Event let students meet new advisers

Advisers told current freshmen yesterday “It’s not me, it’s you” – and introduced them to new academic advisers who could help guide them in the next phase of their college careers.

“What we’re doing is symbolic of a breakup,” academic adviser Steven Antalvari said. “I don’t know what you need, but someone does.”

The Student Advising Center hosted an event called “First Year Hand Off” on the first floor of Eastway in the common room yesterday. All first-year students had the opportunity to meet their advisers, play games, win prizes and meet faculty and students.

“It is intended for first-year students who have been serviced by the Student Advising Center to introduce them to their new college advising staff,” Antalvari said.

All colleges had tables with advisers present to give students information about majors. It allowed them to interact with new staff members and students from the college while they got any questions answered.

“We’re excited about it; it’s the end of the year,” academic adviser Trinidy Jeter said. “We want to congratulate them on showing commitment to education and connect them with a certain person or group of people.”

Eastway co-sponsored the event, providing a dessert bar with the theme of “sweets for my sweetheart.” Eastway, which is home to only freshmen, also threw “The Big Freakin’ Party” event earlier in the year, and this is considered part two.

“The first step was to congratulate that you did it, and the second part was to solidify it,” said Autumn Piller, marketing manager for Kent State Dining Services.

The first 500 people at the event received free T-shirts with the “It’s not me, it’s you” saying. The event included games in Eastway and a raffle with prizes from Guy’s Pizza, Subway, the University Bookstore, Burger King, Porthouse Theatre and the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.

“I didn’t think it would be this fancy,” said Elizabeth Brenda, freshman speech pathology major. “It’s kind of a big deal.”

Students got to know each other and advisers better by asking questions for the bingo game. They won school supplies, stress balls and other little things students need.

“The human bingo is cool,” said Kyle Gossett, freshman international relations major. “It’s a lot more hoppin’ than I thought it would be.”

Crowds of students came and went depending on their lunch and class schedules.

“It takes time for any new event to heat up. They’re missing out to meet everyone,” academic adviser Melissa Fenn said. “If you have questions, you can just walk in and get them answered.”

Fenn said she hopes the “First Year Hand Off” becomes an annual event at the university.

“It’s the icing on the cake,” Antalvari said. “It’s their chance to celebrate the ending of their first year and the beginning of their second.”

Contact undergraduate and

graduate offices reporter Kati Campbell at [email protected].