"Jack-tivities" Help New Students Break the Ice

Penn State Wilkes-Barre recently held its annual orientation program for first-year and transfer students.  On Thursday, August 19, a group of more than 30 current students and recent alumni served as Orientation Leaders and spent time getting to know the newest members of the Penn State family through "Jack-tivities."

Jack Chambers of Creative Educational Concepts led the Orientation Leaders and new students through a series of games and activities designed to stimulate conversation, build relationships, and welcome them to Penn State.

During one "Jack-tivity" students were given the task of physically supporting each other, while having only half of their total number of feet on the floor.  Chambers explained that the exercise was more than a physical challenge, but also a metaphor, that the people around them would become their family, the people who will support them and whom they will also support.

Orientation continued on Friday, August 20 with convocation and introduction of faculty and staff.  New students were shown around campus, participated in various discussions and workshops, me with faculty from their respective academic colleges, and enjoyed a campus-wide luncheon.

Penn State Wilkes-Barre provides the benefits of a world-renowned university in a smaller, more intimate setting.  Dedicated staff and teachers have helped students of all ages since the campus' inception in 1916 and continue to provide excellent education and support.  Penn State Wilkes-Barre boasts eight Bachelor's degrees and six Associate's degrees available from the campus and the ability to start one of over 160 degrees at Penn State Wilkes-Barre and continue at another campus.

For more information, contact Melissa Gunshannon, Penn State Wilkes-Barre Public Information Coordinator at 570-675-9269 or [email protected].

2010 Orientation Leaders
A group of 32 Penn State Wilkes-Barre students dedicated their time to help new incoming students feel welcome and comfortable on campus.  The 2010 Orientation Leaders were:
Row 1: Fenil Patel; Parker Nevenglosky; Frank Peters; Jessica Wrieden; Cait Akins; Marika Merritt; Alex Seasock; Brian Bunney; Eric Oshinski; Abby Bachman
Row 2: Brittany Clark; Jen Naro; Albert Levanavage; Shannon Brace; Stacy De La Cruz; Andy Olshefski; Courtney Senghaas; Bradley Calaman; Precious Hills; Amy Parry; Mistie Charney
Row 3: Shelby Murren; Robert Venesky; Kate Lewis; Kelly Mahoney; Brieana Mitchell; Corey Timek; Mike Calore; Colin Piatt; Josh Ghrist; Larry Ofcharski; Chris McMullion