October 3, 2007

More than 300 first-year students arrived on the La Sierra University campus to begin the 2007-2008 academic year. Their first order of business: to participate in an innovative new orientation program known as “IGNITE.”

While freshmen orientation sessions are pretty much standard on college and university campuses across North America, La Sierra’s Division of Student Life developed this new approach to introducing first-year students to campus as part of a year-long mentoring process. Student leaders, faculty and staff members partnered in the four-day session, which is designed to help new students at the university have a successful academic career.

Activities included guest speakers on relevant college topics, workshops on how to have a successful academic year, outdoor team challenges, and so much more. The large group of first-year students were also divided into smaller units called Family Groups, where 10-12 first-year students developed closer bonds and interacted with current La Sierra University students who served as group leaders. In all more than 400 students were involved in the program.

“Theme for this year’s IGNITE program was ‘Connect 4,’ ” says Yami Bazan, vice president for Student Life at La Sierra University. “Our programming focused on four themes—God, Learning, Classmates, and Community.” The sessions concluded with a special University Worship program, where Sam Leonor, campus pastor, challenged the new class to be a contributor to the La Sierra University community.

Students gave good feedback to the program, with comments coming back to the student life office including:

“Loved It.”
“Wonderful experience.”
“Loved community bonding.”
“Loved the worships.”
“I really left welcomed and excited for school to start.”

Click here to view a gallery of over 70 photos of the class of 2011>>

PR Contact: Larry Becker
Executive Director of University Relations
La Sierra University
Riverside, California
951.785.2460 (voice)