Schedule of Events 2008/2009
About First Year Program
New Student Orientation
Wednesday, August 27 to Sunday, August 31
The events planned for your first few days at Vassar will familiarize you with some important aspects of college life. Some events are intended for all new students, while others address specific needs and interests.
We encourage you to see these events as opportunities to meet new people and learn more about your new home.
Fall Convocation
Wednesday, September 3 at 3:30pm
Chapel
Fall Convocation is the official culmination of the New Student Orientation Program and the official beginning of the academic year. Convocation address by Robert K. Brigham, Professor of History on the Shirley Ecker Boskey Chair of International Relations.
Vassar Devils at the Alumnae House
September 16 and 17 at 5:00pm
Alumnae House
Join student fellows, house fellows and select alumnae/i for a fun dessert night at the college’s Alumnae House. Learn about the unique history and special traditions of the college as you enjoy a Vassar Devil (a tasty brownie, marshmallow, and ice cream concoction). Co-sponsored by the Freshmen Class Council, The Vassar First Year, the Council for Alumnae/i and Student Advancement, and Alumnae/i of Vassar College.
An Afternoon with Elizabeth Kolbert
Thursday, September 25 at 3:00pm
Students’ Building, 2nd Floor
Ms. Kolbert, author of Field Notes from a Catastrophe: Man, Nature, and Climate Change, the common reading for first year students, will hold an open question-and-answer session for the Class of 2012 and friends. Bring your questions about the book or about her.
William Starr Lecture
Thursday, September 25 at 5:30pm
Students’ Building, 2nd Floor
This year’s distinguished William Starr Freshmen Course Lecturer is Elizabeth Kolbert, author of Field Notes from a Catastrophe: Man, Nature, and Climate Change — the common reading for the class of 2012.
Freshmen Parents Weekend
September 27 – 28
“May I Kiss You?”
Wednesday, October 8 at 7:00pm
Students’ Building, 2nd Floor
Laugh ‘til you cry in this revealing look at dating and intimacy. Hosted by special guest Mike Domitrz, public speaker and author of the book May I Kiss You?
Art as Activism
Tuesday, January 20 at 7:00pm
Students’ Building, 2nd Floor
An annual First Year event where performance artists take the stage and present their creative works, Art as Activism is an engaging and inspiring event anticipated by the entire Vassar Community. Performance artists to be announced.
Elements of Leadership
February 9 and 10 at 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Villard Room
Presenters from Residential Life, Campus Activities, Campus Life, and the Vassar Student Association will review resources for student leaders, expectations of student leaders, and the typical responsibilities involved in leading an organization or project on campus. Students thinking about assuming or running for a leadership position next year should attend this workshop.
The Freshmen 15
Wednesday, April 29 following Spring Convocation at 7:00pm
Students’ Building, 2nd Floor
A gathering for and by first year students, featuring fifteen three-minute reflections on the achievements and challenges of the freshmen year.
Celebrate your experiences through song, dance, performance art, video, and other works of art. Sponsored by the Freshmen Class Council and The Vassar First Year.