Johnson C Smith University Orientation Acclimates Students To The JCSU Experience
In a vibrant start to the academic year, the 2024 Golden Bull Academy New Student Orientation unfolded on Friday, January 5th, within the confines of Johnson C. Smith University’s Mary Joyce Taylor Crisp Student Union – Grimes Lounge. Hosted by the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, the event welcomed nearly 30 new and transfer students along with their families, setting the stage for a day filled with enthusiasm and a strong infusion of Golden Bull Pride.
Dr. Davida Haywood, the Senior Vice President of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management, articulated the mission of the orientation: “Our goal is to get students and, by extension, their parents and caretakers acclimated to the JCSU experience. We use the day to aid in students’ transition to campus – freshmen and transfer students. In the afternoon, we teach them about responsibility. The onus is on them.” Dr. Haywood underscored the role of technology in this process, highlighting the One Guidebook App as a digital tool providing students with essential resources, including a campus map, tuition payment options, and more.
During the Golden Bull Academy orientation, students delved into the intricacies of managing adult decisions over the next four years, encompassing financial matters and the nuances of financing their education at JCSU. Representatives from Health & Wellness and the Atrium Health JCSU Health Center shared valuable insights on maintaining both physical and mental well-being while juggling academic responsibilities. Terry McPherson, Director of Housing and Residence Life, offered a poignant reminder, stating, “If you don’t manage your time wisely, some of you will have a difficult time.” However, he also acknowledged that JCSU is a place where lifelong relationships are forged.
Amid their journey at Johnson C. Smith, students will navigate new relationships and a myriad of experiences, spanning academic to extracurricular pursuits. Concerns from parents and caretakers about ensuring the safety of their students in these endeavors were addressed during Golden Bull Academy. Campus Police provided crucial information on how students can stay safe, offering daily assistance 24/7, covering everything from parking issues to criminal investigations, emphasizing safety within the dorms and across the sprawling one-hundred-acre campus.
The Golden Bull Academy proved to be a fully immersive experience, where students not only set their schedules and explored the campus but also, for some, moved into the dorms, establishing a new home adorned in the hues of gold and blue.