Bryant rises to #16 in U.S. News rankings

August 28th, 2008

USNews

Bryant University earned the #16 spot among Best Universities - Master's (North) in the 2009 edition of "America's Best Colleges" published by U.S. News & World Report. It is the fourth consecutive year that Bryant has been ranked in the top 20. Last year, Bryant was ranked #17.

Highlights of the college rankings will be published in the Sept. 1 issue of the magazine, available on newsstands Aug. 25.

Parents and Family Weekend, Oct 17-19, 2008

July 28th, 2008

Bryant University and the Student Senate welcome parents and families to campus for Parents and Family Weekend 2008, October 17-19. This year's theme is "Bryant's Happy Days." Parents and Family Weekend features events and activities for the entire family to enjoy, including:

A complete schedule and registration information will be sent in the mail. For more information, please contact the Center for Student Involvement at 401-232-6160.

China Summer Internship and Immersion Program, May 28-Aug 3

July 1st, 2008

This summer ten Bryant students are going to study, travel, and take internship in China for more than two months. The main goal of the program is to help students improve their language skills in an immersion environment, obtain work experience in an international business setting, develop a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and history, and cultivate global vision and perspectives in both academics and business. Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive up to 12 academic credits in language, history, international business and international internship. Students will be writing about their experiences throughout the program. Read more on the China Study and Travel weblog

4Mile Program for Multicultural and International Students

July 1st, 2008

4MILE@bryant is a support program for multicultural and international students that connects them to the resources available at Bryant, and helps introduce them to the community. The program is held a few days before the regular move-in day. 4MILE offers academic, personal, social and cultural support throughout the college experience through a network of mentors and advisors. “First-years” take part in team building, leadership skills development and self exploration activities, facilitated by team leaders. Throughout the semester, students are part of a cluster and are mentored by current Bryant students. Students meet with their mentors on a monthly basis and participate in activities throughout the year that strengthen them through the transition. This year's program begins August 25 for international students, and August 26 for domestic students. For more information, visit the Intercultural Center Web site.

Orientation welcomes Class of 2012

June 30th, 2008

Incoming students and their parents get a sneak peak at college life as part of two-day Orientation program.

The journey for Bryant's newest students has begun. In June, the Bryant community welcomed nearly 900 members of the Class of 2012 during four, two-day Orientation sessions. The students and their parents had the opportunity to experience the Bryant community; meet with students, faculty, and staff; and get their questions answered in advance of starting classes this fall. For many of the students, it was the first time they spent a night on campus in the residence halls. During the opening program, the Orientation Leaders (OLs) energized the students by entering the Stepan Grand Hall of the George E. Bello Center for Information Technology like a sports team preparing for a competition. Capturing the program theme "Go for the Gold," Danielle Malatesta ’09 (Bow, NH), the Orientation staff assistant, told the students "college is not a spectator sport."

President Ronald K. Machtley and his wife, Kati, welcome members of the Class of 2012 and their families during Orientation.

President Ronald K. Machtley then welcomed the students and their families and talked about the variety of opportunities students have in and out of the classroom including internships, students clubs, and the Study Abroad Program. "Our commitment is to help you be successful in your life and chosen profession," said Machtley. During each session, students had the chance to meet with academic advisors to create their fall semester schedules, talk with faculty, and learn more about their fellow classmates during team-building activities.

Some of the newest members of Bryant's Honors Program enjoy a luncheon during Orientation.

At lunch on the first day of their program, Chris Nethercote (Norfolk, MA), James Devine (New City, NY) and Ray Haddad (Westwood, MA) said they looked forward to the opportunity of studying abroad. "My time at Bryant will help give me a head start in reaching my life and career goals," said Haddad. One of the most popular programs during Orientation was one titled "Can We Talk?!" Incoming students had the opportunity to talk candidly with the OLs about their own college experiences.

(L-R) Chris Nethercote (Norfolk, MA), James Devine (New City, NY) and Ray Haddad (Westwood, MA) talk about their plans to study abroad one day.

While the students were getting a crash course in college life, their parents had the chance to learn more about Bryant and meet fellow parents. OLs and the Department of Counseling Services led a session for parents titled "Transitions" that talked about the changing relationships that parents will have with their children. In a separate conversation with the parents, J. Thomas Eakin, vice president for student affairs, said that while the students will have a multitude of opportunities to learn and grow outside the classroom, their main responsibility will be to focus on their studies and to leave Bryant will the skills needed to excel in their careers. "Students are here to get an education – and that should be their first priority," said Eakin.

(L-R) Michelle Smith (Burlington, MA), Kim Ciamba (Wilmington, MA) and Nick Robarge (Wilmington, MA) talk during Orientation.

V.K. Unni, vice president for academic affairs, detailed the resources students have including Undergraduate Advising, the Academic Center for Excellence and the Writing Center, and faculty office hours that provide students with the support they need to succeed. "It is really important for us to get to know our students very well," said Unni. Unlike many of the parents on campus, Patty Grabowski was quite familiar with her surroundings. She was on campus in May for her daughter, Amanda’s ’08, graduation. This time, she was back with her daughter, Amelia (Londonderry, NH), who is a member of the Class of 2012.

(L-R) Amelia Grabowski (Londonderry, NH) and Jenny Cheng (Stafford, CT) meet during Orientation.

Amelia and Jenny Cheng (Stafford, CT) who had lunch together, said they were excited to meet so many of their classmates. Robert Dumont, who accompanied his son, Trevor (Rehoboth, MA), said he was impressed with the Orientation program. "I love Bryant so far," he said, at a special luncheon dedicated to new members of the Honors Program and their families. "Everyone made everything so simple."

(Photo on the left) Kate Ross (Lyme CT) with her dad, Greg, and (photo on the right) two of Bryant's newest Honors Program members enjoy a luncheon welcoming them to the program.

"I am looking forward to being challenged in the classroom," said Trevor, who will concentrate in management. Jason Scott (Sacco, ME), a fellow Honors Program member, echoed those sentiments. "The program will push me to apply myself and excel in the classroom," he said. To learn more about Orientation 2008, read stories about Getting involved in campus life, the Healthy YOU at Bryant U initiative, and the Orientation Leaders.