Student Success at Scranton is a Piece of C.A.K.E.

Summer orientation sessions for students, parents and guardians of The University of Scranton’s class of 2027 began June 20 with a health serving C.A.K.E. – not the dessert – but rather an acronym for advice on the keys to student success at Scranton.

Lauren Rivera, J.D., M.Ed., vice president for student life and dean of students at the University, offered incoming students and their parents and guardians a “road map” to a successful transition to college and an enriching education at Scranton. In her presentation, she used imaginative imagery and acronyms to help convey her important message.

Dean Rivera told parents their importance in their college-aged children’s lives hasn’t changed, but their role is now transitioning. She used a tandem bicycle to illustrate this point. Prior to college, parents were in the driver’s seat. In college, their children will now take over the position as driver, steering their way to a transformative education. Parents are still on the bike, only in a different position. She encouraged parents to consider how they will adapt to their new role as they continue to support and encourage their child’s success.

In addition to highlighting some of the Jesuit characteristics of a Scranton education, and discussing the multifaceted social, psychological and academic components of the college transition, Dean Rivera also offered C.A.K.E. as the key to student success at Scranton: connections; advocating and agency; knowing expectations; and engagement. She discussed each in more detail during her presentation on June 20 for the first orientation group, and will do the same for orientation groups on June 22, 26 and 29.

Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, who is also the parent of a member of Scranton’s class of 2027, welcomed the participants at the first orientation session.

Scranton’s summer orientation is designed to introduce new students and their families to the University’s procedures, facilities and support services, and to provide them with the opportunity to meet with faculty, administrators and staff, as well as each other.

This year’s student orientation team leaders are Julie Ciccarino ’24 from Scotch Plains, New Jersey, a forensic chemistry major; Mia Familetti ’25 from Dalton, a English, advertising and philosophy triple major and participant in the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program; and Alex Shomali ’25, Ellicott City, Maryland, mathematical sciences and philosophy double major and participant in the University’s Undergraduate Honors Program and its Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, who is also a recipient of the University’s s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship. They are joining with University administrators, staff, faculty and nearly 60 student orientation assistants to help acquaint members of the incoming class to Scranton.

Sessions for students include information about academic life, the successful transition to college, Scranton’s inclusive community, campus life and mission and ministry, as well as smaller sessions for students to get to know each. Sessions for parents include information about academics, financial aid services, career development, mission and ministry, campus life and strategies for success.

Follow Scranton’s Facebook, Instagram and other social media channels for additional information and photos from the Orientation sessions.

Fall welcome weekend for incoming students is set for Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 26 and 27. Classes for the University’s fall semester will begin on campus on Monday, Aug. 28.