker ’98 at nschmucker@brynmawr.edu.