Despite all the planning and preparation that goes into organizing BW summer orientation sessions, nature can still add an unexpected twist to YJ4L fun.
Smoke from Canadian wildfires and a sudden thunderstorm caused a quick change of plans for participants in two orientation sessions. But atmospheric conditions didn't diminish the celebratory joy of hundreds of families who gathered for their first entry into BW student life.
Claudine Grunenwald Kirschner, director of first-year experience, brought optimistic insight into the change of plans by saying, "It proved our ability to pivot in uncontrollable circumstances. The stormy skies put to good use the big stash of golf umbrellas we keep on hand for that exact weather."
Like students, parents and families are a welcome part of orientation. They were invited to attend sessions on academics, financial aid, residence life and housing, and more. One parent expressed the thoughts of many by saying orientation was "like getting a warm hug" from BW.
Every summer, Kirschner and her team of 18 orientation leaders organize activities that are social, educational and practical to help students acclimate to campus life. Over the course of the four orientation days, the team led the incoming class in more than 144 events.
A.J. Urban '27, transition group lead for New Student Experience, said orientation leaders strive to make incoming first-years as ready as possible for their upcoming school year. "I hope they can have at least one question answered that they had walking into the session," he added. "I also hope they can find a friend or something that they have in common with another first-year student."
To help the new Yellow Jackets feel at home, Kirschner said more than 100 faculty, administrators, staff and coaches attended the sessions. The orientation leaders also sent handwritten postcards to each of the students who visited, letting them know how great it was to meet them and how excited everyone is to welcome them to campus in August.
Urban added that this class seems like they'll fit right at home in Berea. "All the first-year students were talkative and willing to interact with the other students within their group," he said. "The class of 2030 has had amazing energy throughout all the sessions, and I think I speak for all the orientation leaders that the energy is so inviting."
BW is still accepting first-year and transfer students for a fall 2026 start. Contact the BW Office of Admission for more information. Incoming students who have not attended Orientation should also contact Admission. Additional orientation sessions will be held in August.
Here's a photo gallery highlighting the energy, connections and memorable first moments as new Yellow Jackets kick off their journey at Baldwin Wallace.
