Division of Student Affairs Newsletter

Monday, August 4, 2025

Dear Faculty & Staff,

August is here, which means, in just a few weeks the campus will be once again buzzing with students.

As we prepare for the arrival of our new and returning students, we’re reminded that Move-In and Welcome Week represent far more than logistical coordination, they mark the beginning of transformative journeys and the continuation of academic dreams. These crucial first days set the tone for our students’ entire Brockport experience, making each interaction, smile, and helping hand profoundly meaningful.

The Brockport spirit that defines our campus community doesn’t happen by chance. It’s cultivated through the collective efforts of every faculty and staff member who understands that we all play a vital role in creating an environment where students feel valued, supported, and genuinely excited to be here. Whether you’re directly involved in move-in operations, volunteering for Saturday of Service, or simply offering a friendly greeting as you encounter new faces around campus, your contribution matters.

We need everyone’s help to ensure that every student, from our eager first-years to our returning upperclassmen, feels the warmth and belonging that makes Brockport special. Together, we can make this Welcome Week an unforgettable introduction to the community they’ll call home for the next chapter of their lives.

To help with our preparation, here are some helpful reminders, resources, and opportunities to help onboard our students.

Move-In Overview

This year’s move-in process has been carefully planned to ensure a smooth transition for all students.

Move-In Schedule

• Emerging Scholars Day
  Sunday, August 17 | 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
• LLC & Honors Students
  Thursday, August 21 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• First-Year & Transfer Students
  Friday, August 22 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Returning Students
  Saturday, August 23 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Move-In Volunteer Training Session
Wednesday, August 20 | Seymour Student Union, Room 119 | Noon - 1 p.m. 

This training session will prepare all volunteers assisting with Fall 2025 move-in. Attendees will learn key expectations, review move-in day logistics, and receive guidance on supporting new students and families during arrival and check-in. Lunch is provded. For questions about the training, contact, Hunter Lincoln.

Faculty and staff interested in volunteering with move-in should contact Beth Gregory.

For more information about move-in, visit: https://www.brockport.edu/life/welcome-week/move-in/

Saturday of Service

Saturday, August 23 | Various Locations | 1 - 4 p.m 

Join SUNY Brockport’s beloved Saturday of Service tradition on August 23. This meaningful community engagement opportunity introduces all incoming students to their new community through hands-on service projects, fostering lasting civic engagement that extends throughout their Brockport experience and beyond.

Team Leader Volunteer Opportunity

The Office of Student Union Leadership and Activities (SULA) seeks faculty and staff to serve as Saturday of Service Team Leaders—an excellent way to connect with incoming students during their first community engagement experience.  Faculty/staff/current students: if interested in serving as a Team Leader for Saturday of Service, please fill out this form.

Team Leader Role:

• Guide student cohorts to designated service sites
• Coordinate with site supervisors
• Facilitate reflection discussions connecting service to learning
• Support students in building community connections

Training and support materials provided.

For questions about Saturday of Service, contact Melissa Szurgyi

Ask Ellsworth: Welcome Week Events & Information

Students can find comprehensive information about all Welcome Week activities by visiting brockport.edu/life/welcome-week/schedule/ or they can “Ask Ellsworth” for guidance on campus resources. Students will receive a text message from Ellsworth about welcome week festivities. From there they will be able to communicate with Ellsworth 24/7. If a student is not getting Ellsworths text, they will need to update their cell phone numner in Banner.  

Welcome Week will feature engaging activities designed to help students connect, learn, and feel at home at Brockport. Highlights include the Golden Eagle Orientation Express, Class of 2029 B-Photo, evening social events like Movie Under the Stars and Glow Night, an Academic Kickoff which includes Convocation - a display of Brockport pride and celebration of the beginning of the students’ academic journeys.   

This schedule ensures students have easy access to all Welcome Week information, helping them make the most of their introduction to the Brockport community.

First 6-Week Funding 

The first six weeks of college represent a pivotal transition for new students. Research by Levitz and Noel (1989) highlights this timeframe as the most critical for freshmen, with early experiences significantly influencing their future engagement and academic aspirations (Pascarella & Terenzini, 1992). Recognizing this, we aim to offer intentional programming that helps students acclimate to college life and fosters a strong sense of community.

To request funding for first 6-weeks programming, please complete the form at the following link: https://forms.brockport.edu/view.php?id=9034539. Requests will be reviewed, and decisions communicated within five business days.

If your request is approved, additional guidance will be provided. In the meantime, please note:

• Organizers may purchase approved items and request reimbursement.
• Alternatively, invoices may be submitted for direct payment to vendors.
• Attendance tracking is required for all funded events as part of the reimbursement process and can be done using the event check in system. Review instructions here.
• Tag events as when creating reservations for space and/or creating advertising/

For questions, please contact Karen Podsiadly