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Fun, food and reflection start Class of 2027 on Furman pathway
Furman students dance together at the Fall Orientation Carnival in August 2023.
Over the summer, more than 600 members of the Class of 2027 got to know campus life during the Summer Orientation sessions. As the new academic year began, their acclimation continued during Fall Orientation.
“Fall Orientation welcomes our new students to campus, helps them begin to navigate the campus and learn their way around, and begins to build community and belonging as they settle into their new home,” said Jessica Berkey-Barnes, associate dean of student involvement and engagement.
Nearly 70 upperclass students served as group leaders during orientation, starting Aug. 17 with move-in day at the residence halls. Events like a Campus and Community Connections Fair, meetings with academic advisors, special educational sessions and class tours “encourage students to think about what it means to be part of the Furman community and their goals for their first semester,” Berkey-Barnes said.
After a welcome to Furman during the Opening Convocation ceremony on Aug. 21 and lunch on the Furman Mall, students headed to their first Pathways class meetings to further familiarize themselves with The Furman Advantage, an educational framework that provides every student an individualized educational pathway and opportunities for high-impact learning experiences.
“And, of course,” Berkey-Barnes added, “we try to have a little fun.”
The Fall Orientation schedule included s’mores, shaved ice, cornhole games, the Furman Fan Fest and a Paladin Pep Rally, dancing and an Orientation Carnival in the evening before the first day of class dawned on Aug. 22.
“We had so much fun getting to know the Class of 2027 and our new transfer students,” said Berkey-Barnes. “They are eager to make their mark at Furman.”
Gallery: Fall Orientation 2023
Fall Orientation 2023
The Furman orientation staff helps first-year students move into South Housing in August 2023.
Fall Orientation 2023
Furman football players help incoming first-year students move into South Housing during Fall Orientation in August 2023.
Fall Orientation 2023
Nancy Cooper (left), coordinator for volunteer services, talks with Bridget Kelter ’27 at the Campus and Community Connections Fair during Fall Orientation in August 2023.
Fall Orientation 2023
Members of the Class of 2027 (from left) Jingchun Zhang, Mizuki Sanui and Allen Zhang spin a prize wheel at the Campus and Community Connections Fair during Fall Orientation in August 2023.
Fall Orientation 2023
From left: Ikeeya Tucker, Tyrone Tucker, Jinnah Pabon-Tucker ’27 and Holly Mason at the Campus and Community Connections Fair during Fall Orientation in August 2023.
Fall Orientation 2023
A Fall Orientation event in the Hill Courtyard at the Trone Student Center in August 2023 included shaved ice.
Fall Orientation 2023
Students roast marshmallows for s’mores in the Hill Courtyard at the Trone Student Center during Fall Orientation in August 2023.
Fall Orientation 2023
First-year students compete in a trivia game show during Dins After Dark at the Trone Student Center, part of the Fall Orientation activities in August 2023.
Fall Orientation 2023
Michael Diaz ’26 (left) gives pointers to Kristen Gainey ’27 during Dins After Dark in the Trone Student Center, part of the Fall Orientation activities in August 2023.
Fall Orientation 2023
First-year students made crafts during Dins After Dark in the Trone Student Center, part of the Fall Orientation activities in August 2023.
Fall Orientation 2023
A DJ provides dance music for Dins After Dark at the Trone Student Center, part of the Fall Orientation activities in August 2023.
Fall Orientation 2023
Orientation staff member Paisley Gerasimovich ’26 (center) dances with first-year students and other orientation staff during Dins After Dark on the Trone Student Center patio, part of the Fall Orientation activities in August 2023.
Fall Orientation 2023
Furman students play volleyball during REC Fest at the Lay Physical Activities Center during Fall Orientation in August 2023.
Fall Orientation 2023
Lucas White ’27 spots weightlifter Lane Lytle ’27 during REC Fest at the Lay Physical Activities Center during Fall Orientation in August 2023.
Fall Orientation 2023
Furman students play basketball during REC Fest at the Lay Physical Activities Center during Fall Orientation in August 2023.
Fall Orientation 2023
Furman students play cornhole during REC Fest at the Lay Physical Activities Center during Fall Orientation in August 2023.
Fall Orientation 2023
Furman University President Elizabeth Davis (front right) joins students and staff in a sway during the Paladin Pep Rally at Timmons Arena, part of the Fall Orientation activities in August 2023.
Fall Orientation 2023
Students cheer during a T-shirt toss at the Paladin Pep Rally in Timmons Arena, part of the Fall Orientation activities in August 2023.
Fall Orientation 2023
First-year Furman students gather in Paladin Stadium before walking down Furman Mall toward McAlister Auditorium for the Opening Convocation ceremony in August 2023.
Fall Orientation 2023
First-year Furman students walk down Furman Mall to McAlister Auditorium for the Opening Convocation ceremony in August 2023.
Fall Orientation 2023
First-year Furman students walk down Furman Mall to McAlister Auditorium for the Opening Convocation ceremony in August 2023.
Fall Orientation 2023
Furman first-year students stand during the Opening Convocation ceremony at McAlister Auditorium in August 2023.
Fall Orientation 2023
First-year students fill their plates during Lunch on the Lawn after the Fall 2023 Opening Convocation.
Fall Orientation 2023
Furman students dance together at the Orientation Carnival on Monday evening, August 21, 2023.
Fall Orientation 2023
Furman students ride on a mechanical swing at the Orientation Carnival in August 2023.
Fall Orientation 2023
Students pose for a caricaturist during the Orientation Carnival in August 2023.
Fall Orientation 2023
Furman students ride on a Ferris wheel as the moon rises at the Orientation Carnival in August 2023.