Welcome Week Kicks Off at Hartwick College
Hartwick College continues its semester kick-off traditions while maintaining safe distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The College’s annual welcome week is underway in a modified format to ensure faculty, staff and student safety. “Wick Week” — when new and returning students come to campus to start the fall semester — offers many of the hallmark events of years past.
New students began the check-in process on Wednesday, as they moved into residence halls at assigned times after undergoing strict check-in procedures. They attended activities and events, all designed to acclimate them to the college environment. Returning students began moving in Saturday, August 22.
Tomorrow, Opening Convocation marks the beginning of the new academic experience. Typically, a ceremony that includes a procession of new students, faculty, staff, and administrators in full academic regalia. This year’s edition will be virtual. Pre-recorded presentations and remarks by President Margaret L. Drugovich, faculty and staff will be aired at 7 p.m. through the College’s webpage.
Another key tradition continues this year, when each of the newest Hawks sign the College’s Matriculation Book with President Drugovich. An annual College ritual signifying each student’s place in, and commitment to, the Hartwick community and its values, each student will sign alone, instead of with a cohort.
In a twist on a new tradition, this year’s Founders’ Way First Walk will not be held in person, but first-year students are encouraged to sign the banner, which will instead be used at events during their senior year (2024).
Social highlights of “Wick Week” include:
- “5 Tents/1 Event” – Wednesday through Friday, 1 – 4 p.m., Founder’s Way. Representatives of a variety of Hartwick offices and student groups will introducing themselves to students under five tents along the main walkway;
- Residential Life and Resident Hall Student Organization-sponsored Pop Ups – Wednesday, 6 – 9 p.m. Ice cream, crafts and more at dorm clusters across campus;
- Photo Scavenger Hunt – Founders’ Way and across campus – Starts Thursday, 1 – 4 p.m., runs throughout the weekend. Sponsored by Student Engagement;
- Outdoor Movie – Friday, 8 p.m. on Frisbee Field. Presented by the All Greek Council;
- Diversity Sessions – Saturday, 9 – 10 a.m. and 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., conducted via Zoom. Two alumni will lead discussions on topics including diversity, equality, and privilege;
- Big Prize Bingo – Saturday, 6 and 8 p.m., Frisbee Field. Presented by Hartwick College Activities Board;
- MTV Music Video Awards Viewing Party – Sunday, 8 p.m., Stack Lounge, Dewar Hall. Sponsored by multiple Hartwick organizations.
The full schedule of events can be found here.
The College’s incoming class boasts an academically accomplished and diverse group of nearly 445 first-year and transfer students:
- 92 are members of the National Honor Society;
- 269 participated in varsity athletics, 56 were captains;
- 6 were editors of their school yearbook; 5 edited their school newspaper;
- 5 had a lead role in or directed a drama production;
- 194 participated in youth leadership opportunities or community service;
- Many are world travelers, having been to or had foreign exchange experiences in Germany, Mexico, Ukraine, Japan, United Kingdom, Ecuador, Italy, France, Paraguay and Costa Rica;
- 1 ran a marathon; 1 is a volunteer firefighter; 1 is a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo; and 1 danced in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
“Talented high school seniors and transfers continue to find Hartwick attractive due to our unique focus of melding a traditional liberal arts curriculum with experiential learning opportunities,” said Director of Admissions Lisa Starkey-Wood. “Our students recognize that when they finish their studies here, they will be prepared well to meet any challenge as they pursue their career goals.
“We always look forward to welcoming the new class, and we are excited to see where their Hartwick journey takes them.”